7 Ways to Repair Windows 11 and Fix Corrupted Files

If you have recently upgraded to Windows 11, you must be happy experiencing the all-new sleeker interface, it’s steady functioning, durability and also the fact the OS focuses on security. However, just like the other OS versions, Windows 11 is not flawless either. The new OS is equally prone to problems like the others, for example, crashes, slow loading, does not boot up normally, This PC can’t run Windows 11 issue or sometimes the black screen of death.

This can lead to corrupted files or can end up affecting the registry files causing further complications. While this can be annoying, this is pretty common with a new OS. Here’s a list of 7 ways to repair Windows 11 and any corrupted files.

 

*Note – Before you proceed with the repair solutions, make sure that you create a backup of all your important data because Windows 11 repair may lead to data loss. For this, follow the below instructions (If your computer does not turn on and you need access to the BIOS):

Step 1: Create a Windows 11 installation media using a USB drive.

Step 2: Once done, connect the bootable media to your PC and as you enter the BIOS settings (restart your PC and press F2 or the related key based on your PC manufacturer to boot into BIOS).

Step 3: Next, set the boot option to Removable devices or CD-ROM drive in the BIOS and hit F10 on your keyboard to save the changes and exit.

Step 4: While you boot your PC using the USB drive, you can use a 3rd party software to recover any lost files.

 

Once you have recovered any lost data successfully, you can proceed with the below methods to possibly repair Windows 11 and fix any corrupted files.

Method 1: Run Startup Repair

When your Windows 11 fails to boot, the first method you can try is to run the startup repair. Let’s see how:

Step 1: Connect the bootable media you created previously for Windows 11 to your PC.



Step 2: Now, restart your PC and use the Windows 11 installation media to boot up your system.

Step 3: As you see the Windows installation screen, click on the Repair your computer option at the bottom, without any delay.

Repair Your Computer

Step 4: Next, it will take you to the Advanced recovery options.

Here, in the Choose an options screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 5: Now, in the Troubleshoot screen, choose Advanced options from the list.

Troubleshoot Reset This Pc Advanced Options Startup Repair Min

 

Step 6: In the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair.

Startup Repair Automatic Repair

Now, the Startup Repair process will initiate and will start detecting your PC of any issues. If any found, it will automatically apply the fix.

Once done, your Windows 11 PC should restart automatically and the problem should be fixed.

Method 2: Run SFC to Repair System Files

It could be possible that you come across the Windows 11 issues to corrupted or missing files. In such a case, you can run the system file checker tool to detect any corrupted files and fix them. Let’s see how:

 

Step 1: Simply press the Win + R shortcut keys to launch Run command.

Step 2: As the Run command box opens, type cmd.

At the same time, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

This will open the Command Prompt windows with admin rights.

Step 3: It will open the elevated Command Prompt window.

Here, type the below command and press the Enter key.

SFC / SCANNOW

The scan takes a bit longer to process, so wait till it gets over and once done. The tool will automatically detect any corrupted or missing files and repair them on the spot.

Now, restart your PC to check if the Windows 11 issue has been resolved.

Method 3: Use DISM to Fix System Files

If the above method fails, you can try running the DISM scan. This scan also takes longer, so wait patiently till its over. Follow the below instructions to run the DISM scan:

 

Step 1: Press the Win + R at the same time, on your keyboard and the Run command window will pop up.

Step 2: In the Run command search bar, type cmd and concurrently, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together on your keyboard to open the elevated Command Prompt.

Step 3: It will open the Command Prompt window in admin mode.

Here, type the below command and hi the Enter key to start running the DISN scan:

 

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

 

Now, wait for the scan to get over as it takes a while.

 

Once, it’s over, reboot your PC and your Windows 11 problem should be resolved.

Method 4: Perform System Restore

Sometimes, when most of the methods are not working, you can also try running a system restore that can help your PC revert to a previous state when it was working fine. For instance, if your Windows 11 PC stopped working on the 3rd March and you have a system restore point created for 27th Feb, you can perform the system restore and make your PC go back to 27th Feb, when it was working. Here’s how:

 

Step 1: Navigate to the Start button, right-click on it and click on Run.

 

Run Start Right Click Min

 

Step 2: This will open the Run command window.

In the text field, type rstrui and hit Enter

This will open the System Restore window.

Step 3: Next, in the System Restore window, click Next.

System Restore Next Button 11zon

Step 4: In the next window, from the list, select the restore point you want to revert to and press Next.

 

Now, sit back and wait for the System Restore process to get over. It’s a lengthy process and hence, it would take time.

Once it’s over, it will restart automatically to the previous date and state selected. Your Windows 11 PC should be working now.

 

*Note – Here’s how to create a system restore point in Windows 11.

Method 5: Reset Your PC

If you do not want to perform the system restore, you can then try resetting your Windows 11 PC which may help fix the problem you are facing. There’s nothing to worry as you are allowed to keep your personal files or remove them, while your Windows is re-installed.

Follow the below instructions to reset your PC:

 

Step 1: Hold the Win + I shortcut keys together on your keyboard and then release to open the Settings window.

Step 2: In the Settings app, go to the left side and click on System.

Step 3: Next, navigate to the right side, scroll down a bit and click on the Recovery .

 

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Step 4: Now, in the next screen, travel to the right side and under the Recovery options section, go to Reset this PC and click on the Reset PC button next to it.

 

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Step 5: You will now see a new window in blue – Reset this PC.

Here, you can select from Keep my files or Remove everything.

Step 6: After you have made your choice, you will see a pop up that will confirm that your apps will be removed.

Here, click on Next to proceed.

Step 7: Press Reset in the next screen to confirm the action and Windows 11 will now be re-installed.

 

Once done, you will have an all new Windows 11 without any issues.

Method 6: Check for Windows Update

However, if you do not want to perform a system restore or reset your PC yet, you can check if there’s any pending Windows update that may be causing the issue. In such a case, updating your Windows with the latest available update may help fix the issue. Here’s how to check for Windows update:

 

Step 1: Navigate to the Start button (the four blue squares), right-click on it and select Settings.

Step 2: This will open the Settings app.

Here, on the left side of the pane, scroll down and click on Windows Update.

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Step 3: Now, go to the right side of the window and click on the Check for updates button.

 

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Step 4: If it pulls up any available updates, it will start downloading and installing automatically.

 

You will now see a prompt that says, you can restart your PC now or later to finish the installation. You can select based on your convenience.



Once the installation is over, your PC will restart and the problem should be gone.

Method 7: Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

 



Alternatively, you can also choose to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter that searches for any errors or corrupted files all through out your system and fix them automatically. This can be accessed through the Control Panel Troubleshooter. Let’s see how:

 

Step 1: Press the Win + R hotkeys to open the Run command search box.

Step 2: In the search bar, type Control Panel and hit Enter.

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Step 3: Next, in the Control Panel window that opens, go to upper right and next to View by, click to expand the drp-down and select Large icons.

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Now, from the list, select Troubleshooting.

 

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Step 4: In the next window, click on View all on the left side of the pane.

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Step 5: Wait for a few seconds and this will open the All Categories page with the list of different troubleshooters.

Now, look for System Maintenance in the list and click on it.

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Step 6: This will open the System Maintenance window.

Click Next to proceed.

 

*Note – It may ask you for administrator permissions. Simply select ” Try troubleshooting as an administrator” .

The troubleshooter will continue to look up for any issues. If any found, it will list the solution an d you can proceed to fix the issue.

Once done, you can restart your Windows 11 PC and the problem should be fixed now.