How to Repair Windows 11

How to Repair Windows 11 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 is a powerful operating system, but like any software, it can run into issues such as slow performance, corrupted system files, update failures, or boot errors. This guide explains **all major methods to repair Windows 11** — from built-in troubleshooting tools to advanced repair options.

1. Restart and Perform Basic Troubleshooting

Before diving into advanced repairs, try these simple steps:

• Restart your PC (many temporary errors disappear).
• Disconnect external USB devices.
• Check for available space on the system drive.
• Install pending Windows Updates.

2. Run Windows 11 Troubleshooters

Windows provides automated tools that detect and fix common issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot.
3. Click Other troubleshooters.
4. Run tools like:
   • Windows Update Troubleshooter
   • Internet Connections
   • Bluetooth
   • Audio

3. Repair System Files (SFC & DISM)

Corrupted files often cause crashes or system instability. Windows includes built-in commands to repair them.

Step 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

sfc /scannow

Step 2: Repair Windows Image with DISM

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After both scans, restart your PC.

4. Use Startup Repair

If Windows won’t boot or crashes at startup, use the Startup Repair tool.

How to Access Startup Repair:

1. Hold Shift and click Restart.
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. Go to Advanced options → Startup Repair.

5. Perform System Restore

If problems began after an update or software installation, System Restore can roll your PC back to a working state.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Recovery.
3. Select Open System Restore.
4. Choose a restore point and follow the prompts.

6. Repair Windows 11 Using “Reset This PC”

This option reinstalls Windows but allows you to keep your personal files.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System → Recovery.
3. Click Reset this PC.
4. Select either:
   • Keep my files – reinstalls Windows but keeps your data.
   • Remove everything – clean installation.

7. Repair Windows 11 Using Installation Media

When your system is seriously damaged, repairing Windows using a bootable USB drive is the most effective method.

Steps:

1. Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
2. Create a bootable USB (min 8GB).
3. Boot from the USB drive.
4. Select Repair your computer.
5. Use:
   • Startup Repair
   • Command Prompt (for SFC/DISM)
   • System Restore

8. In-Place Upgrade Repair (Keeps All Files & Apps)

This method reinstalls Windows 11 without deleting anything.

Steps:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
2. Double-click the ISO to mount it.
3. Run setup.exe.
4. Select Keep personal files and apps.
5. Complete the installation process.