sfc

File system errors on Windows 10 and Windows 11 can look cryptic — a terse message, an error code, or “The parameter is incorrect” when you plug in a USB stick — but they usually point to fixable problems with system files, disk metadata, or the drive itself. This guide consolidates proven...

Microsoft has quietly resolved a critical upgrade-path bug introduced with the August Patch Tuesday roll‑out that blocked many Windows 10-to-Windows 11 and several Windows Server upgrade paths, leaving administrators and end users scrambling for workarounds during a narrow migration window...

The SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED blue screen is one of those Windows errors that looks frightening but, in most cases, can be diagnosed and fixed without replacing hardware — provided you approach it methodically and understand what the stop code is telling you. This article breaks down...

Over the years I’ve built a compact, free toolkit of Windows utilities that quickly expose the usual suspects when a PC slows down: low disk space, runaway background processes, flaky RAM, overheating hardware, or an aging storage drive. The MakeUseOf piece that started this conversation lays...

Windows can report “No Internet access” while web pages and apps continue to load — a confusing UI mismatch that’s usually harmless but can mask real network problems and make troubleshooting harder. A recent Guiding Tech how‑to lays out the common quick fixes and three deeper repairs —...

If you’re frustrated by Windows Update Error 0x80070643, you’re not alone. This error has become an all-too-common headache for Windows users, cropping up just when you’re hoping to keep your PC secure and up to date. While the error seems cryptic, there are several clear causes and equally...

Encountering error code 0x800f0838 during Windows update installations, particularly when using .MSU (Microsoft Standalone Update) files, can be a significant hindrance. This error typically halts the update process, rolls back any changes, and displays a failure message accompanied by the error...

The KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error in Windows 10 and Windows 11 represents one of the more alarming encounters for everyday users and IT professionals alike. When this error surfaces—frequently signaled by the iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)—it indicates that the Windows kernel has...

I'm using Windows 11 Pro (23H2), and recently I've noticed that File Explorer crashes or becomes unresponsive when I open folders that contain a large number of files (especially media files like images and videos). Sometimes it takes several seconds to load, and other times it just freezes...

When it comes to efficiently maintaining, repairing, and optimizing Windows systems, administrators are often challenged by the breadth and complexity of tools available. For decades, Windows has provided a deep toolkit of built-in utilities such as DISM, SFC, and Chkdsk, while a parallel...

Windows operating systems, whether running in enterprise environments or homes, are frequently dogged by a recurring need for diagnostic maintenance and intervention. For IT professionals and power users, jumping between native utilities like SFC, DISM, and Task Manager—or even more advanced...

Windows users regularly face a diverse array of technical issues, ranging from system file corruption to network woes and application freezes. While graphical tools and third-party utilities can help, the Windows Command Prompt remains an underutilized but powerful ally for troubleshooting and...

We all know that moment—you're ready for a virtual meeting, you click on your camera app, and nothing happens. Perhaps you've seen the dreaded error messages like 0xA00F4244 or 0x200F4244. If your camera is playing hard to get in Windows 10 or 11, fear not! Microsoft has a handy guide aimed at...

Windows 11 is designed with power efficiency in mind, but for many users, the system’s penchant for shutting down after periods of inactivity can be more of a nuisance than a feature. Unexpected shutdowns not only disrupt your workflow but also risk the loss of unsaved data. In this article, we...

When your PC suddenly displays the ERROR_DISK_REPAIR_REDIRECTED (error code 792 – 0x318), it signals that Windows has re-routed its disk repair operations. In other words, there's an underlying file system issue or perhaps even bad sectors on your hard drive affecting its repair process. Left...

There’s no better feeling than knowing you can rewind time when your Windows 11 system throws a tantrum. System Restore has long been that magical safety net for many users. However, for some, it isn’t quite working its charm and is instead spitting out an intimidating error: 0x80073B01...

Windows updates: love them or loathe them, they’re the linchpin of your PC’s security and performance. Imagine this grand process of upgrading your operating system gets stuck. The progress bar ceases to move, the dreaded “Update Failed” message appears, or worse yet, you go into an endless loop...

My Windows 11 pc has suddenly slowed down to a snail’s pace. It takes two or three times as long to boot up, applications open very slowly, etc.. I ran a Malwarebytes scan which showed one minor PUP error but no other problems. I also ran an SFC /scannow and a DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image...

Are you dealing with buggy Windows features or spontaneous system crashes? Before diving headfirst into daunting system reinstalls, the System File Checker (SFC) tool may just come to your rescue. This time-tested utility built into Windows allows you to scan and repair corrupted or missing...

I recently upgraded from 22H2 to 22H3 and soon found out that when I right-click on Start, nothing happens! I then tried a lot of suggested fixes including replacing contents of WinX folder, DISM, SFC /scannow, Registry hacks - none of which did anything. I finally booted into Safe Mode and...