Share this article
Improve this guide
What is The Difference Between CHKDSK, SFC, And DISM on Windows 11?
Learn how to properly use these commands to fix issues
4 min. read
Updated onMay 24, 2024
updated onMay 24, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
When fixing PC issues, it’s important to know the difference between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM on Windows 11 if you want to effectively fix the problem at hand.
To better understand how each tool works and when to apply it, in today’s guide we’re going to take an in-depth look at each tool and see how it works.
What is the difference between SFC, CHKDSK, and DISM?
When should I use each tool?
CHKDSK on Windows 11 is a file repair tool, and it’s used to scan your entire drive for errors, bad sectors, and corrupt files. Bad sectors can cause file loss and additional issues, so CHKDSK tries to repair the files or recover them.
The tool can be used in the following situations:
SFC /scannow command on Windows 11 is used to fix system errors that can occur due to corruption of the operating system. The scan will scan your installation and restore any corrupted or missing system files:
You can use this scan in the following circumstances:
DISM on Windows 11 will scan your Windows system image for any damage or corruption and repair it.
It’s usually used to fix these problems:
How do I execute each tool?
If you want to learn about everything this tool can do, our guide onhow to use chkdsk on Windows 11will provide you with in-depth information.
What issues can be solved with each tool?
All these tools have their own purpose, and each of them can be used to fix a different type of problem. While CHKDSK can be used as a maintenance tool, SFC should be used for fixing problems, while DISM should be your last option if SFC fails or if it doesn’t work.
And in certain situations whereCHKDSK is not working with Vanguard, you can explore third-party file repair tools.
To learn more about these tools, we have dedicated guides on how touse the SFC scannow commandand how to useDSM to repair Windows, so don’t miss them.
Did we miss any important information? If so, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section.
More about the topics:chkdsk,dism,Windows 11 guides
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
