---
title: "How to Run the Windows 10 File Checker"
description: "File integrity is vital to the continued operation of any computer system. Over time, files can become corrupted due to errors or malicious activity. To mitigate this, computer systems have file..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/software/windows-10-file-check/
date: 2015-08-11
modified: 2021-07-23
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Software"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Run the Windows 10 File Checker

![windows 10 file checker hero image](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/windows-10-file-checker-hero-image-1024x538.png)

File integrity is vital to the continued operation of any computer system. Over time, files can become corrupted due to errors or malicious activity. To mitigate this, computer systems have file checking software that can review and check the integrity of system files. By checking system files in this way, the program can identify corrupted or otherwise damaged system files in need of repair. In this tutorial, we will show you how to **run** the **Windows 10 File checker** tool that is included in all Windows 10 installations.

## Run the System File Checker Tool

As mentioned previously, the System File Checker Tool is included in Windows 10 by default. Accessing the utility can be done in much the same way you would with any other Windows 10 program. For best results, it is recommended to close all other programs before running the file checker.

1. First, log into **Windows 10**.
2. Next, click the **Search** button on the bottom left, and type **command prompt**.
3. When you see the **Command Prompt** program listed, **Right-Click** it, then click **Run as Administrator**. [![Windows 10 elevated cmd](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_run-command-prompt-as-administrator.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_run-command-prompt-as-administrator.png)  
4. When the command prompt box comes up type the following then click **Enter**: sfc /scannowThe System File Checker will then begin running. It is not unusual for this process to take several minutes, depending on your computer’s hardware. [![sfc command run](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_system-file-checker-tool.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_system-file-checker-tool.png)You are finished when you see a *completed* message. It will also tell you if it found any *integrity violations*. In our example, no integrity violations were found, so no action is necessary. If violations were found, we would then need to investigate how to resolve the issue. Typically, resolving corrupted files involves the reinstallation of software or individual software packages. [![sfc cmd complete](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_sfc-verification-complete.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows_system-file-checker_sfc-verification-complete.png) Congratulations, now you know how to run the **Windows 10 File checker tool**! Run this software if your computer reports file system errors or corrupt system files. In conjunction with regular anti-virus scans, the Windows 10 System File Checker software can help ensure that your Windows 10 system remains fully functional and stable. Trust your business to an industry leader in fast and reliable website hosting solutions. InMotion Hosting offers secure [web hosting](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/web-hosting) with 99.99% uptime, 24/7 expert human support, and 100% money-back guarantee.