How to Use Windows Command Prompt to Diagnose and Fix Errors in Windows 11



Windows 11 comes with built-in tools to help you troubleshoot and resolve system issues. The Command Prompt (CMD) is a powerful utility that allows you to perform diagnostics and repair tasks quickly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to check for errors using CMD.


1. Check and Repair System Files (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a tool that scans your system for corrupted or missing system files and attempts to fix them.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt with Administrator privileges:
    • Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select Run as Administrator.
  2. Run the following command:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. The tool will automatically repair any detected issues.

2. Check and Repair System Image (DISM)

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix issues with the system image that might cause Windows errors.

Steps:

  1. In the elevated Command Prompt, execute these commands in order:
    • Check the health of the system image:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Scan the system image for issues:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Repair the system image:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  2. Once completed, you can re-run sfc /scannow to ensure all system issues are resolved.

3. Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)

The Check Disk (CHKDSK) command scans and fixes errors on your hard drive.

Steps:

  1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command:
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x
    • Replace C: with the drive letter you want to check.
    • /f fixes errors on the disk.
    • /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable data.
    • /x forces the drive to dismount before checking.
  2. If prompted to schedule a check on the next restart, press Y and restart your system.

4. Check Event Viewer for Errors

The Event Viewer allows you to view detailed logs of system events, including errors.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
  3. Look for errors or warnings that could indicate underlying issues.

5. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Memory errors can cause system instability, and Windows includes a built-in diagnostic tool for RAM.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Select Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your system will reboot, and the tool will check your RAM for issues. Results will appear after the test.

Conclusion

By using the above CMD commands and tools, you can effectively diagnose and resolve many common issues in Windows 11. Regularly checking your system ensures it runs smoothly and prevents small problems from escalating. Whether it's repairing corrupted files, fixing disk errors, or analyzing system logs, these steps provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance.

Comments