System File Checker

Command line utility for scanning and repairing missing, corrupted, or overwritten protected system files in Windows. Uses system backups, integrates with Windows Resource Protection, restricts unauthorized modifications, and maintains overall system reliability.

System File Checker screenshot 1

Cost / License

  • Free
  • Proprietary

Platforms

  • Windows
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Features

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  1.  Recover Corrupted Files

 Tags

  • file-verification
  • scan-corrupted-files
  • system-repair
  • file-integrity

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System File Checker information

  • Developed by

    US flagMicrosoft

  • Licensing

    Proprietary and Free product.

  • Alternatives

    2 alternatives listed

  • Supported Languages

    • English

AlternativeTo Category

System & Hardware

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System File Checker was added to AlternativeTo by ab1 on and this page was last updated . System File Checker is sometimes referred to as SFC. 
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What is System File Checker?

System File Checker is a utility in Microsoft Windows that scans and replaces corrupted system files. It works by checking the integrity of protected system files and replacing any incorrect versions. If a protected file has been overwritten, the utility retrieves the correct version from the systemroot\ folder.

This tool is useful when crucial Windows system files are missing or corrupted, causing potential Windows dysfunction. In such cases, users can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) and the System File Checker tool (SFC) to scan and restore corrupted or missing system files.

The System File Checker utility has been included in the Windows package since Windows 98. From Windows Vista onwards, it is integrated with Windows Resource Protection (WRP), which protects registry keys, folders, and critical system files. The sfc.exe command can be used to check specific folder paths, including the Windows folder and the boot folder.

The utility has two main features: Windows File Protection (WFP) and Windows Resource Protection (WRP). WFP restores any modified protected system file from a cached copy. WRP sets access-control lists for protected resources and restores altered files from a cached copy. Full access to modify WRP-protected resources is restricted to the processes using the Windows Modules Installer service, limiting administrators' rights to system files.

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