Keep Your Windows System Healthy: Learn to Use DISM to Fix Common Windows Problems

Imagine your computer suddenly starts malfunctioning—slowing down, crashing, or encountering frequent software errors. It can be frustrating, but before you rush to reinstall Windows, there’s a powerful built-in tool called DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) that can help you fix many of these problems efficiently. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to use DISM to repair your system and get your computer back to optimal performance.

1. What is DISM?

DISM is a command-line tool in Windows that is essential for maintaining and repairing the Windows system image. Whether you’re dealing with corrupted system files, performance issues, or software malfunctions, DISM can diagnose and resolve many of these common issues without requiring a full system reinstall. It’s a tool that all Windows users should know about.

2. A Real-Life Example: Fixing System Lag.

Let’s take an example: Recently, Tom encountered significant lag and unresponsive software on his Windows 10 computer. By using the DISM tool to scan and repair the system image, he was able to restore his computer to a smooth, working state without having to reinstall Windows. Thanks to DISM, his problem was solved efficiently, saving him both time and effort.

3. Steps to Use the DISM Tool.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the DISM tool to maintain or repair your system.

1. Open Command Prompt: First, click on “Search” in Windows 10, type “CMD,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Check System Health: To quickly assess your system’s health, type the following command. This command will run a quick check and provide an overall health assessment of your Windows image.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

3. Perform a Detailed Scan: If you want a more thorough scan of the system files, use this command. This process will take longer because it deeply checks for any potential corruption or issues with the system files.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

4. Repair the System Image: If ScanHealth detects any problems, you can repair the system using the following command. This command will automatically download and replace any missing or corrupted files from Windows Update, restoring your system to a healthy state.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Log Files for System Maintenance.

While running these commands, DISM generates log files that document the entire process. The primary log file can be found at: C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log.

Additionally, the CBS.log file is crucial for diagnosing deeper issues related to Windows updates and system repairs. It is stored here: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

Both logs provide detailed information that can help you troubleshoot further if needed.

5. Using PowerShell to Run DISM Commands.

You can also run DISM commands through Windows PowerShell. PowerShell provides similar functionality with a more modern interface, giving the same results as using DISM in Command Prompt. Open PowerShell as an administrator and enter below commands.

1. Check Windows system health.

   Repair-WindowsImage -Online -CheckHealth

2. Scan detailed Windows error file and info.

   Repair-WindowsImage -Online -ScanHealth

3. Repair the Windows error files and restore Windows.

   Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth

6. Demo Video.

7. Conclusion.

When you encounter issues like system lag, crashes, or corrupted files, there’s no need to immediately reinstall Windows. The DISM tool is a powerful, easy-to-use solution that can help you restore your system’s health and save time. By following this guide, you’ll be able to confidently maintain and repair your Windows 10 system, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.