SFC (System File Checker) is one of the most useful utility commands that helps us troubleshoot various errors on Windows OS. The SFC scan is performed on the Command Line Prompt where your system is thoroughly checked to scan and fix errors and discrepancies. SFC/scannow is a powerful command that allows you to restore any corruption in the Windows system files directory.
While dealing with the most common Windows errors, running an SFC scan is always recommended as a solution. So, if anytime the SFC scan is unable to execute successfully or if the SFC/scannow stops before 100%, here are a few workarounds that will allow you to resolve this hindrance.
Let’s get started.
Also read: How To Repair Windows 7 With SFC /Scannow
How to Fix SFC Scan Stops Issue on Windows 10
Solution #1: Use System Restore
Using the Windows System Restore feature, you can easily roll back to the previous checkpoint and undo all the recent changes that caused the corruption of system files on your device. To perform a System Restore, here’s what you need to do.
Launch the Start menu search box, type “Create a Restore Point” hit Enter.
Tap on the “System Restore” button.
Tap on “Next”.
Pick a restore point where you would like your device to resume. Select the restore point from the list and then tap on the “Next” button.
Follow the on-screen instructions and restore your device to a previous checkpoint so that all the recent system changes can be undone. Reboot your machine and perform an SFC scan to check whether it’s working or not.
Solution #2: Run a DISM Scan
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another useful command-line utility that is used to mount and service Windows images before deployment. To run a DISM scan on Windows 10, follow these steps.
Launch the Start menu search box, type “Command Prompt”. Right-click on it and select “Run as Administrator”.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter.
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Wait for a few minutes until a complete scan is performed on your device. Once it gets completed, close the Command Prompt window and re-launch it. Try running the SFC/scannow command and see if it’s working properly.
Also read: 5 Ways to Resolve the Dism.exe 1392 Error on Windows 10
Solution #3: Boot in Safe Mode
If the above-mentioned solutions didn’t work out too well for dealing with the “SFC/scannow stops” issue then we will try running the SFC scan in the Safe Mode. To boot your Windows 10 in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
Tap the Windows icon, press the “Power” button icon.
While you hit the “Restart” button, hold the “Shift” key to boot your device in Safe Mode.
When your Windows device will restart, you will see a couple of Advanced Startup options on the screen.
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Tap on the “Restart” button.
Once your device restarts, select the “Safe Mode” option.
After entering the Safe Mode on Windows 10, launch Command Prompt and try running the sfc/scannow command to check if it’s able to execute successfully.
Solution #4: Download an Antivirus Software
SFC scan stops working? Wondering what to do next? Well, there may be a slight possibility that your device is infected with some hidden virus or malware that is stopping system files to function properly. To run a deep scan on your device, we recommend you to install a comprehensive antivirus suite that looks for threats and vulnerabilities hidden deep inside the system files.
Systweak Antivirus for Windows is one of the best antivirus software for Windows offering real-time protection against viruses, malware, trojans, spyware, and ransomware attacks. Download this nifty security tool on your device, launch it, select a scan type as per your need and requirement, whether you want to run a Quick Scan, Deep Scan, or Custom Scan on your Windows device. As soon as the scanning process begins, the tool will display all the results on the screen if any threats or virus instances are found on your system.
After getting rid of viruses and malware (if found), launch the Command Prompt and try running the SFC scan again to check if it’s able to function smoothly without any hindrances.
You can use any of the above-mentioned solutions to fix the “sfc/scannow stops working” issue. Do let us know which solution worked out the best for you!
Good luck!
