[Solved] Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files
If you’ve ever run the sfc /scannow command and been met with the message “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files,” you’re probably wondering: What now? This system message can feel alarming, especially if you’re not sure how serious the problem is or how to fix it. The good news is—you’re not alone, and your computer likely isn’t beyond repair. As a Windows troubleshooting specialist who’s helped dozens of users resolve system file issues just like this, I’m here to walk you through proven, step-by-step solutions that actually work. Whether the corruption stems from a recent Windows update, third-party software conflicts, or hard drive issues, there are several reliable ways to repair your system and restore stability. This guide covers everything from running advanced repair tools like DISM, to interpreting CBS logs, to recovering lost files caused by the corruption—without having to reinstall Windows from scratch. Let’s fix your system the right way.
What Is Windows Resource Protection (WRP)?
Windows Resource Protection (WRP) is a vital security feature built into Windows that protects essential system files, folders, and registry keys from unauthorized changes. By guarding these critical components, WRP helps maintain system stability and prevents corruption that could lead to crashes or other issues. WRP works hand-in-hand with utilities like the System File Checker (SFC). When you run the command sfc /scannow, SFC scans all protected system files and automatically repairs any corrupted or missing files by replacing them with healthy copies from a secure local cache. This combination ensures that your Windows installation remains intact, reliable, and secure.
What the Error Message Means
After running the SFC scan in Command Prompt, users may receive one of several messages:
- ✅ “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” – No issues found.
- ⚠️ “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them” – Issues were fixed.
- ❌ “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them” – This indicates that while SFC found damaged or missing files, it couldn’t repair all of them automatically.
This last case is the most concerning—and the focus of this guide.
Fix 1 – Run DISM to Repair the Windows Image
If the System File Checker (SFC) reports corruption but can’t repair everything, the next logical step is to run DISM (Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management tool). DISM restores the integrity of the Windows system image that SFC relies on to repair files. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Administrator privileges.
Step 2: Enter the command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Wait patiently—this process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Once complete, restart your computer to apply changes.
Step 5: After reboot, run the SFC scan again by typing:
sfc /scannow
If DISM successfully fixed the system image, the SFC tool should now be able to repair any remaining corrupted files.
DISM can also fix Windows Update-related issues like error 0x80070643, which may cause update or installation failures. For a full walkthrough, check out:[Windows Update Error 0x80070643? 7 Proven Ways to Fix It]
How to Read the CBS.Log for More Details
If you still see the error “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them,” you can analyze the CBS log for details.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Step 2: Extract SFC-related entries from the log by running:
findstr /c:”[SR]” %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log > “%userprofile%\Desktop\SFCDetails.txt”
Step 3: Go to your Desktop and open SFCDetails.txt with Notepad. Look for entries marked with [SR] to find the specific files that SFC couldn’t repair.
Fix 2 – Boot into Safe Mode and Run SFC Again
Running SFC in Safe Mode can help eliminate interference from third-party software that might block repairs. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
Step 3: Check Safe boot and select Minimal.
Step 4: Click OK and then Restart your PC to enter Safe Mode.
Step 5: Once in Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Step 6: Run the command:
sfc /scannow
Step 7: After the scan completes, open msconfig again, go to the Boot tab, and uncheck Safe boot.
Step 8: Click OK and restart your PC to return to normal mode.
This approach is also effective for troubleshooting errors like [System Thread Exception Not Handled in Windows 10/11]. For a complete guide on fixing that issue, check out our article: [Solved: System Thread Exception Not Handled in Windows 10/11].
Fix 3: Check CBS.log to Identify Unrepairable Files
If you see the message “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them,” the next step is to inspect the detailed log for more clues. The log file is stored here: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
Since this log requires admin access, follow these steps to extract readable data:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Step 2: Run:
findstr /c:”[SR]” %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log > %userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt
Step 3: Open sfcdetails.txt on your desktop to view the list of corrupted files and their status.
If the log shows files were not fixed and your system has become unstable or files are missing, consider using WinfrGUI, a free tool based on Windows File Recovery. It provides a beginner-friendly interface to scan for and recover personal files (like documents, photos, or Excel sheets) that may have been lost due to corruption. WinfrGUI is especially useful when sfc and DISM can’t resolve the issue but you still need to rescue important data.
Fix 4: Use System Restore or In-Place Upgrade
If DISM and manual repairs don’t fix the corrupted files, you have two powerful recovery options to restore your Windows system without losing your data.
Option A: Use System Restore
System Restore rolls back your computer to a previous state when everything was working correctly.
Step 1: Press Win + S, type Create a restore point, and select it.
Step 2: In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
Step 3: Click Next, then choose a restore point dated before the corruption occurred.
Step 4: Click Next > Finish to begin the restoration process.
Step 5: Let your system reboot and complete the rollback.
📝 Note: System Restore only works if restore points were created prior to the issue.
Option B: Perform an In-Place Upgrade
This process reinstalls Windows over your existing installation while preserving apps, files, and most settings.
Step 1: Complete the setup to repair your Windows installation.
Step 2: Download the official Windows ISO for your version
Step 3: Right-click the downloaded ISO file and select Mount.
Step 4: Open the mounted drive and double-click setup.exe.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts, making sure to select Keep personal files and apps when asked.
Why does this happen?
There are several possible reasons:
- Corrupted system image.
- Damaged Windows Update components.
- Malware or third-party software interference.
- File corruption due to sudden shutdowns or disk errors.
Fix 5: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
IIf none of the previous fixes work, the last resort is to reset or reinstall Windows. This will give you a clean system while preserving your personal files—ideal for resolving deep-rooted corruption.
How to Reset Windows Without Losing Your Files:
Step 1: Open Settings and go to System > Recovery
(You can also search “Reset this PC” in the Start menu.)
Step 2: Under Recovery options, click Reset this PC.
Step 3: Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows while keeping your personal documents, pictures, and other data safe.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Once finished, your system will have a fresh Windows installation with all core files restored. While this process keeps your data, it will remove installed apps and custom settings—so be sure to back up anything important first.
Schedule Automatic SFC Scans with Task Scheduler
To catch issues early, you can automate SFC scans weekly:
Step 1: Press Win + S, search for Task Scheduler, and open it to begin creating a scheduled system scan.
Step 2: In the right-hand Actions panel, click Create Basic Task, give it a name like “Weekly SFC Scan,” and click Next to continue.
Step 3: Select Weekly as the trigger, choose your preferred day and time for the scan to run, then set the action to Start a program.
Step 4: In the Program/script field, type sfc, then in Add arguments, enter /scannow; click Next, review the summary, and hit Finish to activate the task.
That’s it! Your system will now automatically check for file corruption every week, helping you stay ahead of potential issues.
Frequent Asked Questions
❓1: What does “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files” mean?
It means the System File Checker (SFC) detected corrupted or missing system files that could affect Windows stability.
❓2: Why does Windows Resource Protection fail to fix some corrupt files?
This can happen if the system image is damaged, critical files are in use, or Windows Update components are corrupted.
❓3: How long does the SFC scan usually take?
Typically, an SFC scan takes between 10 to 30 minutes depending on your system’s speed and file count.
❓4: Can running DISM fix Windows Resource Protection errors?
Yes. DISM repairs the Windows system image that SFC relies on, often resolving issues that SFC alone cannot fix.
❓5: Will resetting Windows delete my personal files?
If you choose “Keep my files” during the reset, your personal documents will be preserved. However, installed apps and settings will be removed.
❓6: What should I do if SFC and DISM don’t fix the problem?
Consider using System Restore, performing an in-place upgrade, or using third-party recovery tools like WinfrGUI to recover lost files.
Final Thoughts
Getting the message “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files” doesn’t mean your system is broken beyond repair—it’s a signal that some vital Windows files have been damaged or altered, and the system needs help restoring them. As you’ve seen, powerful built-in tools like DISM and SFC, especially when used in Safe Mode, can fix many of these issues. In more stubborn cases, you might need to explore system restore points or perform an in-place Windows upgrade—but even then, your apps and data can remain intact. And if any personal files were lost due to corruption, solutions like WinfrGUI offer an easy path to recovery. The key takeaway? File corruption happens, but it’s fixable with the right steps and tools. By staying updated, scanning regularly, and keeping good backups, you can reduce the risk of future problems and keep your system running smoothly. Don’t let one message derail your entire setup—take action now.
🔗 Also Read: [Solved] The Windows RE Image Was Not Found Error
