How To Fix Windows Installation Errors From Command Line

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April 7, 2025

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix Windows installation errors from the command line:

Method 1: Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

The System File Checker is a built-in tool in Windows that checks for corrupted system files and replaces them if necessary. To run an SFC scan:

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

This will start the SFC scan, which may take a few minutes to complete.

Method 2: Update Windows Updates

If you have any recent updates installed, they might be causing the issue. To update your system:

  • Open the Start menu.

  • Type Windows Update & Support and select “Windows Update”.

  • Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Method 3: Boot in Safe Mode

Booting in Safe Mode can help you access a different environment that doesn’t include third-party software, which might be causing the error. To boot into Safe Mode:

  • Restart your computer.

  • As soon as your computer boots up, press F8 to select Safe Mode.

Method 4: Run the System Restore Point

If you have System Restore points set up, you can try rolling back to a previous point that fixed the issue:

  • Open the Start menu.

  • Type “System Properties” and select “System Protection”.

  • Click on “System Restore” and choose an available restore point.

  • Follow the prompts to complete the restore process.

Method 5: Run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Update Management) tool

DISM is a command-line tool that helps fix Windows installation issues:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  • Type dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.

  • Follow the prompts to complete the restore process.

Method 6: Reinstall Windows

If none of the above methods work, you can try reinstalling Windows:

  • Go back to your computer’s manufacturer website or Microsoft Support page to download a fresh copy of Windows.

  • Download the “Windows Recovery Environment” (WRE) tool and follow the instructions.

Method 7: Use the Windows Troubleshooter

The Windows Troubleshooter is another utility that can help identify and fix installation-related issues:

  • Go back to your computer’s manufacturer website or Microsoft Support page to download a fresh copy of Windows.

  • Download and install the Windows Troubleshooter for Installation Issues.

  • Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter to resolve the issue.

Remember to always be cautious when running command-line tools, as they can potentially void your warranty. If you’re not comfortable with these methods or encounter more issues after trying them, it’s recommended to seek further assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional technician.