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DISM Failed on a Windows PC? 9 Quick Fixes
Get back to fixing corrupt files on your PC with the built-in tool
9 min. read
Updated onFebruary 27, 2024
updated onFebruary 27, 2024
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Key notes
The DISM command comes in very handy when it comes to repairing your Windows PC. For example, if your Windows 10 installation is corrupt, you can usually fix it using the built-in SFC /scannow command, followed by DISM.
However, the DISM can fail. In this case, you cannot use it to repair your PC, and the problems will not be fixed.
If DISM failed on your device, we will show you how to fix the tool in this guide and return to keeping your PC in top shape.
What causes the DISM failed issue?
There are various reasons for the DISM command not working on your Windows PC. Below are some of the variations of the DISM error and the causes:
How can I fix the DISM not working issue?
1. Check your antivirus
In some rare instances, the DISM command not working issue can be caused by your antivirus. Your antivirus can interfere with your system and cause this problem.
If DISM failed on your system, you might be able to fix the problem simply by disabling certain antivirus features or the app. You also try to remove the antivirus software if disabling it does not solve the problem.
Should this fix the problem, you might need to consider one of thebest modern antivirus softwarein ESET NOD 32.
This software uses cutting-edge technology to keep your PC secure without causing errors. What’s more, it provides both offline and online security and ensures your privacy. So, let it take care of your security while you worry about other things.
2. Enter the correct location of Install.wim file
If DISM is giving you theCan’t find source filesmessage, you need to mount Windows 10 ISO file and specify the location of the Install.wim file.
To specify the location of the file, type the following command inCommand Promptand pressEnterto run it:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Remember that you need to replace X with the letter that matches the drive where Windows 10 ISO file is mounted.
3. Copy the Install.wim file
Few users suggested that you can fix this problem by copying the Install.wim to the root directory of your hard drive.
To get Install.wim file, download Windows 10 ISO, mount it, and locate Install.wim file.
After copying the Install.wim file, be sure to enter the correct location of the Install.wim file before running the DISM scan.
Also, remember that the DISM command is case sensitive, and users reported entering install.wim instead of Install.wim caused the DISM to fail. Therefore, enter the correct file name before starting the DISM scan.
Few users also reported that DISM doesn’t support spaces in the source location. So, be sure that the containing folder doesn’t have any spaces in its name.
4. Clean up system image components
1. OpenCommand Promptas administrator.
2.Type the command below and pressEnter.Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
- Wait for the process to finish.
4.Try to perform the DISM scan again after running these commands.
5.In addition, if DISM still isn’t working, you can also run the following commands:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase
If you’re facing DISM error 193, 740, 14098, 3017, and similar variations, you might be able to fix those problems by cleaning up the system image components.
This is simple, provided you follow the steps above. All you need is to run Command Prompt as an administrator and run a few commands with privileges.
There are manyrepair tools for Windowsthat can be used to fix broken or corrupted files. Check out our dedicated article to find out which are the best.
5. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
According to users, sometimes DISM problems can occur due toWindows Update issues.
If DISM failed to complete or run on your system, you might be able to fix the problem by running the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Once the troubleshooter is finished, try to rerun the DISM scan, and it should be able to complete.
6. Reset Windows Update services
If DISM failed to complete, showing a DISM does not support servicing on Windows PC, the problem might be Windows Update services.
However, you can fix the problem simply by resetting Windows Update services. After these commands are executed, Windows Update components should restart, and the issue will be resolved.
7. Disable proxy
If DISM failed to complete or run on your PC, the problem might be your proxy. Many users use proxy to protect their privacy online, but sometimes your proxy can interfere with your system and lead to this and other issues.
After disabling your proxy, check if the problem is resolved. Although a proxy is a great way to protect your privacy online, many users prefer using a VPN over a proxy.
If you want to protect your privacy online and you’re looking for a good VPN, we strongly suggest you considerPIA.
8. Make sure that your .wim isn’t set to read-only
Many users copy the install.wim file from Windows 10 installation ISO to run the DISM scan offline.
However, several users reported that DISM is not working because of the install.wim file was set as a read-only file.
If that happens, your PC won’t be able to write anything to the install.wim file and the DISM scan won’t complete. So, changing the properties of install.wim file should solve the issue in this case.
After making these changes, try to rerun the DISM scan.
9. Perform an in-place upgrade
If the DISM scan failed to complete on your PC, your final solution might be an in-place upgrade. This process will reinstall Windows 10 and force it to upgrade to the latest version.
Unlike reinstallation, this process will keep all your files and installed applications, so you can continue where you left off.
How do you know if DISM is working?
DISM does not take much time to scan your PC for errors. It is usually around 10 to 30 minutes but can sometimes take hours.
Users sometimes report that it hangs at around the 20% progress mark. But that does not mean it is not working, as this is normal. So far, it is showing progress, but the command is still working.
What can I do if DISM failed on Windows 11?
If you’ve upgraded to the new OS, you know by now that it’s not so different from Windows 10 apart from some new features and improved design.
And yes, DISM can fail on Windows 11 as often as on the older OSes, so you have to be prepared for this.
Luckily, all the solutions we listed above will work seamlessly on the new OS, and it will be even more accessible.
As you can see from our screenshot above, in Windows 11, theTroubleshootoption is right in theSystemsettings, will be fewer clicks to access.
Does DISM delete files?
DISM works basically to repair broken and corrupt files on a PC. It keeps a log of the errors found on your PC, and the fixes applied.
It does not delete your files, app, or data. So you don’t have anything to worry about. DISM cannot harm your computer.
The DISM failed on Windows 10 or Windows 11 error can deprive you of an essential built-in tool to repair your PC for free. But with the fixes in this guide, you should be able to get it working again.
Are you facing other errors like theDISM error 2 on Windows 10? Then, check our guide to solve the problem quickly.
To learn more about DISM, we have a guide onDismHost.exe, so don’t miss it for more information. We also have a guide onElevated permissions are required to run DISMmessage, so don’t miss it.
Feel free to let us know if you were able to get DISM working again on Windows in the comments below.
More about the topics:dism,windows recovery
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
