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There is a System Repair Pending which Requires a Reboot [Fix]

Finish your SFC scan with these easy methods

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

SFC (System File Checker) is a command-line tool that you can use to verify that your critical system files are intact and uncorrupted. It’s a useful troubleshooting tool, but sometimes, it can present problems.

Sometimes,sfc scannow is not workingor in our case today, you get an error message that says:there is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete.

Why am I gettingThere is a system repair pending which requires reboot to completeerrors?

Why am I gettingThere is a system repair pending which requires reboot to completeerrors?

The error message indicates that something went wrong during the update process, and it needs to be fixed before you can use your computer again. But, why does it happen? Here are some possible reasons:

Sfc scannow is a native Windows command that can repair common causes of Windows crashes, including conflicts with programs, services, and drivers. You don’t need torun the Command Prompt with administrator privilegesto execute this command.

The program can also detect and fix file system errors and restore corrupted files. It’s a good idea to run Sfc scannow if you’re experiencing problems with your computer or certain applications.

Sfc scannow does not require a reboot. It is not a required step for most issues, but it does not hurt to run it. However, it may be necessary to restart some applications after running the utility.

How can I fix thethere is a system repair pending which requires reboot to completeerror?

How can I fix thethere is a system repair pending which requires reboot to completeerror?

As always, we recommend starting off with the preliminary checks:

1. Delete pending files

If these steps seem too complicated, we recommend using anautomated toolto scan the system file integrity for you and repair most issues on your computer.

2. Run the DISM command

Some types of corruption in system files are not automatically repaired by SFC, but they can be fixed by using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.

3. Run the CHKDSK command

The chkdsk command is a very useful tool to repair file system errors. It can be used to check the integrity of a drive, as well as fix any bad sectors.

4. Delete the pending Registry entry

5. Run the SFC command in Safe Mode

If none of the above methods prove to be successful, it means you have not done a system repair recently and that the current system image has become damaged beyond repair. As such, aclean installmay be your only option.

The good news is that you can still recover your data from the damaged drive usingprofessional data recovery tools.

Should you encounter any other related issues such asthe device does not recognize the command, we have a dedicated guide to help you address this problem.

Let us know of any other additional solutions you may have tried that worked for you in the comments section below.

More about the topics:Windows 11

Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.

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Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.