Run DISM to check and repair the Windows image using DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, which fixes corruption by downloading files from Windows Update; 2. Use a custom source like a mounted ISO or local folder with the /Source option when Windows Update is unavailable; 3. Maintain the WinSxS component store by running StartComponentCleanup and AnalyzeComponentStore to free space and detect issues; 4. Resolve common errors like 0x800f081f by specifying a local source, and always run DISM before SFC for complete system repair, ensuring administrative privileges and a reliable Windows image source are available.

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool in Windows is a powerful command-line utility used to repair and prepare system images, including the Windows Recovery Environment, Windows PE, and the running operating system. It's especially useful when troubleshooting startup issues or fixing corrupted system files that SFC (System File Checker) can't resolve on its own.

Here’s how to use DISM effectively for common system maintenance tasks.

1. Run DISM to Repair the Windows Image

When system files are damaged or missing, DISM can restore the health of the Windows image by using a known good source. This is often the first step before running sfc /scannow.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Win X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Check the current health of the image:

   

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   • This is a quick check but doesn't fix anything.

3. Scan for component store corruption:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   • This takes a few minutes and looks for corruptions in the system image.

4. Repair the image if issues are found:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • This command downloads replacement files from Windows Update by default to fix corrupted files.

?? Note: This process may take 10–30 minutes depending on system performance and corruption level. Don’t interrupt it.

2. Use a Custom Source with DISM

If Windows Update is unavailable or blocked, you can specify a local source like a Windows installation ISO or a network share.

Example:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:E:\sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess

Or, if using a mounted Windows image folder:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

• Replace E:\ with the drive letter of your mounted ISO.
• The :1 refers to the edition index in the WIM file (e.g., Home, Pro). You can check this with:

  DISM /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:E:\sources\install.wim

3. Check and Repair the Component Store (WinSxS)

The WinSxS (Side-by-Side) folder stores system components. Over time, it can become bloated or corrupted.

To analyze its health:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

To remove unnecessary backup components:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase

• This removes superseded versions of system updates, reducing disk usage permanently.

To scan for unrecoverable corruption:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

• Helps determine if cleanup is recommended.

4. Common DISM Errors and Fixes

• Error: 0x800f081f or 0x800f0906

  • Meaning: DISM can't find the source files.
  • Fix: Manually specify a source using /Source and /LimitAccess.

• Error: 0x80073701

  • Often indicates missing or corrupted update files.
  • Solution: Mount a Windows ISO and point DISM to it.

• Slow download from Windows Update

  • Use /Source to speed things up with a local Windows image.

Pro Tips

• Always run DISM before SFC. Once DISM repairs the system image, run:

  sfc /scannow

  to fix any remaining corrupted system files.

• Keep a Windows installation ISO handy for emergencies. You can mount it directly in Windows (double-click the ISO), then use the sources\install.wim or install.esd as a repair source.

• For advanced users: DISM can also be used offline to repair unbootable systems by booting from Windows PE or installation media and targeting a mounted drive.

---

Basically, DISM is your go-to tool when Windows itself is struggling due to deep system corruption. While it runs in the background during some updates, manually using it gives you control over system integrity. Just remember: run it as admin, be patient, and have a clean Windows source ready.

The above is the detailed content of How to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!