When you’re using Windows and decide to run the “SFC /scannow” command, you’re basically asking your computer to check and fix its own system files. A lot of people wonder, is it okay to stop this process once it’s started? Well, yes, you can stop it if you really need to, but let’s get into what that means for your computer.
Also see: How to Run SFC Scannow Command At Boot in Windows 10/11
The “SFC /scannow” command is like a health check for your Windows system files. If you start it but then need to stop for some reason, you can. You can either close the command prompt window or hit Ctrl + C to cut it off right there. Doing this stops the scan right away.
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What happens if you stop the “SFC /scannow” scan?
Stopping the “SFC /scannow” scan usually doesn’t mess up your computer. The tool can handle being stopped. But, there are a couple of things to think about:
Partial fixes
If you stop the scan halfway, it’ll save any fixes it has already made. That means if it found and started fixing some bad files, those fixes will stay even if you stop the scan. But, it won’t get a chance to check or fix any files it hasn’t gotten to yet. So, some bad files might not get fixed.
How your computer feels
Most of the time, stopping the scan doesn’t make your computer act weird. Lots of people have stopped scans and their computers were just fine afterward. But, if there are files it didn’t get to check, those could cause problems later on.
Trying again
If you stopped the scan and are worried about missing something, you can just start it again. This lets the tool check all the files again, including the ones it missed before. It’s a good way to make sure everything’s okay with your system files.
So, while stopping the scan isn’t the end of the world, it might mean some issues don’t get fixed right away. If you have to stop the scan, it’s a good idea to run it again later to make sure everything gets checked and fixed.
Pro tip: How to Startup Repair Windows 11/10 using Command Prompt
What if you turn off your computer during the scan?
Turning off your computer while the scan is happening is a bit trickier and could be riskier than just stopping the scan. Here’s what you should know:
The risk of messing up files
If you shut down your computer all of a sudden during the scan, there’s a small chance it could mess up your file system. This is more likely if the scan was fixing or writing files when you shut down. The SFC tool tries to deal with stops safely, but a sudden shutdown can mess things up.
Keeping things running smoothly
If you had to shut down during a scan and it was fixing files, there’s a small chance it could make your computer run funny. But Windows is usually pretty tough and can handle these things without too much trouble. If there are problems when you start up again, Windows might try to fix them on its own with some automatic repair stuff.
What you should do
It’s best not to turn off your PC while the scan is going. If you need to stop it, using the command prompt or the Ctrl + C shortcut is a safer way. If your computer does shut down during a scan, watch for any weird behavior and consider running the scan again to make sure everything’s okay.
While forcing your computer to shut down during a scan isn’t a sure way to cause problems, it’s not the safest move. Letting the scan finish or stopping it gently is better for keeping your system running smoothly.
Linked issue: Windows 11 Won’t Shut Down (How to Fix)
What to do if you have issues after stopping the scan
If you’ve stopped the “SFC /scannow” scan or had a forced shutdown, here’s what you can do:
- First, try running the “SFC /scannow” command again. This lets the scan finish checking all your system files and fix any bad ones. It’s like giving your computer a full check-up to make sure everything’s working right.
- If SFC keeps finding problems it can’t fix, you might want to use the DISM tool next. DISM can fix things that SFC can’t. Running a command like
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand thenSFC /scannowagain can help with deeper issues.
- If problems keep popping up after SFC and DISM, using Windows System Restore to go back to a time before the problems started might help. Or, doing an in-place repair install of Windows can fix big issues without messing up your files or apps.
- Keep an eye on how your computer is doing after these steps. Look out for weird behaviors, crashes, or slow performance. These could be signs of unresolved issues.
- If you’re still having trouble or don’t feel comfortable doing these steps, it might be a good idea to get help from a pro. This could be Microsoft support, a tech person, or helpful folks on forums.
TL:DR: Wrapping it up
Stopping the “SFC /scannow” process on your Windows computer is usually safe, but you should know what to do next. If you stop the scan early, it might miss some files. That’s why it’s smart to run the scan again later, to make sure everything gets checked. Running “SFC /scannow” all the way through helps keep your computer’s system files healthy and can prevent future problems.
If “SFC /scannow” keeps finding stuff it can’t fix, you might need to use other tools like DISM, or think about a system restore or repair. These steps can help with bigger issues. Keeping your computer’s system files in good shape is key to a smooth and reliable computer. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who knows their stuff.
