If your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC keeps freezing, crashing, becoming slow, or built-in apps are not working properly, you can repair many common problems using a few built-in Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell commands. These commands scan Windows for corrupted system files, repair damaged components, fix hard drive errors, and restore built-in apps without installing any third-party software.
Method 1: Repair Windows Image Using DISM
The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool repairs the Windows system image. If Windows files are damaged, corrupted, or missing, DISM downloads healthy files from Windows Update and restores them.
Command:
C:\Users\Admin>DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
What it Fixes:
Windows freezing randomly
Blue Screen (BSOD) issues
Windows Update errors
Corrupted Windows files
Slow system performance
Apps crashing due to damaged system files
Tip: Wait until the scan reaches 100% before closing the Command Prompt.
Method 2: Scan and Repair System Files Using SFC
After running DISM, use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. It scans all protected Windows system files and automatically replaces corrupted files with healthy versions.
Command:
C:\Users\Admin>sfc /scannow
What it Fixes:
Windows crashes
PC freezing
Missing or corrupted system files
Start Menu not working
Taskbar problems
Random Windows errors
Built-in apps not opening
Tip: Restart your computer after the scan completes.
Method 3: Repair Hard Drive Errors Using CHKDSK
If your PC freezes while opening files, boots slowly, or crashes frequently, your SSD or HDD may contain file system errors or bad sectors. CHKDSK scans and repairs these issues.
Command:
C:\Users\Admin>chkdsk C: /f /r
If prompted, type:
Y
Then restart your PC.
What it Fixes:
Hard drive errors
Bad sectors
File system corruption
Windows startup issues
Slow boot time
Frequent freezing
Unexpected crashes
Note: The scan may take a long time depending on your drive size.
Method 4: Reinstall and Repair All Built-in Windows Apps
If Microsoft Store apps such as Calculator, Photos, Camera, Microsoft Store, Paint, or other built-in Windows apps are not opening, crashing, or missing, use this PowerShell command.
Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator and run:
C:\Users\Admin>Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
What it Fixes:
Microsoft Store not working
Calculator not opening
Photos app crashing
Camera app problems
Missing Windows apps
Built-in apps failing to launch
Windows app registration issues
Tip: The process may take several minutes. Do not close the PowerShell window until it finishes.
Best Order to Run These Commands
For the best repair results, run the commands in this order:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
chkdsk C: /f /r
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Following this sequence repairs Windows image corruption, restores damaged system files, fixes disk errors, and reinstalls built-in Windows apps.
Final Words
These four commands are among the most effective built-in troubleshooting tools available in Windows. They can resolve many common issues including PC freezing, Windows crashes, slow performance, startup problems, Microsoft Store errors, and built-in apps not working. If your computer continues to freeze after running all of these commands, the problem may be related to faulty hardware such as RAM, SSD/HDD, overheating, or outdated device drivers.
