SFC Windows Resource Protection Could not Perform the Requested Operation
The System File Checker (SFC) tool, used to scan and restore corrupted Windows system files, often fails to work as expected, with many users experiencing the "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error message when running the "sfc /scannow" command.
If you're experiencing issues with sfc scannow due to being tortured by the "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error, it's not the problem itself that should be the main focus, but rather finding a solution to fix the error so that sfc scannow can work properly. To resolve this issue in Windows 10/8/7, follow the solutions below.
- Important
- You can follow these steps to create a backup of your critical data using the Qiling file backup software, and at most times, they will keep all your files and programs intact. This way, in case something unexpected happens, you'll have a safety net to fall back on.
Step 1. To start a file backup, click the "File backup" button on the "Backup and recovery" page.
Step 2. Files from both local and network locations will be displayed on the left, allowing you to expand directories and select the files you want to back up.
Step 3. Select the destination where you want to save the backup, following the on-screen guide.
Step 4. To encrypt the backup with a password, click on the "Options" button, which is located in the "Backup Options" section. This will allow you to customize the backup task and explore other available options.
Set the backup schedule and choose to start back up at certain event in "Backup Scheme".
Step 5. You can store backups to a local drive, Qiling's cloud service, or a NAS.
Step 6. After clicking "Proceed", the backup task will be completed and displayed as a card on the left side of the panel. From there, you can right-click on the task to further manage it.
After backing up your data, you can proceed with resolving the issue using one of the three available methods.
Solution 1. Run CHKDSK
If there are errors on your hard drive, the System File Checker (SFC) may also fail. However, the Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility can check the integrity of your hard disk and fix various file system errors.
Step 1: Click Win key and search "Command Prompt".
Step 2: Right-click on the search results and select "Run as Administrator".
Step 3: Click "Yes" when prompted by User Account Control, and enter your administrator password correctly if asked.
Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, type `chkdsk c: /r` and press "Enter".
Step 5: When prompted to schedule disk checking, type 'y' and press Enter.
Step 6: Reboot your PC and wait until the CHKDSK finishes to check disk and fix the detected errors.
Step 7: Run SFC again to check if it can complete.
If you're not comfortable with command lines, you can use Qiling CleanGenius, a one-click tool that fixes file system errors on your hard drive.
Step 1. Download Qiling CleanGenius on your computer for free.
Step 2. To run the software, click on the "Optimization" option on the left panel and then select "File Showing".
Step 3.To fix a file system error on a drive, go to the "Choose drive" section and select the drive with the error. Then, check the "Check and fix file system error" option and click "Execute" to initiate the repair process.
Step 4. Once the Qiling CleanGenius completes the repairing process, you can click the "here" link to view the results.
Solution 2. Modify the Security Descriptors on the Winsxs Folder
If the error message persists, it may indicate that the issue is unrelated to disk errors. Instead, the SFC utility might be unable to access the Winsxs folder (C:\Windows\winsxs) due to security descriptor problems with the folder.
Step 1: Open the command prompt by following the above steps.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, Type ICACLS C:\Windows\winsxs and press "Enter".
Step 3: To close the Command Prompt after executing a command, you can use the following syntax: `cmd /k command` or `cmd /c command`. The `/k` option keeps the Command Prompt window open after execution, while the `/c` option closes the window after execution.
Step 4: If the issue persists, try running the System File Checker (SFC) command with the /scannow option, followed by a restart. Then, run the DISM command with the /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth option to repair any corrupted system files.
Solution 3. Reinstall the System
If all other methods fail, consider reinstalling the system as a last resort. Before doing so, ensure you have backed up any important data on the system drive to prevent loss. This approach can quickly resolve the "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error, but it should only be attempted after other troubleshooting steps have been exhausted.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Media Creation Tool page and click the Download tool now button.
Step 2: Accept the license agreement
Step 3: The default option is to Upgrade your PC, and then click "Next".
Step 4: Go ahead and follow the prompts to finish the process.
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