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How to Fix Corrupted Application Files Error

✅ Quick Answer

Corrupted application files cause apps to crash, freeze, or refuse to open. To fix this, you should repair the app (if supported), reinstall it, run System File Checker (SFC), use DISM to repair Windows, and check disk health. Most issues are solved by reinstalling the app or running SFC/DISM.

❓ Why Application Files Get Corrupted?

Application files can become corrupted due to sudden shutdowns, disk errors, malware, interrupted updates, or missing system libraries. When this happens, Windows may show errors like “File missing,” “App not responding,” or “This app can’t run on your PC.”

Corruption usually affects the app executable or supporting files. Sometimes the app still opens but crashes quickly. Other times it doesn’t open at all.

The fix depends on whether the app has built-in repair options, or if the corruption is caused by Windows system files.

🔧 Fix 1: Repair the App (If Available)

Many apps have a built-in repair feature inside Windows settings.

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
  2. Find the app and click Advanced options.
  3. Click Repair.
  4. Restart the app and check if it works.

This method fixes missing files without deleting your settings or data.

🔧 Fix 2: Reinstall the Application

If the repair option is not available, reinstalling is the fastest solution.

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
  2. Uninstall the corrupted app.
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Download the latest version from the official website.
  5. Install it again and check if the issue is fixed.

Always download the software from trusted sources to avoid malware.

🔧 Fix 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

SFC scans Windows system files and repairs corrupted or missing files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type:
sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete (it may take 10–20 minutes). After completion, restart your PC.

🔧 Fix 4: Run DISM to Repair Windows Image

If SFC can’t fix the files, DISM repairs the Windows system image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run these commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completion, restart your PC and try running the app again.

🔧 Fix 5: Check Disk Health (CHKDSK)

Disk errors can cause file corruption. Use CHKDSK to scan and repair disk issues.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r

You may need to restart your PC for the scan to start. This may take some time depending on disk size.

🔧 Fix 6: Scan for Malware

Malware can corrupt app files or delete important system libraries. Run a full system scan using Windows Security.

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Scan options and select Full scan.
  4. Run the scan and remove any threats found.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can corrupted app files be fixed without reinstalling?

Yes, if the app supports repair, or if Windows system files are repaired using SFC/DISM.

Why does the app keep getting corrupted again?

Repeated corruption usually indicates disk issues, malware, or unstable power. Check disk health and scan for malware.

Will reinstalling delete my app data?

Some apps keep data in user folders. To be safe, backup your app data before uninstalling.

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Last updated: January 2026 • Techfix&Guides