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How to Fix Windows 10 Resource Protection Found Integrity Violation Error Quickly

If you have seen the message “Windows Resource Protection found integrity violations,” it means some system files on your Windows 10 PC are corrupted or missing. This error can cause problems with your computer’s performance and stability.

Fixing this issue is important to keep your system running smoothly and prevent unexpected crashes. Fortunately, Windows provides built-in tools to help repair these errors.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to resolve the integrity violation error quickly and safely. No advanced knowledge is required.

Follow each step carefully to restore your system files and improve your Windows 10 experience.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your PC is connected to the internet for downloading any required updates.
  • Close all open programs to avoid interference during repair processes.
  • It is recommended to create a backup of important files before performing system repairs.
  • Run these steps using an administrator account to have the necessary permissions.

Step 1: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files automatically. This is the simplest way to fix integrity violations.

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Type cmd in the search box.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  4. In the command window, type the following and press Enter: 
    sfc /scannow
  5. The scan will start and may take several minutes to complete. Do not close the window during this time.
  6. After the scan finishes, you will see a message indicating if any corrupted files were repaired.

Why this matters: SFC checks the integrity of important system files and replaces damaged ones with correct versions stored in a cache. This helps fix many Windows errors.

Step 2: Use DISM Tool to Repair System Image

If the SFC scan did not fix the problem, the next step is to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. It repairs the Windows system image which SFC relies on.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator again (see Step 1 for how).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete. This might take 10-20 minutes depending on your system.
  4. Once finished, restart your computer.
  5. Run the sfc /scannow command again to confirm all issues are fixed.

Why this matters: DISM repairs the underlying Windows system image, which helps SFC to work properly and fix corrupted files.

Step 3: Check Disk for Errors

Sometimes, disk errors can cause file corruption. Running a disk check can detect and fix these problems.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    chkdsk /f /r
  3. You will be asked if you want to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
  4. Restart your PC. The disk check will automatically start and fix any errors it finds.

Why this matters: Fixing disk errors ensures that your hard drive is healthy and prevents further file corruption.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

  • Run SFC in Safe Mode: Starting Windows in Safe Mode prevents third-party programs from interfering with the repair process. To do this, restart your PC and press Shift + Restart to access recovery options.
  • Use System Restore: If the error started recently, you can restore your PC to an earlier point when everything was working fine. Search for System Restore in the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Reset or Refresh Windows: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 10 which reinstalls the OS but keeps or removes your files depending on the option chosen. This will fix system corruption issues but should be done after backing up data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “Windows Resource Protection found integrity violations” mean?

This means Windows detected corrupted or missing system files during a scan. These files are essential for proper system operation, so fixing them is important.

Can I ignore this error?

It’s not recommended to ignore this error as corrupted system files may cause crashes, slowdowns, or security vulnerabilities.

How long does the SFC scan take?

The SFC scan usually takes 10-15 minutes but can vary depending on system speed and the number of files.

Will running DISM delete my personal files?

No. DISM repairs system files but does not affect your personal data.

What if the repair tools don’t fix the problem?

Try running the scans multiple times or use Safe Mode. If issues persist, consider advanced options like System Restore or a Windows reset.

When Nothing Works

If the above steps do not resolve the integrity violation error, you may need further assistance. Consider these options:

  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for troubleshooting: Microsoft Support.
  • Contact a professional technician to diagnose hardware or software issues.
  • Perform a clean installation of Windows 10 after backing up all your data.

Conclusion

“Windows Resource Protection found integrity violations” is a common error caused by corrupted system files. By using the built-in tools like SFC and DISM, you can fix these issues quickly and safely.

Running disk checks and using Safe Mode can improve repair success. Always back up your important data before attempting advanced repairs.

Following this step-by-step guide will help you restore your Windows 10 system’s integrity and maintain smooth performance. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

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