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How to Fix Windows File Protection Not Working in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows File Protection (WFP) is a crucial feature in Windows 10 that helps keep your system files safe and prevents unauthorized changes. Sometimes, WFP may stop working properly, which can leave your system vulnerable. If you notice issues with Windows File Protection, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through simple steps to fix the problem.

Fixing WFP issues often involves checking system settings and making sure important services are running. The process is straightforward and can be done without technical expertise.

Follow each step carefully to restore Windows File Protection and keep your system secure. We’ll start with the simplest checks and move towards more detailed solutions.

By the end of this guide, you will understand how to troubleshoot and resolve WFP problems in Windows 10 effectively.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure you are logged in as an administrator; many fixes require administrative rights.
  • Check that your Windows 10 is up to date by running Windows Update.
  • Create a system restore point before making major changes, so you can revert if needed.
  • Close any running applications to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Verify Windows File Protection Service Is Running

Windows File Protection relies on certain system services to function properly. If these services are disabled or not running, WFP cannot protect system files.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and locate the service named Windows Modules Installer or TrustedInstaller.
  4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  5. Set the Startup type to Manual or Automatic.
  6. Click Start if the service is not running.
  7. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

Why this matters: The TrustedInstaller service manages Windows system files and updates. If it’s not running, WFP cannot monitor or restore critical files.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker tool scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files, which may be causing WFP to malfunction.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    4. sfc /scannow
  4. Wait patiently while the scan runs. This may take several minutes.
  5. Once completed, review the results displayed on the screen.
  6. If problems were found and fixed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Why this matters: WFP depends on intact system files. The SFC scan helps repair any damaged files that could be causing protection failures.

Step 3: Use the DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If the SFC scan does not fix the problem, the Windows image itself may be corrupted. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair this.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    3. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Allow the process to complete. This might take 10–20 minutes.
  4. After the scan finishes, run the sfc /scannow command again to ensure all files are fixed.
  5. Restart your computer once done.

Why this matters: DISM repairs the system image used by Windows to restore files. This step is helpful when SFC alone cannot fix deeper issues.

Step 4: Check for Malware or Third-Party Software Conflicts

Sometimes, malware or software conflicts can prevent Windows File Protection from working correctly.

  1. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus program.
  2. Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently added security or system optimization tools.
  3. Restart your computer and check if WFP works properly.

Why this matters: Malware can damage system files or interfere with Windows components. Conflicts with third-party apps may also block file protection.

Alternative Method: Enable Windows File Protection Using Registry Editor

If WFP settings are misconfigured, you can manually enable it using the Registry Editor. Be cautious and back up your registry before proceeding.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon
  3. Look for a value named SFCDisable.
  4. If it exists and is set to a non-zero value, double-click it and change the value data to 0.
  5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Why this matters: The SFCDisable registry key controls whether Windows File Protection is active. Setting it to zero ensures protection is enabled.

FAQs

What is Windows File Protection (WFP)?

WFP is a Windows feature that protects critical system files from being changed or deleted by unauthorized programs or users.

How do I know if WFP is not working?

You might notice system instability, errors when updating Windows, or messages indicating protected files have been replaced.

Can I disable Windows File Protection?

It’s not recommended to disable WFP as it safeguards system integrity. However, advanced users can disable it via the registry, but this may expose your system to risks.

Will running SFC or DISM affect my personal files?

No. These tools only scan and repair Windows system files, not personal documents or applications.

Do I need an internet connection to run DISM?

DISM may require internet access to download replacement files if your local image is corrupted. Make sure you are connected when running the tool.

When Nothing Works

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, consider the following options:

  • Perform a Windows 10 repair install (also known as an in-place upgrade) to refresh system files without affecting personal data.
  • Contact Microsoft Support for professional help.
  • Visit the official Microsoft troubleshooting page for Windows File Protection issues: https://support.microsoft.com.

Conclusion

Windows File Protection is vital for maintaining a stable and secure Windows 10 system. When it stops working, your system files become vulnerable, which can cause various problems.

This guide showed you how to check essential services, run system scans, repair the Windows image, and handle software conflicts—all in simple steps. Remember to back up your system and create restore points before making changes.

By following these instructions, you can restore Windows File Protection and keep your PC running smoothly and securely.

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