How to Run a System Check on Your PC

Is your computer running slower than usual? Are you encountering random errors or crashes? Or perhaps you simply want to perform some routine maintenance to keep your PC in top condition. Whatever the reason is, knowing how to run a system check on PC is a fundamental skill for any Windows user. A thorough check can help you diagnose problems, ensure system integrity, and understand your computer's health.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying your operating system to using powerful tools to check for file corruption and disk errors.

Different Types of Windows Scans

When learning how to run a system scan on Windows 10, it's crucial to understand that "scan" can refer to several different processes. Each type targets a specific aspect of your system's health. To properly maintain your PC, you should be familiar with these three essential scans:

1. System File Integrity Scan (SFC)

This scan uses the System File Checker (SFC), the primary Windows system scan command for OS health. If SFC discovers that any files have been corrupted, modified, or deleted, it will attempt to replace them with the correct versions from a cached copy, effectively repairing your operating system.

2. Disk Error Scan (CHKDSK)

Performed by the Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility, this scan focuses on the health of your hard drive or SSD. It meticulously examines the drive's file system for logical errors and can also scan the physical surface for bad sectors (damaged areas that can no longer reliably store data). Fixing these errors is vital for preventing data loss and improving overall system stability.

3. Malware & Virus Scan

This type of Windows scan is performed by security software like Microsoft Defender or another third-party antivirus program. Unlike the other scans that focus on file integrity or disk health, this one is dedicated to security.

How to Run a System Check on PC

Once you have your system information, you can proceed with health checks. A complete system check involves examining critical system files and the health of your storage drive. Here are the most effective ways to do it.

Way 1. Scanning System Files with SFC

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and restores corrupted Windows system files. This is your first line of defense if you're experiencing blue screens, DLL errors, or other system instability.

Step 1. Click the Start button, type "cmd", right-click on Command Prompt, and choose "Run as administrator."

Step 2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:

sfc /scannow

Step 3. The tool will begin scanning all protected system files and replace any corrupted files with a cached copy. The process can take some time.

Once finished, it will report whether it found and fixed any problems. If issues were repaired, it's a good idea to restart your PC.

Way 2. Checking and Repairing Disk Errors with CHKDSK

Your hard drive or SSD is where all your data lives, so its health is paramount. The Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility scans the file system on a disk volume and can fix logical errors and locate bad sectors.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator as described in the previous method.

Type the following command and press Enter. We use C: as an example; replace it with the letter of the drive you want to check.

chkdsk C: /f /r

Here's what the flags mean:

/f tells CHKDSK to fix any errors it finds.

/r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

If you are checking the system drive (C:), Windows will inform you that it cannot run the scan because the drive is in use. It will ask if you want to schedule the scan for the next time you restart. Type "Y" and press Enter, then reboot your PC.

Way 3. Comprehensive Analysis with AOMEI Partition Assistant

While command-line tools are powerful, they aren't the most user-friendly. For a more intuitive and in-depth approach, a dedicated disk management tool is an excellent choice.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard is a free, powerful, and comprehensive disk partition management software. It provides a clean graphical interface that simplifies complex tasks like checking partitions, testing disk speed, and managing your drives. It’s a perfect tool for both beginners and advanced users who want to know how to run a system check on pc without memorizing commands.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

1. Check Partition for errors in Windows 10/11

This feature provides an easy-to-use wrapper for the CHKDSK utility, allowing you to scan for and fix errors with just a few clicks.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard.

Step 2. Right-click the partition you want to check (e.g., the C: drive) and navigate to "Advanced" > "Check Partition."

Step 3. In the pop-up window, select the way of checking errors to perform. The first option just checks, the second checks and fixes errors, and the third checks for bad sectors. For a thorough check, select "Check partition and fix errors in this partition by using chkdsk.exe" and click "OK."

Step 4. The scan will begin. If the partition is in use, it will ask to schedule it on the next reboot.

2. Evaluate Performance with Disk Speed Test

If your PC feels sluggish, the problem might be a slow or failing hard drive. The Disk Speed Test feature helps you benchmark your drive's performance to see if it's living up to its potential.

Step 1. In the main AOMEI console, click "Test" in the top menu and select "Disk Speed Test."

Step 2. Select the partition you want to test.

Step 3. You can use Simple Mode for a quick overview or switch to Pro Mode for more detailed testing, including file size, test duration, and read/write patterns.

Step 4. Click "Start." The tool will measure the sequential and random read/write speeds of your drive. You can compare these results to your drive's advertised speeds to diagnose performance bottlenecks.

To sum up

Let's quickly recap the essential steps for keeping your PC healthy. Performing regular system checks is not just for fixing problems—it's about preventative maintenance.

We've covered using the built-in SFC command to repair system files and CHKDSK to fix disk errors. For a more user-friendly and feature-rich experience, AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard offers an excellent free solution. Its intuitive "Check Partition" and "Disk Speed Test" features empower you to easily diagnose and address issues, ensuring your PC runs smoothly and reliably for years to come.