DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a powerful command-line tool used to repair Windows system images and fix corruption issues. However, when running DISM commands, some users encounter DISM Error 87, usually accompanied by messages like “The parameter is incorrect” or “Error: 87”. When this happens, the DISM command fails and no repair action is performed.
On Windows 11, DISM Error 87 is most commonly caused by incorrect command syntax, running DISM without administrator privileges, corrupted system files, or using outdated Windows builds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the effective ways to fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 11.
Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 11
Follow the solutions below in order. In most cases, the error is resolved by correcting how the DISM command is executed.
1. Run DISM from an Elevated Command Prompt
DISM commands must be run with administrator privileges to work properly. Otherwise, Windows may return Error 87 because the tool cannot access protected system components.
1. Press Windows + S
2. Type cmd
3. Right-click Command Prompt
4. Select Run as administrator
5. Click Yes on the UAC prompt
6. Run the DISM command again
If you were not using an elevated prompt before, this alone may fix the issue.
2. Use the Correct DISM Command Syntax
Error 87 most commonly occurs because of incorrect spacing, missing characters, or invalid parameters in the DISM command.
Correct DISM commands for Windows 11:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- There must be a space before every slash
- Do not combine commands into one line
- Run commands one at a time
Even a small typo can trigger Error 87.
3. Use Windows Terminal Instead of Command Prompt
Sometimes, the issue occurs because the command environment was not launched properly or with the required permissions.
1. Press Windows + X
2. Select Terminal (Admin)
3. Run the DISM command again
Windows Terminal uses modern command handling and often avoids parsing issues.
4. Run SFC Before Using DISM
If important system files are corrupted, DISM may fail unexpectedly while processing the command.
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run the code:
sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete
4. Restart your PC
5. Try running DISM again
SFC repairs system files that DISM depends on.
5. Check Your Windows Version
Some DISM parameters are only supported on specific Windows versions. If you run unsupported commands on an older or incomplete Windows build, Windows may display Error 87.
1. Press Windows + R
2. Type winver and press Enter
3. Make sure your system is fully updated
If you’re on an outdated build, update Windows before running DISM.
6. Run DISM Using Windows Update as the Source
If DISM cannot locate the required repair source files, the command may fail and display Error 87.
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run the code:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WU3. Make sure you are connected to the internet
4. Wait for the process to complete
This forces DISM to download repair files from Windows Update.
7. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily
Some third-party security tools can interfere with system-level commands and prevent DISM from running properly. To rule this out, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software and then run the DISM command again.
Once the scan is complete, make sure to re-enable your antivirus protection. You should only disable antivirus software briefly and only while performing the repair process.
8. Use DISM from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If DISM does not work properly within Windows, running the tool in offline mode can sometimes help resolve the issue.
1. Open Settings > System > Recovery
2. Click Restart now under Advanced startup
3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
4. Run the code:
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThis repairs Windows files without loading the full OS.
9. Reset Windows Components
If DISM continues to fail, the issue may be related to corrupted Windows servicing components. In such cases, you can try resetting the Windows Update components or repairing Windows through an in-place upgrade to restore damaged system files and services.
You can also use System Restore if a restore point is available. These advanced steps are usually only necessary when standard DISM and SFC repairs are unable to fix the problem.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our complete guide on how to fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 11. While this error can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to repair system corruption, it is most often caused by incorrect command syntax, lack of administrative privileges, or outdated system components, not serious system damage.
By using the correct DISM syntax, running commands as administrator, repairing system files, and keeping Windows 11 updated, you should be able to resolve Error 87 successfully.
