DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a built-in Windows tool used to repair system images, fix corrupted Windows files, and prepare Windows images for recovery. On Windows 11, you may encounter issues where DISM commands fail, get stuck at a certain percentage, show error codes, or do not run at all.
When DISM is not working properly, it usually points to corrupted system files, Windows Update issues, insufficient permissions, network problems, or component store corruption. Since DISM operates at a system level, even small issues can prevent it from completing successfully.
How to Fix DISM Not Working in Windows 11
Follow the steps below carefully. After completing each step, try running the DISM command again before moving on to the next solution.
1. Run DISM Using Windows Terminal as Administrator
DISM will not work without elevated permissions.
- Right-click Start
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt
- Run your DISM command again
Running DISM without administrator rights will cause it to fail immediately.
2. Use the Correct DISM Command Syntax
Incorrect command syntax often leads to errors.
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Enter the following command and press Enter
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait patiently for the scan to complete
Do not interrupt the process, even if it appears stuck for a while.
3. Be Patient if DISM Appears Stuck
DISM often pauses at certain percentages.
- Let the process run for at least 20–30 minutes
- Do not close the Terminal window
- Avoid restarting the system unless it is frozen for over an hour
DISM commonly appears stuck at 20%, 40%, or 62%, but it usually resumes.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
DISM may need internet access to download repair files.
- Make sure your PC is connected to the internet
- Disable VPN temporarily if you are using one
- Try running DISM again
If Windows Update servers are unreachable, DISM may fail.
5. Restart Windows Update–Related Services
DISM relies on Windows Update components.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter - Restart the following services:
- Windows Update
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Windows Modules Installer
- Close Services and try DISM again
Stopped services can block the repair process.
6. Run System File Checker (SFC) Before or After DISM
SFC can fix issues that prevent DISM from working.
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Enter the following command and press Enter
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to finish
- Restart your PC
- Run DISM again
SFC and DISM work best when used together.
7. Run DISM in Safe Mode
Safe Mode reduces background interference.
- Boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode with Networking
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Run the DISM command again
Safe Mode prevents third-party services from interfering with DISM.
8. Use a Windows 11 ISO as a Repair Source
If online repair fails, use a local source.
- Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
- Mount the ISO by double-clicking it
- Note the drive letter
- Run the following command (replace X with the ISO drive letter)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:X:\sources\install.wim /LimitAccess
This bypasses Windows Update and uses local files instead.
9. Check Disk for Errors
Disk corruption can cause DISM failures.
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Run the following command
chkdsk C: /f
- Press Y if prompted
- Restart your PC and let the scan complete
File system errors can block image servicing operations.
10. Update Windows 11
Missing updates can cause DISM compatibility issues.
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install all available updates
- Restart your PC
Keeping Windows updated ensures DISM works correctly.
Final Thoughts
DISM not working in Windows 11 is usually caused by permission issues, corrupted system files, Windows Update problems, or disk errors, not hardware failure. In most cases, running DISM as administrator, restarting required services, or using a Windows ISO as a repair source resolves the issue.
Because DISM is a critical system repair tool, always allow it enough time to complete and avoid interrupting the process.
