C:\windows\system32\SFC.DLL is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. This error pops up right after startup and when starting some programs. How can I solve this problem? It is annoying, it starts during the startup of Open Office and other programs.answers.microsoft.com
SFC.DLL Is Either Not Designed to Run on Windows
The error, SFC.DLL is either not designed to run on Windows, usually indicates a corrupted system file or an incompatible DLL file with the current operating system. Here are possible causes and solutions:
- Corrupted DLL file: The file may have been corrupted during an update or installation.
- Missing system files: Some critical system files may have been accidentally deleted or replaced.
- Incompatible applications: Some applications may have used DLL files that are incompatible with the current system version.
- Virus or malware infection: Malware may have tampered with the DLL file.
Fix 1: Run SFC/DISM to Check System Files
As mentioned before, this SFC.DLL error can be caused by corrupted system files. Running SFC and DISM to check system files can ensure that the Windows operating system is running stably. SFC can scan and replace damaged or missing system files, while DISM can repair problems in the system image.
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Windows search box, right-click on the best match, and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: When prompted by UAC, click on Yes to continue.
Step 3: Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
Step 4: When the process ends, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Fix 2: Boot Your Computer in Safe Mode
Booting your computer into safe mode is an important step in troubleshooting system problems. If your system crashes or won’t boot properly, safe mode provides a stable environment to perform repairs. It loads only essential drivers and services, and can also help identify third-party software or drivers that are causing problems.
Step 1: Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type msconfig in the box and press Enter.
Step 3: Switch to the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox, and select Disable all.
Step 4: Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Step 5: Right-click on each item to select Disable and close the Task Manager.
Step 6: Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe boot option. Then, restart your computer.
After restarting, you need to enable each item you just disabled to confirm which one is causing the problem and then disable it again.
Fix 3: Run a Malware Scan
Running a malware scan is an important step to keep your device and data safe. This practice can identify and remove threats such as viruses, trojans, spyware, etc. that can damage your system or steal data, thus solving the problem.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and choose the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security > Windows Security.
Step 3: Under Protection areas, select Virus & threat protection.
Step 4: Click on Scan options and select a scan method to start scanning.
See Also: Open/Run/Use Windows Defender from Command Prompt (New Guide)
Fix 4: Perform a System Restore
System Restore can restore your computer to a previous working state and solve problems caused by software installation, driver updates, or system settings. And this operation will not affect personal files, so you can safely solve the problem without losing important data.
Step 1: Type Create a restore point in the Windows search box and press Enter.
Step 2: Click on System Restore. In the new window, click on Next to continue.
Step 3: Choose a restore point when the issue did not exist and click on Next > Finish.

Fix 5: Update Your Windows
If none of the above methods work, you can try updating your system to fix some vulnerabilities and make the system run more smoothly.
Step 1: Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security > Windows Update.
Step 3: In the right pane, click on Check for updates to search for the available updates.
Step 4: When the updates show up, click on the Download & install button to get it.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Bottom Line
When you encounter the problem that SFC.DLL is either not designed to run on Windows, you are advised to use these methods in this article. Hope they can help you.
User Comments :