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DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthIf the error occurs while applying a Windows image from WinPE or a deployment workstation, the cause can instead be an older DISM servicing a Windows 10 image that uses Compact OS compression. That specialized case requires a separate fix.
The correct first fix for a running Windows 10 PC
- Open Start, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
- Enter this command exactly, including the spaces:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth/Online targets the Windows installation that is currently running. /RestoreHealth checks the component store and attempts repair. Microsoft documents this as the standard online repair command: Windows 10 upgrade quick fixes and DISM operating-system servicing options.
The scan can take several minutes and may appear to pause at a percentage. Do not close the console while it is working. Without a specified source, DISM can use Windows Update to obtain replacement files.
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Check spelling, spacing, and switches
DISM parses each slash-prefixed option separately. A typo or missing space can produce Error 87, although malformed commands do not all return exactly the same message.
| Supported form | Common mistake |
|---|---|
/Cleanup-Image |
/Cleanup Image |
/RestoreHealth |
/Restore Health |
/ScanHealth |
/Scan Health |
/CheckHealth |
/Checkup-Image |
| Separate every switch with a space | /Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth |
| No trailing slash | /RestoreHealth/ |
Use forward slashes, the exact hyphen in Cleanup-Image, and the documented option names. Microsoft Q&A identifies unknown or misspelled options as a common Error 87 cause: DISM option discussion.
Run DISM and SFC in the right order
For diagnosis, you can run the following commands separately:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow- CheckHealth reports whether corruption has already been flagged and is considered repairable.
- ScanHealth performs a deeper component-store scan.
- RestoreHealth scans and attempts repair.
- SFC checks protected Windows system files after the component store has been repaired.
You do not have to run all three DISM operations for every incident. If you need an actionable repair, start with /RestoreHealth; use the other checks when documenting or narrowing down a failure.
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Confirm that the console is elevated
Administrative Command Prompt is required for servicing the live installation. A non-elevated window can produce access-related failures that look different from Error 87, so reopen it with Run as administrator.
Check which DISM executable is being used
Windows 10 includes DISM in C:WindowsSystem32. In Command Prompt, run:
where dism
DISM.exe /?
DISM.exe /Online /Get-CurrentEditionIf where dism lists an old Windows PE, ADK, or deployment-tool copy before the System32 copy, test the local executable explicitly:
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C:WindowsSystem32Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThis helps avoid an unexpected program in PATH, but it does not resolve every WinPE or deployment-version incompatibility. See Microsoft’s DISM overview: What is DISM?
Verify the target context
DISM commands depend on whether the target is the live operating system or an offline image. Microsoft’s global syntax is:
DISM.exe {/Image:<path_to_image> | /Online} [global_options] {servicing_option} [arguments]Use /Online only for the running OS. For a mounted WIM, VHD, VHDX, or an installation being serviced from WinPE, use the verified path instead, for example:
DISM.exe /Image:D: /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthDrive letters can change in recovery environments; do not assume the offline Windows volume is C:. Only one servicing option should be used on a command line. Reference: DISM global command syntax.
When a repair source is required
If /RestoreHealth reports that source files cannot be found, supply a known-good Windows source:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess/Source points DISM to replacement files. /LimitAccess prevents it from contacting Windows Update. The source should match the installed system as closely as possible:
- Windows version and build
- Edition, where relevant
- Language
- 32-bit or 64-bit architecture
- Servicing state
An arbitrary or mismatched ISO can create a different source-file error. Microsoft documents source and access behavior in Repair-WindowsImage and DismRestoreImageHealth.
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Using official Windows 10 media
- Download installation media or an ISO from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download or Windows 10 ISO page.
- Right-click the ISO and select Mount; note its drive letter, such as
D:. - Inspect the media to determine whether it contains
install.wimorinstall.esd. - Identify the appropriate image index and source path before constructing a command.
Media should match the installed language, edition, architecture, and build. The exact source syntax depends on the files actually present; do not copy a generic command without verifying the media layout.
A separate case: applying a Windows 10 image
Microsoft documents Error 87 when an earlier DISM from Windows 8.1 or earlier attempts to apply a Windows 10 image that uses Compact OS compression. This is an image-deployment problem, not the usual desktop /Online /RestoreHealth failure.
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Use the Windows 10 version of DISM. In the documented older-host or WinPE scenario, the deployment environment also needs the Wofadk.sys filter driver included with the Windows 10 Assessment and Deployment Kit. Details are in Microsoft’s article DISM Error 87 when applying a Windows 10 image.
Investigate this path when you are using /Apply-Image, WinPE, an older deployment workstation, or logs mentioning compressed files, Wofadk.sys, or RestoreReparsePoint.
Read the logs when the console message is vague
DISM writes its main log to:
C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.logSFC writes detailed results to:
C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.logReview these files when syntax is accepted but repair fails, a source has been supplied, the operation runs in WinPE, or the visible error does not identify the failing package or file. Deployment cases that persist should include the logs when seeking Microsoft or professional support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to stop retrying DISM
Repeatedly running the same command is unlikely to fix a wrong source, unsupported option, or damaged disk. Escalate when:
- The exact command and target context are confirmed, but failures continue.
- DISM reports that the component store is nonrepairable.
- Windows Update, DISM, and SFC all fail.
- Windows cannot boot normally.
- The problem followed an interrupted update, disk failure, or suspected malware.
- No source can be matched to the installed build.
Check the file system with:
chkdsk C: /scanDepending on the findings, use Windows Recovery Environment, System Restore, a matching in-place repair installation, or a reset/reinstallation after backing up data. A repair installation, reset, and clean installation have different effects; none should be assumed to preserve every application or setting. Hardware diagnostics are appropriate when disk errors are suspected.
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Windows 10 version 22H2 was the final general-availability feature version, and standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. LTSC editions and special support programs follow different lifecycles. Download information remains available from Microsoft, but long-term security planning may favor a supported Windows release where the hardware allows it.
What Error 87 is—and is not
| Message or code | Typical implication |
|---|---|
| Error 87 | DISM rejected an invalid, unknown, misplaced, or unsupported option in that context; deployment version mismatches are another documented cause. |
| 0x800f081f | Required repair source files could not be found. |
| 0x800f0906 | Source files could not be downloaded. |
| Error 50 | The requested command is often unsupported in the current servicing context. |
These codes are not interchangeable diagnoses. Error 87 often occurs before any component-store repair begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DISM Error 87 dangerous?
Usually it is a command-processing failure, not evidence that Windows is beyond repair. Check syntax, executable version, and whether the command targets an online or offline image.
Does DISM require an internet connection?
Not always. Online repair may use Windows Update, but a compatible local source can be supplied with /Source; /LimitAccess disables Windows Update for that operation.
Can I use a Windows 11 ISO to repair Windows 10?
Do not assume it is compatible. Use media matching the Windows 10 target’s build, edition, language, architecture, and servicing state.
Will DISM delete personal files?
The online component-store repair command is intended to service Windows components, not remove personal files. Back up important data before undertaking repair installations, resets, or reinstalls.
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