Fixed: Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation Error while Running SFC Scan

Are you annoyed by system instability, crashes, boot issues, app failures, and persistent glitches because Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation during an SFC scan to repair essential components? Then, we are here to help. 

In this tutorial, we explain what to do if SFC Scannow doesn’t work, helping you fix the problem in the simplest, most effective way possible. 

However, before troubleshooting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what Windows Resource Protection is and why it might not perform the requested operation.

What Is Windows Resource Protection

Think of Windows Resource Protection as a shield for your system’s critical components. This Windows OS feature makes sure that essential files, folders, and registry keys aren’t deleted or altered without permission. It maintains a backup of crucial files and, when needed, uses this backup to replace damaged or missing files, keeping your system running smoothly.

When any error occurs, and you run SFC (System File Checker), this component of Windows Resource Protection scans and compares Windows system files to the cached copies saved in the Windows Resource Protection cache. 

SFC depends on the Windows Resource Protection to store a cache of good system files. Hence, the SFC Scannow doesn’t work if Windows Resource Protection cannot perform the requested operation. 

But why does this happen? 

Let’s answer this question in the next section. 

Why Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation

Several factors, such as file system corruption and the following, contribute to the reason Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service. 

• Hard drive problems: Bad sectors and other physical issues with the hard drive prevent SFC from functioning.
• Corrupted file system: Your file system may have a corrupted logical structure, preventing access to the system files.
• Windows Modules Installer Service turned off: The SFC tool uses the Windows Modules Installer service to change protected system files. If this service is not functioning properly, SFC cannot complete this task.
• Permission-related problems: The C:\Windows\WinSxS folder security descriptors or permissions may be incorrect, resulting in Windows Resource Protection SFC Scannow not working.
• System component corruption: System components that SFC requires for repairs may be corrupted, becoming a reason Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service.

Now that you know what may have caused the issue, let’s help you fix it. 

How to Fix the Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation Error

You can apply the following solutions sequentially until the Windows Resource Protection issue is resolved, and the repair service starts. 

Fix 1: Use DISM to repair the Windows component store

Running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is among the best-known ways to fix the problems if SFC Scannow doesn’t work properly. Hence, you can follow the steps below to run this tool. 

• First, type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click the first search result, and choose Run as administrator from the on-screen options.
• Once the Administrator Command Prompt appears, copy and paste the following command and press Enter. This command utilises the DISM tool to check for and repair Windows image corruption. It aims to restore the health of the operating system by using the Windows Update to download required files. Running this command is safe and can help resolve issues that prevent SFC from functioning correctly.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions and restart the computer.

Also know: Best Website Safety Checker for Scam Protection

Fix 2: Run the Scannow command in safe mode

Safe mode boots your computer only with the necessary drivers and applications, minimising the chance of interference in the Windows Resource Protection operations. Hence, you can run the SFC tool in safe mode if the Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. 

• Begin by using the Windows+I shortcut to launch Settings.
• Next, choose Update & Security from the Settings panel.
• In this step, select Recovery from the Update & Security menu.
• Now, navigate to the Advanced startup and click Restart Now.
• Once your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options.
• Next, choose Startup Settings from the on-screen advanced options.
• Click on the Restart button.
• After your PC restarts, press the F4 or 4 key to boot your computer into Safe mode.
• Once the computer boots into Safe mode, type cmd in Windows search, right-click Command Prompt in search results, and choose Run as administrator from the on-screen menu.
• Lastly, copy and paste the sfc /scannow command in the Administrator Command Prompt to run the SFC scan.

Fix 3: Check your hard drive for corrupted files and other issues

A hard drive with bad sectors, corrupted files, and other problems may have caused the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error. Hence, below are the steps to check and fix the hard drive issues. 

• In the first step, type cmd in Windows search, right-click Command Prompt in the search results, and choose Run as administrator from the on-screen options.
• Next, click Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
• In this step, copy and paste the following command in the Administrator Command Prompt and press Enter.

chkdsk C: /r

• Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer after the scan is complete.

Fix 4: Initiate Automatic Repair

Automatic Repair is a built-in Windows feature that automatically detects and fixes common issues that prevent your PC from booting correctly, such as corrupted system files, by scanning for problems and performing repairs using recovery data. You can also enable Automatic Repair to fix the SFC Scannow doesn’t work. Here is how. 

• Begin by rebooting your computer and holding the F8 key while the boot screen is visible to kick in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). On some computers, you may need to press the Fn (Function) key to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

Note: If your computer does not boot into WinRE, keep turning the PC on and off until it automatically enters the repair environment. 

• Once the computer boots into WinRE, choose Troubleshoot from the on-screen options.
• Next, select Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.

• Choose Startup Repair from the on-screen Advanced Options menu.
• Wait until your PC begins rebooting and starts running Startup Repair automatically.
• Next, choose your local user once the menu loads.
• In this step, enter the password of your local account and click Continue. You can leave the field empty if you do not have a password.
• Lastly, choose how Windows fixes the detected problems and follow the on-screen directions to complete the repair process.

Fix 5: Enable the Windows Module Installer

The Windows Module Installer allows you to install, modify, and remove Windows updates and optional components if the Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation to start the repair service. Hence, you can follow these steps to enable it. 

• First, open the Run box using the Windows+R shortcut.
• Next, type services.msc in the on-screen Run box and press Enter to open the Services window.

• In this step, locate and double-click the Windows Module Installer service to launch its properties.
• Now, change the Startup type to Automatic.
• If the service is not running already, click Start to enable the service.
• Lastly, click Apply and OK to save the changes and exit the Services window.

Fix 6: Update Windows

Windows updates fix random bugs and issues that may have caused the problem you are experiencing. Thus, you can follow the steps below to update Windows. 

• In the first step, type check for updates in Windows search and select it from the search results.
• Next, click Check for updates so that Windows can find the updates available for your operating system.
• In this step, download & install the available operating system update.
• Lastly, restart your computer to complete the Windows update process.

Fix 7: Try system restore

If you started experiencing problems recently, a recent change made to your system may have contributed to it. Hence, you can restore your system to an earlier state (if you have a previously created restore point). Here is how. 

• Begin by activating Windows search using the Windows+S shortcut.
• In this step, type create a restore point in Windows search and press Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab and click System Restore.
• Now, click Next to proceed further.

• Choose a restore point that was created before the error occurred.
• Now, click Next and confirm the restore point.
• Lastly, click Finish to complete the system restore.

Also know: How to Fix Windows Resource Protection Could Not Start The Repair Service

Fix 8: Reinstall Windows

If SFC Scannow doesn’t work even after applying all the above solutions, the last resort is to reinstall Windows. However, before following the steps below to perform a Windows reinstallation, back up important files to prevent data loss. 

It’s advisable to copy your essential files to an external USB drive or use a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures your data is safe and easily accessible after reinstallation.

• First, apply the Windows+I shortcut to access the Settings panel.
• Next, choose System from the on-screen settings and then click Recovery.
• In this step, select Reinstall Windows. If the Reinstall Windows option is unavailable, reset your PC to factory settings.
• When resetting Windows, select the Cloud Download option to ensure a reliable installation.

Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation Error while Running SFC Scan: The Conclusion

You can follow the solutions above to fix the Windows Resource Protection issue, because of which SFC Scannow doesn’t work. However, if the problem persists even after applying all these fixes sequentially, you can seek assistance from a qualified IT professional. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this article, feel free to contact us through the comments section. And, for more free and helpful tech guides delivered directly to your mailbox, subscribe to our newsletter.