10 Ways to Fix All File System Errors in Windows 11/10

Simon Marcus

2021-08-25 17:25:44

5631 views, 5 min read

The file system error is one of the most common Windows problems. Errors often occur due to disk-related problems, which could make the change between an easy fix and something much more time-consuming.

Wiindows file system errors can block you from accessing files, opening programs, and even completing some of the repairs. It can prove very difficult to fix a file system error without the right technical knowledge or help, which is why this list of the ten ways to solve the problem was made. We'll cover ten of the most common ways and explain how they'll help solve your file system errors in Windows 11/10.

Part 1. What Is a File System Error?

A file system error is a type of Windows error that oftentimes results from a disk error. While disk errors are wide-ranging in damage and cause, the most often culprit is a corrupt file or malfunctioning application.

These errors usually appear to inform you that your system is having trouble accessing or using a certain file or piece of code within your computer. As your operating system requires access to working files to operate correctly, any malfunction, corruption, or issue could result in a file system error. The name even implies that: file – as in the problem file, and system error – as in the system has had trouble accessing the file.

Although the type of file system error codes varies, there are some major codes below:

• File System Error -2018375670 | Usually Windows system file issues or faulty memory
• File System Error -1073741819 | Corrupted system files or malfunctioning registries
• File System Error -2147219200 | System file corruption
• File System Error -2147219196 | Windows Update bug
• File System Error -2147219195 | Photos app issues
• File System Error -2147219194 | Corrupted file or application opening
• File System Error -805305975 | OS software problem while opening a file via Photos app

Part 2. What Causes File System Errors?

It varies completely. For one person, a Windows file system error might have been caused by their computer shutting down during an update installation. Someone else might have just had a bug in their Windows download. As you increase the size of something, there's a higher chance for something to go wrong. The same philosophy applies to computers, as virtually anything can cause a file system error.

Nonetheless, there are a few major causes:

1. Windows system file issues

If you accidentally delete a system file or a Windows OS file, it can cause a file system error. The vast majority of system files are necessities, meaning that deleting one might mess up your entire computer. In other scenarios, a program might have accessed your system files and messed them up, or the wrong app tried to open the wrong type of file.

2. Faulty RAM stick

Your memory, known formally as RAM, is a small rectangular stick within your computer. Occasionally, dust, grime, or dirt can build upon it and make it unreadable. In other scenarios, it may come loose with a drop or violent movement. It might even just be old and has stopped functioning.

3. Photos app problems

Windows' Photos app is notorious for being incredibly buggy and sometimes non-functional. Most file system errors that go through the app, occur when the Photos app attempts to open a file while it's not supposed to. For example, it may try to open a system file, when it's meant to open PNG or JPG files. As it's a part of Windows, your computer may confuse it and use it to open something it can't.

4. Corruption and other issues

Oftentimes, you might just have some corrupted files. Installing betas, non-compatible apps, restarting your computer during an update, power outages, and other problems can all cause corruption. An app might open the wrong file type, accidentally delete, or rename something. It's really easy for a file to become corrupted.

Part 3. How Do You Fix File System Errors?

Try the following 10 ways to solve the Windows file system error according to your situation.

• 1. Scan for Viruses

• 2. Run SFC

• 3. Run chkdsk

• 4. Run DISM

• 5. Update Windows

• 6. Repair/Reinstall the Photos App

• 7. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

• 8. Reset Windows Store Cache

• 9. Set Windows Theme to Default

• 10. Run System Restore

1. Scan for Viruses

Many times, a file might be corrupted or inaccessible owing to a virus. Malware and viruses are designed to do something malicious to your computer, whether it be taking files hostage or erase them. Some viruses specifically target system files, so that they can steal your information and you can do nothing about it.

Try running an antivirus program or using the built-in Microsoft Defender. These programs will scan your computer for missing files, malicious software, and any other viruses or the like. Afterward, they'll quarantine and remove the virus, which should clear any virus-related system errors.

2. Run SFC

If you've scanned for a virus and removed it or don't have any malicious software on your computer, but the system error in Windows 11/10 still occurs, the next thing to do is to run "System File Checker". This tool is built into the Windows operating system, meaning that you won't have to download any app.

Running SFC is very easy, although if you know what to do. There are a few steps, although they're not too difficult:

• Search CMD or Command Prompt in your Search bar (Windows key).

• Right-click and press Run as Administrator.

• A box may pop up and ask you if you want to grant administrative access; press Yes or Accept.

• Once the Command Prompt has opened, type SFC /scannow.



• Let the SFC run and after that, restart your computer.

3. Run chkdsk

Check Disk (or chkdsk) scans your hard drive for any errors or issues, which it'll then try to fix. This fix uses the CHKDSK program, which comes with every computer running any version of Windows. CHKDSK checks every file on your hard drive, finding issues and fixes the files. This program works for any file system error that's related to your actual hard drive, meaning it'll work for most errors.

Similar to running SFC, to use Check Disk, you'll need to follow these steps:

• Search CMD or Command Prompt in your Search bar (Windows key).

• Right-click and press Run as Administrator, or press the same words to your right.

• A box may pop up and ask you if you want to grant administrative access; press Yes or Accept.

• Once the Command Prompt has opened, type chkdsk:/f and press Enter key.

• Let Check Disk operate, which may take a few minutes.

4. Run DISM

Deployment Image Servicing and Management, known as DISM, is used to repair your Windows image (.ISO file or your Windows OS image). This option is used for issues relating to the Windows Store or your operating system as a whole.

When activated, DISM will run, scan, and repair items from the counterpart on Microsoft's services. It's recommended to use DISM alongside SFC, as SFC will scan and fix what it can, with DISM fixing whatever is left. As another Command Prompt service, to use DISM, you need to:

• Once the Command Prompt has opened, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.



• Let DISM connect to the Microsoft servers, scan your computer, and initiate repairs.

5. Update Windows

Many issues relating to a file system error are in your Windows update files. The file system error -2147219196 is a notable example, as that error means that your Windows update was corrupted or messed with. Even with that example, many other errors pertain to updates, which can be fixed by repairing your OS files.

To run a Windows update, search your computer for update, press the Windows Update option, then click check for updates. Once it finishes loading, press download or continue, let the update finish, then hit restart when the option appears.

6. Repair/Reinstall the Photos App

Error code -2147219195 is the most common Photos app issue, which can be fixed by either repairing or reinstalling the Photos app. Photos app oftentimes attempts to open files that aren't actual photos, which may result in your computer being quite confused.

To repair the Photos app:

• Open Settings through the shortcut Win + I.

• Choose Apps, then locate Photos app and select Advanced Options.

• When a menu appears, scroll down and press Repair.

To reinstall the Photos app:

• Search PowerShell to open it and click Run as administrator.

• Enter Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage and hit Enter key.

• Reinstall the app from Microsoft Store.

7. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

For any problem relating to the Photos app or other apps that can't be solved by repairing or reinstalling, the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter is a good option to fix the system file errors. To use the troubleshooter:

• Search Troubleshoot then press the option.

• Find Other troubleshooters and click it.

• Scroll down and find Windows Store Apps.



• Press the option and let the troubleshooter run.

8. Reset Windows Store Cache

If your issue involves the Windows Store, whether with an outdated app or issue update, clearing your cache might be the issue. Over time, cache stores itself on your computer, which can lead to issues accessing files.

To clear your Windows Store cache, type wsreset.exe into your Run box, then press Enter. This will reset your Windows Store cache and should allow you to use it.

9. Set Windows Theme to Default

In some scenarios, your Windows theme may cause a file system error. Occasionally, your background theme may interfere with applications or your system, which may result in an error. If you accidentally shut down your computer or don't save unfinished customization, it can cause a file system error. To set your theme to default:

• Go to Settings > Personalization.

• Choose Themes and you should have options to change your theme, so find and select the Windows theme from the list of Windows default themes.

10. Run System Restore

If you can't find a solution to your file system error, it may be a major issue with files or your OS. The only reasonable solution would then be to run system restore. This option will undo recent changes, which might have caused your error, leaving documents and the like untouched.

• Open Control Panel and click Recovery.

• Press Open System Restore, the 2nd option in the middle

• When it appears, you may be asked to choose the restore point.



• Then follow the instructions to complete the process.

Conclusion

Knowing what the fault behind your file system error is can be incredibly helpful, as you'll just need to find and complete the steps for the right fix method. Of course, every situation is unique, and these aren't the only solutions. Most problems can be fixed with the majority of these solutions, especially with the troubleshooter or repair functions. Even still, it's important to make sure that you learn as much as you can about your situation before you attempt to fix it.