SFC Scannow can automatically fix many computer errors. Unfortunately, it can go haywire too. The most common issue when using the system file checker is the “windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation” error. Read on to learn what this error means and how you can fix it.
What’s Windows Resource Protection?
What’s Windows Resource Protection?
Windows Resource Protection is a Windows feature that protects important system folders, files, and registry keys. If you try to replace a critical system file, WRP kicks in and replaces the modified file with a cached copy of the original file to prevent operating system errors. The SFC tool is part of Windows Resource Protection. That’s why you get the “windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation” error when something goes wrong with the SFC tool.
How to Fix “Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation” Error
How to Fix “Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform the Requested Operation” Error
Several issues can cause this SFC error. Usually, other Windows components conflict with the tool. In other cases, the hard drive is causing the error when you attempt to scan it using the scannow command. Either way, you need to follow a few troubleshooting steps to find the root of the error and fix it.
1. Use the Chkdsk Command
How do you fix a diagnostic tool? By using another diagnostic tool, of course! The chkdsk command can fix a wide range of logical and physical errors related to your hard drive. This means it can also fix the “windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation” error.
2. Run the SFC Utility Tool in Safe Mode
If another system component conflicts with the system file checker, try running the scannow command in safe mode.
3. Enable Windows Modules Installer
If the Windows Modules Installer is disabled, your computer isn’t getting any updates so SFC might be encountering errors. Here’s how you can make sure it’s enabled:
4. Use Automatic Repair
If nothing helped so far, it’s time to try the Automatic Repair feature. Windows will automatically check for anything that isn’t set up as it should be and attempt to reset it to its default status. Don’t worry, the automatic repair process won’t delete any of your data.
5. Reset Windows
So you’ve tried everything, and SFC scannow still doesn’t work as it should. It’s time for a system reset. Make sure you’ve tried everything else to make the SFC tool work because the reset will wipe your system clean. Back up all your important data before proceeding. There are several ways to do this, but you should use the basic recovery option unless you prefer one of the other Windows reinstallation options.
Does SFC Work as Intended?
Does SFC Work as Intended?
Hopefully, your “windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation” error is now gone for good. Let us know in the comments below which solution worked for you. If you know of any other fix for this error, feel free to share it!
