How to Fix “A Required File Is Missing or Corrupt” Error in Windows – Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

A young woman looks shocked at a laptop showing the error “Windows could not start because a required file is missing or corrupt,” with USB and recovery icons in the background.

Have you encountered this message?

“Windows could not start because a required file is missing or corrupt”

It’s one of the scariest errors that can appear when turning on your PC. But don’t panic — you still have options to fix it!

This guide explains the common causes of this error and step-by-step solutions, including USB recovery methods that even beginners can follow.

目次

1. What Causes This Error?

This error usually appears when essential Windows startup files are damaged or missing.

  • Sudden power loss or forced shutdown
  • Virus or malware infection
  • Hardware failure (especially HDD or aging SSD)
  • Interrupted Windows updates

Even something as simple as a low battery or unplugged power cable during an update can cause file corruption that prevents booting.

2. Step-by-Step Solutions

Step 1: Wait for Automatic Repair

If you see the message “Preparing Automatic Repair,” leave it running — Windows may fix the problem without any input.

Step 2: Try Booting into Safe Mode

Turn on your PC and repeatedly press [F8] or [Shift] + [F8] to access boot options.

Select Safe Mode from the list. If successful, you can uninstall suspicious apps or use System Restore.

Step 3: Use System Restore

From Safe Mode or Recovery Options, choose “System Restore” to roll back to a working system state. This can also repair corrupted system files.

Step 4: Use Installation Media to Repair

If Safe Mode doesn’t work, try using a bootable USB to access repair tools.

Use the following commands via the Command Prompt to rebuild the boot configuration:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Note: Run each command one at a time and press Enter after each.

How to Create Installation Media

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official site.
  2. Download the Media Creation Tool.
  3. Launch the tool and choose “Create installation media for another PC.”
  4. Select language and version, then choose “USB flash drive.”
  5. Wait 10–30 minutes for the USB to be ready.

Recommended USB drives:

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▶ Booting from USB

  1. Insert the USB drive into the broken PC.
  2. Turn it on and press [F12], [Esc], or [Del] to enter boot options.
  3. Select the USB device and boot.
  4. Click “Next” on the setup screen, then choose “Repair your computer.”

At this point, you can use Startup Repair or Command Prompt for recovery tasks.

▶ If Repair Fails: Common Issues

  • Improperly created USB drive
  • Secure Boot enabled in BIOS
  • Mismatched system architecture (32/64-bit)
  • Storage drive failure

If you’re stuck, recreate the USB using another PC or check BIOS settings to disable Secure Boot.

3. Final Option: Backup and Reinstall

If recovery fails, your last resort is to back up your data (using another PC or bootable tools) and reinstall Windows from scratch.

If your data is important, consider a professional data recovery service:

▶ External SSDs for backup:

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4. Prevent Future Errors

  • Don’t force shutdown your PC
  • Always let updates complete fully
  • Run health checks on your storage regularly
  • Use antivirus software and avoid risky downloads

These errors can return if the root cause isn’t fixed. Consider using free tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor SSD/HDD health, and always shut down your PC properly.

And most importantly — back up your important files regularly!

Conclusion

“A required file is missing or corrupt” doesn’t mean your PC is dead. You still have a real chance of saving it.

Take it one step at a time — whether it’s automatic repair, Safe Mode, or USB recovery. You’ve got this!

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎ Top Windows 11 Blue Screen Errors and How to Fix Them

▶︎Blurry CJK Fonts in Chromium Browsers on Windows

▶︎The Publisher Could Not Be Verified”: What It Means and How to Safely Proceed in Windows

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

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