There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete

When you try to run the System File Checker, you may see an error message – There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete, Restart Windows and run SFC again, If you face this issue, then this is what you need to do.

There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete

There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete error can be addressed and resolved by following these two methods. One is sure to help you:

1. Restart PC and run SFC
2. Delete the pending.xml file
3. Use the revertpendingactions parameter for DISM.

Let us check out the procedure involved in detail.

1] Restart PC and run SFC

Reboot your computer once and let the pending process complete. See if you can run System File Checker now. If you can, then the matter is resolved, and that’s good for you.

2] Delete the pending.xml file

If you continue to receive this message, navigate to the following folder:

C:\Windows\WinSxS\

Search for a pending.xml file and rename it. You may even delete it. This will delete pending tasks and build a fresh new check.

3] Use the revertpendingactions parameter for DISM

If you cannot boot into Windows, then from the Recovery Console, run Command Prompt, and execute the following command:

dism.exe /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions

Once the process is completed, reboot your system and see if you can run SFC.

PS: If you try to run DISM from the Recovery Console, with the /online option, you may see error – DISM doesn’t support servicing Windows PE with /Online option.

Related read: How to fix DISM Errors in Windows 11/10.