Fixing the “File System Error -2147163893” on Windows 11 and 10

The “File System Error -2147163893” on Windows 11 and 10 can be quite frustrating, but it’s typically fixable with a few troubleshooting steps. Follow this guide to resolve the issue effectively.

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary system glitches.

Steps:

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Select the Power icon and choose Restart.

2. Run Windows Update

Updating Windows can fix known issues and bugs.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.

3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The SFC tool can scan and repair corrupted system files.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

4. Use the DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair the system image.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete.

5. Check and Repair Disk Errors

Using the CHKDSK utility can fix file system errors on your disk.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
3. Follow the prompts and restart your computer if necessary.

6. Reset Windows Store Cache

Resetting the Windows Store cache can resolve issues related to apps.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete and the Store to reopen.

7. Reinstall Problematic Apps

If the error is related to a specific app, reinstalling it can help.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find the problematic app, select it, and click Uninstall.
3. Reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or official website.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable all.
4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.

9. Check for Malware

Malware can cause various system errors, including file system errors.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan.
3. Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

10. Reset or Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, resetting or reinstalling Windows can resolve persistent issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything and follow the prompts.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “File System Error -2147163893” on Windows 11 and 10. Regular maintenance and keeping your software up to date can help prevent such issues in the future.