SCF Windows Resource Protection Could not Perform the Requested Operation

When some Windows functions don’t work or Windows system crashes, we often use the System File Checker (SFC) to scan and restore corrupted Windows system files. It usually gets the problem fixed by finding and restoring corrupted or missing system files to the working state. But this tool is not working well as we have expected all the time. An increasing number of users are reporting that they get "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error message while performing the "sfc /scannow" command.

Being tortured by sfc scannow stuck or failing error, you might blame various reasons. But it is not the thing should get the most attention. What you should concern most is how to deal with the "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error message so that you can get sfc scannow work properly. Now, follow the solutions below to get the error fixed in Windows 10/8/7!

Step 1: Open EaseUS Todo Backup and select "File" as the backup mode.

You may have a large amount of vital data to be protected as time goes on, such as documents, pictures, music, and videos, etc. It is always a good habit to have a backup on a regular basis. File Backup is one of the best choices for you to get over unexpected data loss.

Step 2: Select the files that you want to back up.

Tick the option at the top left corner named User Defined, you can browse to back up one or some specific file types on your computer or external storage device.

Step 3: Select a destination to save your backup file. 

You'd better create the backup file in some other storage media or in some other drive. If not, there may be a risk of the backup file getting corrupted or destroyed.

Step 4: Click "Proceed" to execute your operation.

After you have backed up data, you can solve the problem with the help of the three methods.

Solution 1. Run CHKDSK

If there were errors on your hard drive, SFC would also fail. CHKDSK can check the integrity of your hard disk and fix various file system errors. 

Step 1: Click Win key and search "Command Prompt".

Step 2: Right-click on the search results and select "Run as Administrator".

Step 3: Click "Yes" when prompted by User Account Control. And if you are asked to enter your administrator password, make sure you enter it correctly.

Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, Type CHKDSK C: /r and press "Enter".

Step 5: When asked to schedule checking disk, type y, and press "Enter" again.

Step 6: Reboot your PC and wait until the CHKDSK finishes to check disk and fix the detected errors.

Step 7: Run SFC again to check if it can complete. 

If you don't have any technical know-how and want to minimize data risks, using third-party software could be a better choice. The Command line is suitable for computer professionals since wrong commands can cause severe problems. Therefore, we strongly recommend you try an automatic command line alternative.

EaseUS Tools M is a practical computer fixing tool that is safe and light-weighted. It's a perfect alternative to CHKDSK command. Use this one-click tool to solve your computer issues.

To fix file system error or disk error:

Step 1:  DOWNLOAD EaseUS Tools M for Free and install it.

Step 2: Open the software and select the "File showing" option. 

Step 3: Choose the drive and wait for repairing. After the operation completes, click the "View" button to check the drive. 

Solution 2. Modify the Security Descriptors on the Winsxs Folder

If the error message still pops up, it suggests that the problem has nothing to do with the disk errors. Then continue to check another possibility - the SFC utility cannot access the Winsxs folder (C:\Windows\winsxs) because of some issues with the folder's security descriptors. 

Step 1: Open the command prompt by following the above steps.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, Type ICACLS C:\Windows\winsxs and press "Enter".

Step 3: Wait until the command is executed, then close the Command Prompt.

Step 4: Restart your computer and run SFC again to check if the problem has been fixed.

Solution 3. Reinstall the System

If all the above methods are failing to work, try to reinstall the system. It is the quickest route to fix "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation" error. Before you take actions, back up wanted data on the system drive.

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft  Media Creation Tool page and click the Download tool now button.

Step 2: Accept the license agreement

Step 3: Keep the default which is to Upgrade your PC and click "Next".

Step 4: Go ahead and follow the prompts to finish the process.