Windows users may be familiar with the System File Checker (SFC) utility. It is a diagnostic tool on Windows that can repair various system file related errors.
While there are multiple ways to run the SFC tool on Windows, the easiest way is to run it through the command prompt. At the command prompt, you need to run the command: sfc /scannow to scan and repair the corrupted system files.
However, the problem starts when the command returns with an error that reads: ‘Windows Resources Protection cannot perform the requested operation‘. The appearance of the error has confused many users and they are all looking for a solution.
What is Windows Resource Protection?
Before understanding the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error, it is essential to understand what Windows Resource Protection is and what it does.
Windows Resource Protection, also known as WRP, is a vital process that ensures that your important system files, folders, and registry keys are not replaced.
This Windows resource is designed only to protect the components that can cause app or operating system failures.
Why does the message ‘Windows Resource Protection cannot perform the requested operation’ appear?
The error ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ usually appears when you run the SFC command at the command prompt. The SFC tool is already part of the WRP.
The appearance of this error means that WRP cannot work. It usually doesn’t work if it thinks that modifying the files can damage your system.
When SFC tries to replace the corrupted files, certain types of files can trigger a false positive warning on WRP. So if something goes wrong with the SFC tool while attempting to repair system files, you will see the error message ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’.
How can I fix the error ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the request operation’?
Since the actual reason for the error is still unknown, you have to rely on basic troubleshooting tips to fix the error. These are the things you can do.
1. Restart your computer
Many users on the Microsoft Forum claimed that they were able to fix ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ by restarting their computers.
Certain operating system bugs or glitches can prevent Windows Resource Protection from working.
Therefore, restart your Windows computer before following the other troubleshooting methods. To reboot, click the Windows Start button and select the Power menu. Then in the Power menu click on ‘Restarting‘.
2. Run the CHKDSK utility
If restarting your computer did not help, try running the Check Disk utility. Check DISK or ChkDsk Utility is designed to find and fix disk errors. Here’s how to run the tool on the Windows operating system.
1. First click on Windows Search and type PowerShell. Then right click on the PowerShell and select ‘Run as administrator‘.
2. When the PowerShell terminal opens with administrative privileges, enter the given command:
chkdsk C: /r
3. You will be prompted to schedule the scan for the next reboot. Type Y and press the Enter knob.
That is it! Now restart your Windows computer to run the chkdsk utility. This will scan and repair all disk related errors from your computer.
3. Run the SFC tool in Safe Mode
Running the SFC tool in Safe Mode can rule out third-party apps and processes that conflict with the SFC command. You can try running the SFC tool in safe mode.
Safe Mode disables all third-party applications and closes the Internet connection. It provides a safe environment to find and repair corrupted system files. Here’s how to boot into safe mode and run the SFC tool.
1. Press the Windows key + R button on your keyboard. This opens the RUN dialog box.
2. In the RUN dialog box, type msconfig and press the Enter knob.
3. In the system configuration, switch to the Boot section.
4. In the boot options, check the box ‘Secure boot‘ and select ‘Minimal‘
5. After making changes, click To apply button and then continue OK.
That is it! Now restart your computer to boot in safe mode. In safe mode, open the command prompt and run the sfc /scannow command.
4. Start the Windows Modules Installer service
If you have disabled your computer’s Windows Modules Installer service to prevent Windows updates, SFC Scan will not work.
The best option is to run the Windows Modules Installer service again from the Servies and then run the SFC command. Here’s what to do.
1. Press the Windows Search button and type Services. Then open the Services app from the list.
2. On the Services, search for the Installer for Windows modules employ.
3. Right-click on the Windows Modules Installer and select ‘Characteristics‘.
4. Click the Startup type drop-down list in Properties and select ‘Manually‘.
5. After making changes, click Get started button on the Service Status.
6. Then click on ‘To apply‘ and then ‘OK‘.
That is it! Now restart your Windows computer to apply the changes.
5. Run the automatic repair tool
Windows 10/11 has a feature that automatically fixes issues that prevent Windows from loading. Automatic Repair is a part of Advanced Startup that can repair the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error message.
1. Click the Windows Start button and select ‘Institutions‘.
2. In Settings, switch to the System tab on the left.
3. Click the on the right side Recovery choice.
4. Now scroll down to the recovery options and click on the ‘Restart nowbutton next to Advanced Startup.
5. Your PC will restart and open the advanced options. Here, click Automatic recovery.
That is it! The automatic repair tool will run and fix any issues that might prevent the SFC tool from working properly.
6. Reset your Windows PC
If nothing worked for you to fix the SFC error ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’, then the best thing to do is to reset your PC.
Before resetting your computer, back up your important files and folders to cloud storage services or an external drive.
1. Click the Windows Start button and select ‘Institutions‘.
2. In Settings, switch to WindowsUpdate on the left sidebar.
3. Click on the button on the right sideAdvanced options‘.
4. Then click on ‘Recovery‘.
5. Under the recovery options, click ‘Reset PC‘.
6. At the Reset this PC prompt, select if you want save your files or clear all. You can choose to keep your files.
7. On How do you want to reinstall Windows? screen, select ‘Cloud download‘
8. In the next screen, click on the Reset button to reset Windows 11.
That is it! The reset process may take some time so please wait patiently and don’t restart your PC in between.
Also Read: How to Download & Install Windows 11 ISO on PC
So, these are the few best and working methods to resolve the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error message. If you need more help fixing the WRP error, let us know in the comments.
