Download the official file matching your current OS version.
Press , type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution , and press Enter . Select all files inside this folder and Delete them. Return to the Command Prompt and restart the services: net start wuauserv net start bits Use code with caution. Run your DISM tool again. If you want to troubleshoot further, tell me:
The most likely reason is a small syntax difference. Ensure the exact spacing and parameters match. Also, if your Windows installation is older or more corrupted, resetting the Windows Update components (Solution 3) is more likely to help you.
Sometimes the traditional Command Prompt environment experiences glitches that Windows PowerShell handles better. The syntax rules remain identical, but switching environments can bypass the error. Right-click the Windows icon. Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) . Type the standard command exactly as written: powershell DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Use code with caution. Press Enter and observe if the progress bar begins to move. Alternative: Fixing Error 87 on Windows 7 dism error 87 fixed
The you typed right before the error appeared. Your Windows version (Windows 10 or 11).
DISM requires elevated privileges to modify system files. If you run it in a standard command prompt, it will fail with Error 87 . Open the and type cmd .
How to Fix DISM Error 87: A Step-by-Step Guide If you’ve tried to repair your Windows image using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool only to be met with you’re not alone. This is one of the most common DISM errors, and while it looks intimidating, it usually boils down to a simple syntax mistake or a service glitch. Download the official file matching your current OS version
Let’s walk through a real scenario. A user types:
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Let's move on to the practical fixes. Follow these steps in order, as the first solution resolves the issue for the vast majority of users. Return to the Command Prompt and restart the
If this fails with Error 87, your DISM is too old.
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If the standard Command Prompt environment continues to present issues, Windows PowerShell offers a more modern terminal interface that handles command strings differently.
Use TAB completion in Command Prompt. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image / then press TAB to cycle through valid options.
