DISM, aka Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a built-in command-line tool in Windows OS that’s mostly used in repairing common software-related issues. Basically, it services and prepares Windows images, including those used for Windows PE, Windows RE, and Windows Setup. However, even tools like DISM, meant to resolve issues can bump into errors, one of them being Error 50. So, what is DISM Error 50, and how to fix it on Windows? Find out in this article.
What is DISM Error 50? What Causes It?
DISM is available on Windows through the command line or from Windows PowerShell. Error: 50 DISM does not support servicing Windows PE with the /Online option. The DISM log file can be found at x:windows\dism\dism.log” usually occurs when the user is trying to run one of these commands to repair system files on Windows:
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
It emerges when DISM mistakenly identifies the environment as Windows PE (Pre-installation Environment) or Windows RE (Recovery Environment) rather than the active Windows system. Windows PE is a minimal version of the OS, used for deployment and recovery purposes. It does not have the same level of features and components as a complete Windows installation and /Online is not designed to work with it.
Among other factors, this misidentification is associated with a corrupt or misplaced registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet
How to Fix DISM Error 50 on Windows
DISM is an essential utility tool for system administrators and advanced users to manage and maintain the health of Windows installations on their PCs, While such errors can be worrisome, let’s fix it.
Method 1: Delete the Associated Registry Key
Firstly as we already know the root cause related to the error is the corrupt registry key, let’s begin with deleting it. Follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Press the Windows+R keys together to launch the Run dialog.
2. Type Regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Click on Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
4. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
You can also copy this address from here and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar and press Enter.
5. In the left pane, look for the MiniNT folder, right-click on it, and select Permissions.
5. In the Permissions for MiniNT pop-up window, select your username in the Group or user names section.
6. Under Permissions for Users, tick the Allow checkbox for Full Control.
7. Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
8. Now, again right-click on the MiniNT folder and choose Delete.
7. Select Yes to confirm the action and then Restart the PC to apply the changes.
Also Read: Windows Server vs Windows 10: What are the Differences?
Method 2: Refresh DISM Software
When you refresh the DISM software, it resets the internal components and downloads fresh files which help resolve issues related to corrupt o missing system files. Follow the steps below:
1. Press the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run dialog box.
2. In the text field, type cmd, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. Paste the following command in the terminal and press Enter:
dism.exe /image:C: /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions
4. Now launch the Run dialog box again and in the text field, type msconfig. Press Enter.
5. In the Boot tab, check the box next to Safe Boot.
6. Select the Network option and click on OK.
7. Restart the PC now to enter into Safe mode.
8. Once restarted, run the Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the system file checker command: sfc /scannow
9. Wait and once the process is completed, Restart the PC again.
This should fix the discussed error for you.
Method 3: Update Windows
Outdated OS are vulnerable to bugs and software glitches, which could also occasionally trigger the DISM error 50. It is essential that the Windows OS on the PC is up to date to fix the error. You can refer to our guide on How to Download and Install Windows 10 Latest Update.
Method 4: Repair Corrupt Files
We already know that Error: 50 prompts when a user executes the Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command, which indicates issues with the /RestoreHealth parameters. However, executing a few commands to identify available drives, run DISM with the appropriate parameters, and perform system file checks on the Windows 10 PC can potentially resolve this.
1. Insert your Windows 10 installation media (such as a bootable USB drive or DVD) and boot the PC using it.
2. In the first installation screen, press Shift + F10 keys to launch Command Prompt as administrator.
3, Paste the following command in the WinRE Command Prompt window and press Enter to execute:
wmic logicaldisk get name
4. Now type the following command to find the drive with the Windows folder.
dir drive-letter:
Note: Replace drive-letter with the correct drive containing the Windows folder.
For example: dir C: or dir D:
5. Once you found the drive containing the Windows folder, execute the command mentioned below:
dism.exe /Image:D:\ /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
Note: Replace the letter with the driver on your PC containing the Windows folder.
Important: If you face Error 0x800f081f, perform a repair upgrade following Steps 6 to 8. If not, skip to Step 9.
6. For repair upgrade, boot using Windows Installation Media and at the Windows Setup wizard, click on Next.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions and once the upgrade process is completed, reboot Windows in Safe Mode.
8. Run the Command Prompt in administrative mode and execute the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
9. Finally, execute the following command:
SFC /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=D:\ /OFFWINDIR=D:\Windows
Note: Make sure to use the letter of the driver containing the Windows folder instead of D.
10. Restart the PC at last.
Check if the error is fixed now. If not, proceed to the next method.
Method 5: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update Troubleshooter is a helpful tool for resolving various Windows-related problems. It might potentially identify and fix any issues related to Windows updates that might be causing DISM errors.
1. Open Settings on the PC and click on Update & Security.
2. Click on Troubleshoot and then under Get up and running, select Windows Update.
3. Now click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
4. Restart the PC and check if the DISM Error 50 is resolved.
Also Read: How to Download Classic Paint for Windows 10
Method 6: Use DISM with the /Source Option
This method introduces the use of the DISM tool with the /Source option. As we specify the source files from the Windows installation media to repair the DISM component, this might fix Error 50.
1. Insert your Windows 10 installation media into the PC and boot using it.
2. During the boot-up process, choose your preferred Language to install and click Next.
3. Select the Repair your computer option at the bottom left corner.
4. Click on Troubleshoot, followed by Command Prompt.
4. Execute the following command, replacing X with the drive letter of your installation media (e.g., D; E, or F):
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:X:\Sources\Install.wim
5. Allow the process to complete, and then Restart the PC.
Method 7: Create New User Account
Sometimes the error is related only to a specific user account. You can create a new one and log in to the PC using it to prevent the issue. Follow the steps mentioned below:
1. In the Control Panel, click on User Accounts, followed by Manage another account.
2. At the bottom left corner, click on Add a new user in PC settings.
3. Under Other users, click on Add someone else to this PC.
4. Now follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account. Once created, you can log in through the new account.
Method 8: Update BIOS
Updating BIOS ensures that the current system software is compatible with other modules as well, which could ultimately fix the DISM error. Moreover, it also increases stability in the performance of the PC. You can follow our guide on What is BIOS and how to update BIOS?
Method 9: Reset BIOS
If updating BIOS did not help, you can reset the BIOS settings to their default or factory values as certain configurations can sometimes interfere with DISM operations. A reset can help eliminate this conflict.
1. In the first step, access the BIOS settings on your Windows 10 PC (the key to enter BIOS varies by manufacturer).
2. Move to the Advanced BIOS section and select Reset Configuration Data.
Note: There could be other variations to it such as Reset to Default, Load Factory Defaults, Clear BIOS Settings, Load Setup Defaults, or something similar. So, click on the appropriate option.
3. Lastly select Save and Exit.
4. Restart the PC, the error should be resolved now.
Method 10: Perform Windows Repair Installation
As a last resort, a Windows repair installation, also known as an in-place upgrade, can be considered. It involves reinstalling Windows while preserving your files and applications. Our guide on How to Repair Install Windows 10 Easily can help you with this, and potentially fix persistent issues like DISM Error 50.
DISM Error 50 can be a hindrance when trying to perform critical tasks on the Windows system. We hope with the methods outlined in our guide, you were able to easily resolve the issue. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below. Stay tuned to TechCult for solutions to more such tech-related errors.
