How to Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 and Windows 11

 To resolve a DISM error 87, make sure the command you typed uses correct syntax, launch Command Prompt with admin rights, update your Windows version, or repair Windows' corrupted system files.

Getting an "Error: 87" message while running the DISM command on your PC? This is a pretty common error and you can fix it with ease. We'll show you multiple ways to get around this issue on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.

Make Sure You Type the Correct Command

The most common reason you get an error 87 while running the DISM command is that you've typed the command incorrectly. You may have added an extra space or removed a space where it's absolutely required.

To get around that, enter your DISM command just as it should be: with a single space between your parameters.

Here's an example of an incorrectly typed DISM command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image/Restorehealth

Note that there's no space between the /Cleanup-image and the /Restorehealth parameters. Once you add those spaces, which makes your command look like the following, your error 87 is resolved.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Run Command Prompt as Admin

Another reason you get an error running the DISM command is that you're using Command Prompt without admin privileges. This command requires admin rights to properly function.

To fix that, launch Command Prompt as an admin. Do that by opening your PC's "Start" menu, finding "Command Prompt", and selecting "Run as Administrator."

Make sure to choose "Yes" in the "User Account Control" prompt. Then, run your DISM command, and it will work just as expected.

Update Windows

An outdated and buggy Windows version can cause your system commands to malfunction. This may be the case with your DISM command.

You can try to resolve your system issues by updating your Windows version. Newer versions bring the latest bug fixes that patch the existing issues in your system.

To update a Windows 11 PC, navigate to Settings > Windows Update. On the right pane, click "Check for Updates" and download and install the available updates.

If you're on Windows 10, head into Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. On the right, click "Check for Updates" and download and install the latest updates.

Fix Windows' Corrupted Files

If your Windows' system files have become corrupted, that can cause system features not to work. Your DISM command error 87 may be the result of corrupted system files.

In this case, use a built-in Windows command to find and fix your system's broken files. Do that by first opening the "Start" menu, finding "Command Prompt", and selecting "Run as Administrator."

In the "User Account Control" prompt, select "Yes."

On the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

The command will scan your system for corrupted files and replace those files with working ones.