How to Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 & 11? Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

The Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management tool, or DISM, is a Windows command-line tool. It helps repair system images, restore missing files, and fix update problems.

Most people run DISM when something in Windows feels broken, like missing updates, crashing apps, or error messages during boot. It’s a key tool to fix system files without reinstalling Windows.

What Does “DISM Error 87” Mean?

When you run a DISM command and see Error 87, it means the tool didn’t understand what you typed. The system couldn’t start the task because the parameters or the way you typed the command were wrong.

You’ll usually see something like:

Error: 87
The parameter is incorrect.

This error doesn’t always mean your system is damaged. It just means something in your command went off track.

Common Causes of DISM Error 87

These are the most common reasons for the error:

• Typing the wrong DISM command format
• Using PowerShell instead of the Command Prompt
• Running DISM without admin rights
• Leaving out spaces or slashes in the command
• Using DISM with the wrong version for your OS
• Damaged system files or registry errors
• Missing update components
• Unsupported commands for your Windows version
• Running it in a locked system environment (like recovery mode without proper setup)

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 & 11

Below are step-by-step solutions to fix DISM Error 87, covering everything from incorrect command usage to system-related issues that block DISM from working.

Fix #1: Use Correct Command Syntax in CMD

Many people encounter this error simply because they typed the command incorrectly. DISM commands need exact spacing and slashes.

Here is the correct example:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wrong example:

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

Double-check spaces, slashes, and spelling. Don’t skip them, or it won’t run.

Fix #2: Run Command Prompt as Administrator

DISM needs full system access. If you run the command without admin rights, it may throw Error 87.

Here is how to run CMD as an admin:

• Click Start
• Type cmd
• Right-click Command Prompt
• Select Run as administrator

After that, retype your DISM command.

Fix #3: Don’t Use PowerShell for DISM Commands

Running DISM in PowerShell sometimes causes syntax to break, especially if quotes or parameters change behaviour. It’s safer to use Command Prompt, even on Windows 11.

Just open Command Prompt as an admin and try your command there.

Fix #4: Make Sure You’re Using the Right Version of DISM

The DISM version needs to match your Windows version. If it doesn’t, some parameters won’t work. You can check your DISM version by typing:

DISM /?

If you installed a newer Windows version but didn’t update DISM, some options may not be available. Using an ISO from a different version can also cause issues.

Fix #5: Run DISM from Safe Mode if Normal Boot Fails

If your system blocks DISM commands during regular startup, Safe Mode might help.

Follow these steps to enter Safe Mode:

• Press Windows + R → type msconfig → go to Boot tab
• Check Safe Boot and restart
• Open CMD as admin and try DISM again

Safe Mode reduces active drivers and background tasks that might block DISM.

Fix #6: Use DISM with a Windows ISO File

Sometimes the local system image is too broken. You can use a clean image from an ISO.

Steps:

1. Download the same version of Windows ISO
2. Mount it by double-clicking the ISO
3. Note the drive letter (e.g., D:)
4. Run:

This tells DISM to use the ISO instead of your current files.

Fix #7: Try Windows Update Troubleshooter First

Before you use DISM, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Broken updates can cause DISM to fail.

To run it:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
• Click Windows Update
• Run the troubleshooter and apply any fixes
• Then retry your DISM command

Fix #8: Check the DISM and CBS Logs for More Clues

If you’re still stuck, check the logs. DISM writes to its own file. You might see what failed and why.

• Open: C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log
• Also check: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log

Open them in Notepad and look for lines marked “error” or “failed.”

Fix #9: Run SFC Scan Before DISM

System File Checker (SFC) is another tool that can fix problems that block DISM.

Steps:

1. Open CMD as an admin
2. Type: sfc /scannow
3. Let it finish
4. Reboot and run DISM again

Sometimes SFC fixes small file issues that DISM can’t start with.

Fix #10: Reset or Reinstall Windows If Nothing Works

If all else fails and your system won’t accept DISM, a reset may be needed.

Options:

• Use Reset This PC in recovery settings
• Or perform a Windows repair install using a USB or ISO

This keeps your files but repairs all system files.

When Should You Avoid Using DISM?

DISM isn’t always the right tool. If your hard drive is physically failing, trying to repair files won’t work—it could make things worse. You’ll notice signs like slow performance, clicking sounds, or frequent crash loops.

Also, if you’ve manually removed essential Windows features or core services, DISM might fail because it can’t find the components it needs to rebuild the system image.

DISM also can’t fix issues caused by malware infections, driver conflicts, or BIOS errors. Those problems live outside the Windows image layer that DISM works with.

In these cases, it’s better to:

• Back up your files
• Use Reset This PC or
• Do a clean Windows reinstall

That way, you’re starting fresh without chasing issues that DISM can’t fix anyway.

Tips to Avoid DISM Errors in Future

You can prevent this problem by following a few simple tips:

• Always copy and paste commands instead of typing
• Run CMD as an administrator for all repair tools
• Don’t use PowerShell for DISM unless you know it supports your parameters
• Keep your system updated so commands stay compatible
• Run the Windows Troubleshooter monthly
• Back up your system before making changes
• Don’t delete key files like WinSxS
• Keep your ISO version the same as your installed OS
• Clear temp files using Disk Cleanup regularly

Final Thoughts

DISM is robust but very sensitive to minor issues. One missing space or the wrong slash can break the whole thing. Error 87 usually points to a mistake in how the command was written or how it was run.

The good part is that this error rarely means your system is beyond repair. With the correct command and setup, DISM will work just fine and help you fix even serious Windows problems.