Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), a Windows command-line tool, repairs corrupted system files and fixes issues with the Windows image. Many users run the DISM /Online /Cleanup Image /RestoreHealth command when troubleshooting Windows problems. However, instead of repairing the system, they sometimes encounter DISM Error 87, which typically appears with the message, “The parameter is incorrect.”
In this guide, I will explain the easy steps to resolve the error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Follow each solution in order until the DISM command runs successfully.
Why Does DISM Error 87 Occur?
Before trying the fixes, it helps to understand why this error appears. DISM Error 87 usually indicates that Windows cannot recognize one or more parameters in the command you entered. In some cases, the command itself is valid, but Windows cannot process it because of outdated system components or insufficient permissions.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Incorrect command syntax
- Missing spaces between parameters
- Running Command Prompt without administrator rights
- Using an unsupported DISM command
- An outdated Windows installation
- Corrupted system files
- Problems with the Windows image
Now, you have the possible causes, let’s go for the solution steps!
Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Follow these steps to fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 and Windows 11:
- Verify that the DISM command is typed correctly.
- Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Check your Windows version and use the correct DISM syntax.
- Add the required spaces between command parameters.
- Update Windows to install the latest servicing stack.
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.
- Use a Windows installation media as the repair source if needed.
- Restart your PC and run the DISM command again.
Now let’s go through each solution in detail.
Step 1: Verify the DISM Command Syntax
The most common reason for DISM Error 87 is a typing mistake. Even a missing space or an extra character can prevent Windows from recognizing the command correctly.
Go to the Start menu, type Command Prompt, but don’t run any commands yet. Carefully compare the command you entered with the official syntax. If you copied the command from a website, make sure no hidden characters or formatting issues were included.
For example, the correct command is:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Notice that every parameter begins with a forward slash, and there is a space before each parameter. If you accidentally type DISM/Online without a space or misspell Cleanup-Image, Windows may display Error 87.
After correcting the command, press Enter again. If the syntax was the problem, the scan should begin normally.
Step 2: Run Command Prompt as an Administrator
DISM requires elevated permissions to access protected Windows components. Running it in a normal Command Prompt window may prevent the tool from functioning correctly.
Go to the Start menu, then type Command Prompt. Right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator. If the User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes.
Once the elevated Command Prompt window opens, type the DISM command again exactly as shown below:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter and wait for Windows to verify the image. Depending on your computer, the scan may take several minutes.
If the issue was caused by insufficient permissions, the command should now run successfully.
Step 3: Use the Correct DISM Command for Your Windows Version
Some DISM commands work only on specific Windows versions. Using commands designed for older Windows releases may result in Error 87.
Go to Settings, then System, then About. Under Windows specifications, check your Windows version and edition.
Next, verify that the command you’re using matches your operating system. For most Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, the standard repair command is:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Avoid using commands that were created for older Windows versions unless you specifically know they are compatible.
If you copied a command from an older tutorial, replace it with the current syntax and run it again.
Step 4: Make Sure There Is a Space Between Every Parameter
Although this may sound simple, missing spaces are one of the biggest reasons users receive DISM Error 87.
Go to your Command Prompt window, then carefully review every part of the command.
For example, this command is incorrect:
DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
This command is correct:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Each switch must be separated by a space. Windows reads each parameter individually. Without proper spacing, DISM cannot interpret the command correctly and immediately returns Error 87.
If necessary, delete the entire command and type it again slowly rather than editing individual sections.
Step 5: Update Windows Before Running DISM
An outdated Windows installation may contain servicing components that are incompatible with newer repair commands.
Go to Settings, then Windows Update. Click Check for updates and allow Windows to download and install all available updates.
Some updates include improvements to the Windows servicing stack, which directly affects how DISM operates.
After installing updates, restart your computer. Once Windows loads again, open Command Prompt as administrator and run the DISM command one more time.
Many users find that installing pending updates resolves DISM Error 87 without requiring additional troubleshooting.
Step 6: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan
If DISM Error 87 continues to appear, it’s possible that corrupted system files are preventing the command from working correctly. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can repair these files and improve system stability.
Go to the Start menu, then type Command Prompt. Right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator. Once the elevated window opens, type the following command:
sfc /scannow
Press Enter and allow Windows to scan your protected system files. This process may take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your computer’s performance. During the scan, Windows will automatically replace corrupted or missing system files with cached copies.
After the scan finishes, you’ll see one of several results. If Windows reports that it found and repaired corrupted files, restart your computer. Then open Command Prompt as an administrator again and run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
In many cases, repairing system files first allows DISM to complete without displaying Error 87.
Step 7: Use Windows Installation Media as the Repair Source
Sometimes the local Windows image is too damaged for DISM to repair on its own. In this situation, you can use Windows installation media as an external repair source.
First, create or obtain a Windows installation USB drive or mount a Windows ISO file that matches the version, edition, and language installed on your PC.
Go to File Explorer, then note the drive letter assigned to the installation media, such as D: or E:.
Next, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run a DISM command that specifies the installation source. For example:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:D:\sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Replace D: with the correct drive letter on your computer.
If your installation media contains an install.esd file instead of install.wim, adjust the command accordingly by replacing WIM with ESD and referencing the correct file.
This method instructs DISM to use the installation files instead of downloading repair components from Windows Update. Once the repair is complete, restart your PC and verify that Windows is functioning normally.
Step 8: Restart Your Computer and Run DISM Again
Although it may seem like a simple solution, restarting Windows can resolve temporary issues that interfere with system repair tools.
Go to the Start menu, select Power, then click Restart. Allow Windows to shut down completely and start again.
After your computer restarts, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
If a background service or temporary system process was causing the problem, the command may now run successfully.
Restarting your PC also clears temporary files and refreshes Windows services that DISM depends on.
Step 9: Perform an In-Place Repair Upgrade
If you’ve tried every previous solution and DISM Error 87 still appears, performing an in-place repair upgrade is often the most effective option. This process reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files, installed applications, and most settings.
Begin by downloading the latest Windows installation media from Microsoft’s official website.
Open the installation media, then run Setup.exe. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the installation options. Choose Keep personal files and apps, then continue with the installation.
Windows will reinstall the operating system using fresh system files while keeping your existing data intact. Depending on your hardware, the process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
Once the repair upgrade is complete, sign in to Windows and open Command Prompt as an administrator. Run the DISM command again to confirm that the error has been resolved.
This method is typically considered a last resort before performing a clean installation of Windows.
FAQs
What is DISM Error 87?
DISM Error 87 is a Windows error that usually means the command contains an invalid or incorrectly formatted parameter. It can also occur if you’re using an unsupported command or running DISM without administrator privileges.
Can DISM Error 87 damage my computer?
No. The error itself does not harm your computer. It simply indicates that Windows could not process the DISM command successfully.
Is DISM available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. DISM is included with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is also available in several Windows Server editions.
Should I run SFC or DISM first?
If you’re troubleshooting Windows image corruption, it’s generally recommended to run DISM first because it repairs the Windows image used by System File Checker. After DISM completes successfully, run SFC to repair any remaining system file corruption.
Why does DISM stop at a certain percentage?
In some cases, DISM may appear to pause at 20 percent, 40 percent, or even 62 percent. This is normal behavior, as the tool may spend several minutes processing specific repair operations. Unless the command displays an error, allow it to finish.
Do I need an internet connection to run DISM?
Not always. If Windows can access the required repair files locally, an internet connection is unnecessary. However, if DISM needs to download replacement files from Windows Update, you’ll need an active internet connection. Alternatively, you can use Windows installation media as the repair source.