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Part 2 [Fixed] Windows resource protection cannot perform the requested operation

In this guide, which is a continuation of our article on resolving the “Windows resource protection cannot perform the requested operation” issue, we describe additional (yet no less effective) solutions to the problem.

  1. Run scans using the DISM tool:

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is an incredibly useful command-line utility used to run checks on Windows image files and related components. It is capable of preparing, repairing, and modifying system images. The actions the tool takes to make things right are typically complementary to the work done by the System File Checker.

For one, when the replacement files used by SFC, which are stored inside the OS image, are damaged, the System File Checker struggles to do its work. Therefore, you have to use DISM to scan for problems and fix them.

Follow these instructions:

  • First, you have to invoke the Power User menu through the Windows button + letter X key combination.
  • Once the list of programs and options comes up, you must click on Command Prompt (Admin).
  • When UAC brings up its window to ask you a question, you have to click on the Yes button to confirm things.

Your computer will bring up the admin Command Prompt window now.

  • Now you must execute the following commands in the order they appear (one at a time, one after the other):
  1. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  2. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  3. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • You may want to pay attention to what is happening on your screen. You might see some information that can help.
  • In any case, you must wait for the last DISM scan to reach completion.
  • In the same Command Prompt window, you must run the SFC scan again to see if the “Windows resource protection cannot perform the requested operation” notification comes up at any point.

If the error appears, which means the System File Checker has encountered the same roadblock, then you will do well to redo the scans involving the DISM utility by executing the commands listed above in an elevated Command Prompt window, close all applications, restart your computer, and then initiate the SFC scan again to test things.

  1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

As a tool, the System File Checker is dependent on a good number of services and files. Certain components have to be in a good state for the utility to function; specific files have to be in the correct location. Here, we are assuming SFC cannot get past the error in question because other discrepancies have crept into its operations. For this reason, we want you to run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

In Windows, a troubleshooter is a special tool that can analyze things to diagnose a problem, resolve it (where possible), and/or advise the user on what to do to make things right. Your computer is equipped with several troubleshooters that target specific problems and scenarios. The Windows Update troubleshooter is the troubleshooter best suited for the goal here, so it is the one most likely to help you.

Go through these steps to run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  • Use the Windows button + letter I key combination to fire up the Settings application quickly.
  • Once the Settings window comes up, you must click on Update and Security to see the menu options for this section.

You will be directed to the Windows Update screen in Settings now.

  • Here, you must navigate to the left area of the window and then click on Troubleshoot.
  • Assuming you are now on the Troubleshoot screen, check the list of troubleshooters in the right area of the window.
  • Click on Windows Update to get this troubleshooter highlighted.
  • Now you must click on the Run the troubleshooter button that recently appeared.

Your computer will bring up the Windows Update troubleshooter now. You must do whatever you can to assist the troubleshooter and to ensure it succeeds with its tasks.

  • Follow the on-screen directions and perform the required tasks.
  • Once the Windows Update troubleshooter completes its tasks, close all active programs and then restart your computer.
  • Here, assuming Windows is now up and running, you must run an SFC scan to confirm that the error is gone and the tool now works well.

  1. Restart the Windows Modules Installer service:

The Windows Modules Installer service corresponds to an important Windows Update process programmed to find and install updates and other important components. The service also performs other tasks, some of which are integral to System File Checker operations.

Here, we are assuming you encounter the “Windows resource protection cannot perform the requested operation” error because the Windows Modules Installer service is broken, not functioning, or simply in a bad state. In this case, we want you to restart the service to force through changes in its composition and settings.

These are the instructions you must go through to do the job here:

  • Use the Windows button + letter R key combination to invoke the Run function quickly.
  • Once the small Run application window appears, you have to type msc into the text box in it.
  • Here, you must hit the Enter button to get Windows to run the code.

Your computer will bring up the Services application window now.

  • Go through the services on the list carefully. Locate Windows Modules Installer and then double-click on this service.

The Windows Modules Installer Properties (Local Computer) window will be brought up now.

  • Locate the Startup type Click on the drop-down menu beside it to see the available options.
  • Select Automatic.
  • Now, you must click on the Stop button, wait for a few seconds, and then click on the Start button.

If the Stop button is greyed out, you must click on the Start button, wait for a few seconds, click on Stop, wait for a few seconds again, and then click on the Start button.

  • Here, you must click on the Apply button and then click on the OK button to save the new configuration for the Windows Modules Installer service.
  • Now you must close the Services window.
  • Use the Windows button + letter X key combination to invoke the Power User menu.
  • Here too, from the list displayed, you must select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • This time, however, you must execute the following commands (one command at a time, one after the other):
  1. sc config trustedinstaller start= demand
  2. net start trustedinstaller
  • Once the last process reaches completion, you have to close the elevated Command Prompt window.
  • Do some tests using the SFC utility to confirm that scan operations now proceed normally (the way they are supposed to).

  1. Run Windows Startup or Automatic Repair:

Startup or Automatic Repair is one of the most advanced utilities built into the Windows operating system environment. Microsoft typically advises users to run Startup or Automatic Repair when they are facing a serious problem, such as boot failure. At this point, if you are yet to find a way past the “Windows resource protection cannot perform the requested operation” error to get the SFC tool to work, then there is probably something seriously wrong with your computer.

If our assumptions hold true, then it will take an advanced procedure – such as the running of Windows Startup or Automatic Repair – to fix things. For the proposed task, you will need a bootable Windows medium. Since your machine is running Windows 10, any Windows 10 bootable installation media will do. You can get a Windows 10 DVD, or you can load the Windows 10 package on a flash drive (to make it bootable).

Anyway, once you get the bootable Windows 10 medium in place, these are the instructions you must follow to run Startup or Automatic Repair:

  • First, you have to insert the Windows 10 DVD or flash drive in your device and then instruct your computer to boot from it.

You will probably have to press a certain button as soon as your machine comes on to get it to boot from the inserted DVD or drive. Or you might have to tap a certain key to enter your device’s boot menu, where you get to alter the boot sequence. The required button varies per manufacturer or device.

You might have to do some research online to find out the correct key for your computer brand and model. Or you might have to check for the guide on getting your computer to boot from an inserted DVD or drive. We do not know what PC you are using, so we cannot outline specific instructions for the procedure.

Once you get your machine to boot from the inserted DVD or drive, you must continue with these instructions:

  • On the first screen, you have to specify your language preferences.
  • Assuming you are now on the Windows screen, you have to click on Repair (in the bottom-left corner of your display).
  • On the Choose an option screen, you must select Troubleshoot.
  • On the screen that follows, you must select Advanced options.
  • Here, you must choose Automatic Repair (one of the items on the Advanced options screen).

Windows will now initiate Automatic Repair.

  • Pay attention to your screen (if you can).
  • Once everything gets done, you have to restart your computer.
  • Try using the System File Checker tool again to find out if the problem in question is still in play.

Other Things You Can Do to Fix the “Windows Resource Protection Cannot Perform the Requested Operation” Error Affecting the System File Checker on a Windows 10 PC

If you are yet to find a way past the error in question, which prevents SFC processes from reaching completion on your computer, then you have to try our final fixes and workarounds:

  1. Download and install all Windows updates.
  1. Download and install driver updates for all the components or devices inside your machine. You will need Auslogics Driver Updater to assist you with the task here.
  1. Do a repair installation for the Windows system running on your machine.