DISM Error 87 typically means "The parameter is incorrect." It occurs when Windows cannot recognize the command you've entered, usually due to formatting mistakes, lack of administrative rights, or service issues . 1. Correct the Command Syntax
The most common cause is a simple typo or missing space. The command prompt is strict about spacing . Correct Command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Common Mistakes: Missing spaces before each forward slash / . Using dashes - instead of slashes / . Combining terms (e.g., DISM/Online) . 2. Run as Administrator
DISM requires elevated privileges to modify system files. If you run it in a standard command prompt, it will fail with Error 87 . Open the Start menu and type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator . Re-type the command in the elevated window. 3. Start the Windows Modules Installer Service
If the service responsible for system updates and repairs is disabled, DISM cannot function . Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find Windows Modules Installer. Right-click it and select Properties.
Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service isn't already running . Click Apply and OK, then try the DISM command again. 4. Use the Correct DISM Version dism error 87 fixed
If you are trying to repair a Windows 10/11 image using a DISM version from an older OS (like Windows 7 or 8.1), it will trigger Error 87 .
Solution: Ensure you are using the DISM version that matches your OS. If you are in a recovery environment, you may need to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) to get the correct drivers like Wofadk.sys . 5. Check for Windows Updates
Occasionally, a bug in a specific Windows build causes this error. Check if there are pending updates that include a fix for the servicing stack . Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available patches .
The "complete story" of DISM Error 87 is almost always a tale of a tiny typo. This error code specifically means " The parameter is incorrect DISM Error 87 typically means "The parameter is incorrect
," and it usually triggers because Windows doesn't recognize the command you just typed. Here is how the story ends with a fix: 1. The Space is the Secret
The most common reason for Error 87 is missing a space before the forward slash ( ). DISM commands are very picky about formatting. dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth Ensure there is a single space before every in your command. 2. The Administrator Requirement
DISM requires "Elevated Privileges" to touch system files. If you run it in a standard Command Prompt, it may fail with Error 87 or a permissions error. Help Desk Geek , right-click Command Prompt , and select Run as Administrator 3. Wrong Windows Version Some DISM flags (like /StartComponentCleanup
) only work on Windows 8, 10, or 11. If you try to run these on Windows 7, the system won't recognize the "parameter," resulting in Error 87. Use the basic /RestoreHealth
command instead, or check if your specific Windows version supports the flag you're using. 4. Service interference Sometimes the Windows Modules Installer However, the error can also appear when using
service is disabled, preventing DISM from executing correctly. Help Desk Geek services.msc , and hit Enter. Windows Modules Installer Right-click it, select Properties , and set the Startup type to to run the service. Summary of the "Fixed" Command
If you are trying to repair your Windows image, copy and paste this exact line into an Admin Command Prompt DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log to see the specific point of failure? How to Fix DISM Error 87 in Windows 11, 10 and 7 - SysTools
Users most commonly encounter Error 87 when running:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthHowever, the error can also appear when using /Get-Packages, /Add-Driver, or /Apply-Image commands.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WindowsUpdate /LimitAccess
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth