Hey Geeks,
DISM Error 87 is one of those frustrating Windows quirks that can pop up out of nowhere — usually when you’re trying to repair your system with the /restorehealth command.
The good news? It’s fixable in minutes once you know what’s behind it.
What Is DISM Error 87?
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs and manages Windows image files.
When you see the message “Error 87: The cleanup-image option is unknown,” it means something’s gone wrong with how Windows is preparing or servicing those image files.
This tool usually lives in C:\Windows\System32, but you can run it from anywhere using Command Prompt.
Why It Happens
Error 87 often shows up after running the command:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Here’s what typically causes it:
Misspelled or mis-spaced commands
Running Command Prompt without admin rights
Outdated or incompatible DISM versions
Missing system updates
Corrupted Windows system files
How to Fix It
Let’s go step-by-step from the easiest fix to the most advanced one:
1️⃣ Double-Check Your Command
A single typo or missing space can trigger Error 87.
Make sure your commands look exactly like this:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
2️⃣ Run Command Prompt as Administrator
DISM won’t work properly without elevated privileges.
Type “cmd” in Windows Search.
Right-click Command Prompt → select Run as administrator.
Approve the pop-up when prompted.
3️⃣ Update Windows
Outdated Windows versions can break DISM compatibility.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
In Windows 11 → Windows Update | In Windows 10 → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Hit Check for updates and install everything pending.
4️⃣ Ensure the Windows Modules Installer Service Is Active
This background service helps manage system updates and drivers.
Search for Services → open it.
Locate Windows Modules Installer.
Set Startup type to Automatic, then click Start → OK.
5️⃣ Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
If your Windows files are corrupted, SFC can repair them automatically.
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter.Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.
6️⃣ Install the Windows ADK (Advanced)
If your DISM version doesn’t match your Windows image, install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK):
Download it from Microsoft’s official site.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
7️⃣ Factory Reset or Reinstall Windows
If all else fails:
Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
This will give you a clean system with DISM running smoothly again.
Quick Tips!
Always run Command Prompt as Administrator when using DISM or SFC tools.
Double-check for extra spaces or misspelled commands — they’re the top cause of Error 87.
Keep Windows fully updated to avoid tool compatibility issues.
Run SFC (
sfc /scannow) before DISM to fix underlying file corruption.Make sure the Windows Modules Installer service is set to Automatic.
Save your DISM commands in a .bat file for one-click repairs next time.
Avoid interrupting system scans — let DISM and SFC complete fully.
If nothing works, reinstall or reset Windows — it’s faster than chasing hidden corruption.
Use Windows ADK only if you’re dealing with image compatibility issues.
Restart your PC after every major repair step to ensure fixes apply properly.
Wrapping up!
Most DISM Error 87 cases come down to small mistakes — wrong syntax, no admin rights, or outdated Windows. Start with the basics, work your way through the steps above, and you’ll have your system fixed in no time.