Run the System File Checker (SFC Scan)

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. If a file is found to be corrupt, the utility will attempt to replace the file with a good copy from a cached location or a Windows installation source.

1. Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. Press Windows + S on your keyboard as a shortcut.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search box. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. If you’re using a local account that doesn’t have administrator permissions, click here to learn how to grant admin access.
3. When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
4. Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it:  sfc /scannow
5. Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer. In the case of a discrepancy, the utility will restore system files and fix all errors related to them.

Use the “chkdsk” Command

The “chkdsk” command is a Windows utility that allows you to check your computer’s hard drive for errors. This command can be used to fix corrupt files, bad sectors, and other problems that can cause your computer to crash or perform slowly.

1. Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. You can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search box. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
3. When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
4. Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: chkdsk C: /r
5. Wait for the scan to complete.

Start the Windows Modules Installer Service

If you have disabled the Windows Module Installer on your computer, SFC Scan is unlikely to work. This tool is what checks and installs all windows updates to your computer automatically. If you have disabled the Windows Module Installer on your computer, you may need to enable it in order for the SFC scan to function properly.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
2. Type in services.msc and click on the OK button. This is going to launch the Services window, which might take a few seconds to fully load.
3. Right-click on the Windows Modules Installer service and choose Properties.
4. Set the Startup type to Manual. If the service isn’t running, click on the Start button. Click Apply, then OK. You should be back at the list of services.
5. Close the Services window and see if you still run into the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error. If the problem is still present, move on to the next solution.

Run Automatic Repair From Advanced Startup

If you have tried all of the above solutions and are still getting the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error, then it is recommended that you run an automatic repair. This is a built-in tool that can fix a number of problems with your Windows installation, including corrupt files. To run the repair, follow these steps:

1. Reboot your computer and hold the F8 key on your keyboard while the boot screen is visible to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). On certain devices you may need to hold down the Fn (function) key as well.Tip: If you can’t boot into WinRE using the keyboard shortcut, keep turning your computer on and off until it automatically starts in the repair environment. On average, you need to turn the computer on and off about three times.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the available options. You’ll be able to access some tools to help restore your computer without being able to boot into the system itself.
3. On the next page, click on Advanced options from the available options.
4. Once the Advanced options menu loads, click on Startup Repair. This tool attempts to identify and fix problems that may cause Windows to not be able to function as expected.
5. Your computer will begin rebooting now, and will automatically start with Startup Repair running. Once the menu loads, select your local user.
6. Enter your local account password, and then click Continue. If your account doesn’t have a password, simply leave the field empty.
7. Wait for Windows to diagnose your computer and detect any problems. If there are issues with startup, you’ll be able to see them and choose how Windows handles them.

Reset or Refresh Windows

If the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” error remains persistent, you may need to reset Windows. This will restore your computer to its default factory settings, which should fix any software issues you’re experiencing.

However, it’s important to note that resetting your computer will delete all of your personal files, so be sure to back up anything you don’t want to lose first. In addition, any apps you’ve installed will also be deleted, so you’ll need to reinstall them after the reset is complete.

1. Click on the Start menu and choose Settings. You can alternatively use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut as well.
2. Type “Reset” into the search bar, and then click on Reset this PC from the search results. You can also manually navigate here by going to Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Click on the Get started button under the Reset this PC heading and wait for Windows to start the reset process.
4. Choose one of the two options:
   • Select Keep my files if you want to keep the personal files on your computer, but want to remove all apps and settings.
   • Select Remove everything if you want to wipe all data from your system including all your personal files.
5. Wait for Windows to complete the process.