DISM Error 87 occurs when the command-line parameter entered is invalid or not recognized by Windows
. This usually means there's a minor formatting error or a lack of administrative permissions. Primary Fixes for Error 87
The most effective way to fix this error is to ensure the command is typed exactly as required. How to Fix DISM Error 87 in Windows
DISM error 87 usually occurs because the system doesn't understand the command you've entered. The most common fix is simply correcting the command's syntax and spacing. 1. Check Command Syntax and Spacing
The most frequent cause is missing spaces before the forward slashes (/). Windows Command Prompt is very strict about this. ❌ Wrong: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth ✅ Correct: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Ensure there is a single space before every slash in the command. 2. Run as Administrator dism error 87 fixed
DISM requires "elevated" privileges. If you just open a standard Command Prompt, it will fail with error 87. Click the Start menu and type cmd. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears. 3. Enable the Windows Modules Installer Service
If the syntax is correct but the error persists, the service responsible for Windows updates and repairs might be disabled. How to Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 - PCrisk.com
DISM Error 87 Fixed: A Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving the Issue
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a crucial component of Windows operating systems, allowing users to service and manage Windows images. However, some users have been encountering the frustrating DISM error 87, which prevents them from using the tool effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of DISM error 87 and provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.
What is DISM Error 87?
DISM error 87 is a common issue that occurs when users attempt to use the DISM tool to service or manage Windows images. The error message typically reads: "The DISM service failed. The base directory cannot be specified on the command line for online operations." This error can occur due to various reasons, including:
Causes of DISM Error 87
To resolve DISM error 87, it's essential to understand its underlying causes. Some of the common causes include:
How to Fix DISM Error 87
Fortunately, fixing DISM error 87 is relatively straightforward. Here are some step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue: DISM Error 87 occurs when the command-line parameter
Error 87 can appear if DISM runs without proper privileges, even if the command syntax is correct.
Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).Note: If you see "Access denied" alongside error 87, you definitely need admin rights.
Some DISM options are not available in older Windows versions (e.g., Windows 7). For example, /RestoreHealth works on Windows 8 and later. On Windows 7, you need to use the System Update Readiness Tool instead.
Follow these best practices to never see Error 87 again:
| Practice | Why it helps |
| :--- | :--- |
| Always use a colon after /Online: | This is the #1 cause of the error. |
| Copy-paste from trusted sources | Eliminates typographical errors. |
| Use Tab completion | Type DISM /On then press Tab to auto-fill correctly. |
| Run as Administrator | Non-admin CMD cannot execute DISM properly. |
| Check for trailing spaces | A space after a colon can also cause errors. | Corrupted system files Incorrect syntax or command line
| Mistake | Correction |
|---------|-------------|
| DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restore Health | Remove space: /RestoreHealth |
| DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:... | Use correct syntax with Source after RestoreHealth |
| Using DISM /RestoreHealth alone | Must include /Online /Cleanup-Image |
| Typo in command | Double-check spelling and slashes |
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth/ScratchDir option: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /ScratchDir:C:\Temp