How to Fix ‘DLL File Missing’ Errors in Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

DLL missing file

Encountering the dreaded “DLL file missing” error on your Windows PC? You’re not alone. These frustrating errors can prevent applications from launching and cause system instability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through proven methods to fix missing DLL files in Windows 10 and 11, helping you get your system back up and running smoothly.

What Are DLL Files and Why Do They Go Missing?

Malware can delete, modify, or corrupt DLL files. Running a full system scan can help identify and remove threats.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. 2 Go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Security”
  3. 3 Click “Virus & threat protection”
  4. 4 Select “Scan options”
  5. 5 Choose “Full scan” and click “Scan now”
  6. 6 Wait for the scan to complete and follow any recommendations to remove detected threats
  7. 7 Restart your computer

Pro Tip: Consider using additional reputable anti-malware software for a more thorough scan, as some malware can hide from Windows Defender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are DLL files and why are they important?

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files contain code and data that multiple programs can use simultaneously. They’re important because they help reduce duplication of code in memory and on disk, improve system efficiency, and allow programs to be modular. When DLL files go missing, programs that depend on them cannot function properly.

Where are DLL files located in Windows?

DLL files are located throughout your PC, not just in one location. Common locations include C:\Windows\System32, your program files folders, and application-specific directories. You can search for a specific DLL file by clicking the search button on your computer and entering the filename without the .dll extension.

Can I just download any missing DLL file from the internet?

No, you should only download DLL files from trusted sources like official Microsoft links. Many websites offering free DLL files may contain malware that can further damage your system. Always verify the source before downloading any DLL file, or use reputable DLL fixer software that maintains a database of legitimate files.

What happens if I can’t fix the missing DLL files?

If none of the methods above resolve your DLL issues, you may need to consider more drastic measures such as performing a Windows repair installation or, as a last resort, reinstalling Windows. Before taking these steps, make sure to back up all your important data. You can also try contacting Microsoft Support or the developer of the software experiencing the DLL error for specific guidance.

Final Thoughts: Preventing Future DLL Errors

While knowing how to fix DLL errors is important, preventing them in the first place is even better. Here are some preventive measures:

  • Keep Windows updated – Regular updates help maintain system integrity
  • Use reputable antivirus software – This protects against malware that can damage DLL files
  • Be careful when installing/uninstalling programs – Always use proper installation/uninstallation procedures
  • Create regular system backups – This allows you to restore your system if issues occur
  • Avoid force-shutting down your PC – Always use the proper shutdown procedure
  • Install trusted software only – Avoid downloading programs from unreliable sources
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Success Rate

The methods described in this guide have a high success rate for fixing DLL errors. Start with the simpler methods and work your way down the list until your issue is resolved. With persistence, most DLL errors can be fixed without the need for a complete Windows reinstallation.

Troubleshooting DLL Errors: A Comprehensive Strategy

When dealing with persistent DLL errors, it’s best to approach the problem systematically. Start with the quick solutions and work through the methods in order, testing after each step to see if the issue is resolved:

  1. Try restarting your computer and reinstalling the affected program
  2. Run System File Checker (SFC) to repair Windows system files
  3. Use DISM to fix any underlying Windows image corruption
  4. Update Windows and device drivers to their latest versions
  5. Install or reinstall dependency packages like DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
  6. If needed, try specialized DLL fixer software or manually download missing DLL files
  7. As a last resort, perform a clean boot or scan for malware

Remember that prevention is better than cure. Regular system maintenance, careful software installation practices, and keeping your system protected from malware can help avoid most DLL errors before they occur.

With persistence and the right approach, you can resolve most DLL errors without resorting to drastic measures like reinstalling Windows. The methods in this guide have helped thousands of users get their systems back to normal functioning.

Last Updated: March 21, 2025

Information in this article has been thoroughly researched and is current as of the update date.

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Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are essential components of the Windows operating system and many applications. These files contain code and data that multiple programs can use simultaneously, helping reduce duplication and improve system efficiency.

Common reasons why DLL files go missing include:

  • Virus or malware attacks – Malicious software can delete or corrupt DLL files
  • Accidental deletion – Users might unknowingly remove important system files
  • Corrupted Windows operating system – System file corruption can occur during updates or crashes
  • Overwritten DLL files – Installing new software might replace existing DLL files with incompatible versions
  • Windows updates – Updates can sometimes replace or modify DLL files incorrectly
  • Version incompatibility – DLL files designed for different Windows versions may not work correctly

Quick Solutions to Try First

Before diving into more complex fixes, try these simple solutions that might resolve your DLL errors quickly and save you time. These straightforward approaches often solve the problem without requiring technical expertise or specialized tools:

Restart Your Computer

In many cases, DLL errors are temporary and can be resolved with a simple system restart. This allows Windows to reload all system files and may fix the issue without further intervention. The restart process clears your computer’s memory and stops all running processes, which can resolve conflicts that might be preventing DLL files from loading correctly.

For the most effective restart:

  1. Save all your work and close all open applications
  2. Click the Start menu and select “Restart” (not “Shut down”)
  3. Allow your computer to completely restart before testing the application again

Check Your Recycle Bin

If you accidentally deleted the DLL file, it might still be in your Recycle Bin. Search for the file name and restore it if found. Many users unknowingly delete DLL files when cleaning up their system or removing applications.

To check your Recycle Bin:

  1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop
  2. In the search box, type the name of the missing DLL file
  3. If you find the file, right-click it and select “Restore”
  4. The file will be returned to its original location

Reinstall the Program

If the error is related to a specific application, reinstalling it can replace the missing DLL files. Uninstall the program completely, restart your computer, and then reinstall the latest version from the official source. This process ensures that all necessary DLL files are properly registered with Windows.

For proper reinstallation:

  1. Open the Control Panel and select “Programs and Features” or “Apps & features” in Windows Settings
  2. Find the problematic program in the list
  3. Select it and click “Uninstall” or “Uninstall/Change”
  4. Follow the uninstallation wizard to completion
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Download the latest version of the software from the official website
  7. Install the program following the on-screen instructions

Copy DLL Files from Another Computer

If you have access to another computer running the same Windows version, you might be able to copy the missing DLL file. This approach works best for application-specific DLLs rather than critical system files.

To safely copy DLL files:

  1. Identify the exact DLL file you need and its version
  2. On the working computer, locate the DLL file (often in the application’s folder or in C:\Windows\System32)
  3. Copy the file to a USB drive or shared network location
  4. On your computer, paste the file into the appropriate location
  5. If necessary, register the DLL using Command Prompt (covered in Method 8)

Important: Only copy DLL files between computers running the exact same version of Windows (e.g., both Windows 10 64-bit or both Windows 11) to avoid compatibility issues. Never replace system DLLs this way unless you’re certain they match your system requirements.

Method 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a powerful built-in Windows utility designed specifically to detect and repair missing or corrupted system files, including DLL files. This tool compares your system files against Microsoft’s original protected versions and replaces any damaged files it finds.

SFC is particularly effective for fixing critical Windows DLL files that might have been corrupted or overwritten by application installations or malware. It maintains a cached copy of all important system files and can restore them to their proper state.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Right-click the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
  2. 2 Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
  3. 3 Wait for the process to complete (it may take several minutes)
  4. 4 Restart your computer

Understanding SFC Results

After the scan completes, you’ll see one of these messages:

“Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.”

This means no corrupted files were found. If you’re still experiencing DLL errors, try the next method.

“Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.”

This indicates that the tool found and fixed the corrupted files. Restart your computer and check if the DLL error is resolved.

“Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.”

In this case, you should proceed to Method 2 (DISM) and then run SFC again.

Alternative SFC Commands

If the standard SFC command doesn’t resolve your issue, you can try these alternative commands:

  • sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows – Use this if you’re trying to repair a Windows installation that won’t boot
  • sfc /scanonce – Schedules a scan to run on the next boot
  • sfc /verifyonly – Scans files but doesn’t repair them (useful for diagnostics)

Important Note: SFC must be run with administrator privileges. If it doesn’t fix your DLL issues, proceed to the next method. Never interrupt the SFC scan once it’s started, as this could potentially leave system files in an inconsistent state.

Pro Tip: If you can’t start Windows normally, you can run SFC from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Boot from installation media, select “Repair your computer,” then navigate to Troubleshoot > Command Prompt and run the SFC command there.

Method 2: Run DISM Tool

If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the Windows system image, which might fix your missing DLL files.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Open Command Prompt as administrator
  2. 2 Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter
  3. 3 Wait for the process to complete (this may take 10-30 minutes)
  4. 4 Restart your computer

Pro Tip: For best results, run DISM before running SFC again. DISM repairs the underlying Windows image, which can help SFC work more effectively.

Method 3: Update Windows

Keeping Windows updated can fix many DLL issues by replacing corrupted files with their latest versions.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. 2 Click on “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (Windows 11)
  3. 3 Click “Check for updates”
  4. 4 If updates are available, click “Install now” and follow the instructions
  5. 5 Restart your computer when prompted

Method 4: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause DLL errors, especially for hardware-related functions.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager”
  2. 2 Expand the category containing the device you want to update (e.g., “Display adapters”)
  3. 3 Right-click on the device and select “Update driver”
  4. 4 Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
  5. 5 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update
  6. 6 Restart your computer

Pro Tip: For the most reliable drivers, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website directly rather than relying solely on Windows’ automatic search.

Method 5: Install/Reinstall DirectX

Many games and multimedia applications require DirectX DLL files to function properly. Reinstalling DirectX can resolve related DLL errors.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Open a web browser and search for “DirectX download”
  2. 2 Go to the official Microsoft DirectX Runtime Web Installer page
  3. 3 Download the installer
  4. 4 Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
  5. 5 Restart your computer

Method 6: Install Visual C++ Redistributables

Many applications require Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to function properly. Missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll files often indicate missing Visual C++ components.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Visit the official Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributable
  2. 2 Download both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions
  3. 3 Install both versions
  4. 4 Restart your computer

Important Note: For the most comprehensive fix, install multiple versions of Visual C++ Redistributables (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022) as different applications may require different versions.

Method 7: Recover Deleted DLL Files with Recovery Software

If you’ve accidentally deleted important DLL files, you may be able to recover them using file recovery software.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Download and install a reputable file recovery program
  2. 2 Launch the program and select the drive where the DLL file was located
  3. 3 Start the scanning process
  4. 4 Once the scan is complete, search for the missing DLL file
  5. 5 Select the file and recover it to a different location
  6. 6 Move the recovered DLL file to the appropriate folder

Method 8: Download the DLL File Manually

If you know which specific DLL file is missing, you can download it from a trusted source.

Warning: Only download DLL files from official or trusted sources to avoid malware. Many websites offering free DLL files contain malicious software.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Search for the DLL file name on a reputable DLL repository
  2. 2 Download the correct version of the DLL file
  3. 3 Place the DLL file in the appropriate folder (usually C:\Windows\System32)
  4. 4 Register the DLL file by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing regsvr32 filename.dll (replace “filename” with the actual name of the DLL file)
  5. 5 Press Enter and restart your computer

Method 9: Use Specialized DLL Fixer Software

Several reputable tools can automatically fix DLL errors by scanning your system and replacing missing or corrupted files.

Top DLL Fixer Tools for 2025:

Fortect

Quickly detects issues with missing and damaged DLLs, focusing on shared files vital to the Windows operating system. It pulls the latest copies from its database and can also detect malware damage.

Glary Utilities

Offers both a standalone DLL Fixer tool and a comprehensive utilities suite that repairs the registry and removes malware.

CCleaner

Identifies and replaces standard shared DLL files while also fixing registry entries. It allows you to back up your registry before repairs.

IObit Advanced SystemCare

Fixes errors with shared Windows DLLs by patching their associated registry keys and removes malware that can damage DLL files.

Pro Tip: Always create a system restore point before using any DLL fixer software to ensure you can revert changes if needed.

Method 10: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the DLL error.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1 Press Windows + R, type msconfig and press Enter
  2. 2 In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab
  3. 3 Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all”
  4. 4 Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”
  5. 5 Disable all startup items by selecting each item and clicking “Disable”
  6. 6 Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window
  7. 7 Restart your computer
  8. 8 Check if the DLL error persists. If not, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the problematic program

Method 11: Scan for Malware

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