Dealing with missing DLL files or DLL files not found errors when running applications or games!
DLL file error will appear on your Windows PC if the required DLL file is deleted, missing, or corrupted. You will also see an error that the .dll file is missing.
To fix missing DLL files error on Windows 11 & 10 PC, we have compiled the best solutions to fix DLL files not found error.
What is DLL File and Is it a Virus?
DLL files (Dynamic Link Library) is a file format having a certain set of commands and instructions which are required to run programs.
These DLL files have codes and modules that help programs to run faster and efficiently.
If you are thinking that DLL files are viruses and you intentionally removed these files then you are more prone to see DLL file errors. As already explained DLL files are an essential component of Windows OS, so it’s not a virus.
However, users face applications and games, not working problems due to missing DLL files.
What Causes the DLL File Error on Windows 11/10
The Windows OS and applications have their own set of DLL files, when one program uses the DLL file it creates dependency.
The problem arises when another program uses the same .dll file that ends up changing, modifying, or deleting the dependent file.
So major cause of DLL file error includes
- When another program upgrade the .dll file.
- While uninstalling the program .dll file mistakenly removed from the system.
- When a .dll file is overwritten with an earlier version.
Common DLL Not Found Error
If you have missing or corrupted DLL files and you try to run any program then you will most likely see these error messages:
The most commonly occurring error messages are:
- The program can’t start because name.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
- There was a problem starting name.dll. The specified module could not be found.
- Error loading name.dll. The specified module could not be found.
- The code execution cannot proceed because name.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.
- Name.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vender for support.
How To Fix Missing DLL Files Error on Windows 11/10
Below we have compiled the 12 best fixes to solve the DLL file not found error.
Fix 1. Restart Your PC
If the DLL file error is a temporary one then you can easily fix it by restarting your PC.
Sometimes Windows OS or app can’t load certain .dll files to initiate any process.
Just restart your PC and again launch the app.
Fix 2. Reinstall the Program or Game to Fix the Broken DLL File
The missing DLL file error can also appear if the required file got corrupted.
Especially if the DLL error appears when running programs or apps then you should try reinstalling that program.
Fix 3. Install the latest Version of Direct X
Make sure to install the latest version of DirectX 11 for Windows PC. Almost all games require Direct X to run graphics smoothly.
If the required DLL file is missing while playing the game then you should install Direct X.
Fix 4. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio
Most of the time it’s Microsoft’s Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio that is causing the missing DLL error.
Make sure to reinstall this tool from the Microsoft official website.
Fix 5. Update Device Drivers
The missing DLL files error on Windows 11 or 10 also arises if you have an outdated version of device drivers that is not compatible with the current DLL.
All you need to do is to download the driver updater tool to update all the device drivers on your Windows PC.
Fix 6. Update Windows Operating System
Another reason why DLL error appears is the outdated Windows OS. Press Windows + I > Update & Security > Check for updates.
If there’s any pending update available download and install it on your PC.
Another safe way to fix the DLL file not found error on Windows 10/11 is by copying the DLL file from another PC and then pasting it in the PC having the issue.
Fix 7. Get & Replace the Missing DLL File From Another PC
Before that, you need to make sure that both PC have the same Windows OS and build version.
If your system has Windows 10 64-bit then you need to copy the file from the system that also has Windows 10 64-bit.
Fix 8. Fix DLL File Error with System File Checker
The Windows System File Checker is a built-in utility that scans and repairs the broken or missing DLL files.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows + R, type in CMD and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type sfc /scannow command and hit enter.
- Now wait till the scanning process finishes.
- Restart your PC
Fix 9. Restore the Missing DLL file from the Recycle Bin
Sometimes users intentionally or mistakenly delete the DLL files from their PC thinking that it’s some kind of virus.
If you have recently removed the DLL file then first locate it in your system’s Recycle Bin. If it’s there right-click on it and restore it.
There is a possibility that you may have removed the DLL file permanently from your PC. In that case, download the file recovery tool and use it to recover the missing DLL file.
Fix 10. Run a Virus/Malware Scan
You will see a DLL file not found error if your PC has a virus or malware because they create additional DLL files.
You need to download the reliable antivirus tool to remove malware from Windows PC.
Fix 11. Reinstall Windows OS
In case you have applied all the above fixes and still see a DLL file missing error then you should try to reinstall the Windows OS.
Maybe the DLL is so corrupted that it won’t be fixed so the best way to resolve this problem is to reinstall Windows 10/11 afresh.
Fix 12. Download Missing DLL Files
We have mentioned this solution at the last because most users show reluctance while downloading the missing DLL files from websites.
Yet this method proves to be more beneficial than any of the above solutions.
All you need is to download the latest version of the DLL file that is missing from your PC.
We have already covered the most common missing DLL files on our site i.e. API-ms-win-crt-runtime-I1-1-0.dll | API-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll | msvcp140.dll | d3dcompiler_47.dll | vcruntime140.dll | xinput1_3.dll.
You can download the DLL file free from any malware or virus and instantly fix the missing problem.
How To Install DLL Files on Your PC
The installation process of DLL files is very easy and simple. Visit the DLL file page to download the file.
The DLL file will download in a zip folder right-click on it to extract it.
Where to Put DLL Files on Windows PC
There are two situations whether it’s the Windows OS itself that causes the DLL file error or it’s a certain program or game.
The steps vary depending upon the situation. You can read on how to install DLL files on Windows 10/11 to get a better understanding.
How To Register DLL Files
Simply installing the missing DLL file is not enough you also need to register it on your Windows 10 PC.
By doing that file will be added to the registry and can be used by Windows programs without showing DLL not found error.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows + R and type in the DLL file name along with the with path:
vcruntime140 “C:\Windows\System32\myfile.dll. - Press Enter and you will see a Confirmation message telling you that file is successfully added.
