How to fix missing Microsoft Windows .dll files
This page helps users who are encountering missing .dll errors or other error messages related to .dll files. Before trying the recommended solutions to resolve these errors, if you're getting a single missing .dll error, we recommend searching for that .dll file on Computer Hope.
For example, if you're getting an error such as "Internet Explorer encountered an error in KERNEL32.DLL at 0137:BFF3191C," search for "kernel32.dll" to find documents related to that file. In some situations, a .dll file error may be caused by a specific situation.
If the Computer Hope search does not return any results for your .dll, continue reading for additional troubleshooting suggestions.
Downloading a .dll file
If you perform a web search for your .dll file, you may find sites offering it for download. However, you should only download .dll files directly from your manufacturer or software publisher website, never from a third-party.
Downloading a .dll file from a website other than the manufacturer or software publisher's website could result in your computer becoming infected with a virus or malware. Third-party websites are known to have viruses and malware in their downloadable files.
Safe Mode
If you're encountering .dll errors that are preventing you from getting into Windows, to troubleshoot the computer, boot the computer into Safe Mode. Once successfully in Safe Mode, you can continue trying the options on this page.
Run Windows Update
If you're using a modern version of Windows (Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10), you should manually check for a new Windows Update. Windows Update automatically scans your system for missing drivers and libraries, and if it locates your missing .dll, it may attempt to restore it.
- Open the Start menu and click the gear icon (⚙) to open the Settings.
- Choose Update & Security.
- Click Check for updates.
Other options
Restoring computer back to an earlier date
If you have a restore point, you can try restoring the computer back to an earlier date. Restoring the computer can resolve problems with Microsoft Windows computers.
Windows SFC command
Use the SFC (system file checker) command to have Windows scan and repair files. To run this command, follow the steps below. For additional information about the SFC command, see our SFC command page.
Once the steps above are completed, Windows will verify that all protected Windows files are intact.
Issue with .dll files only with a specific program
If you're encountering the missing, corrupt, or other errors relating to .dll files only when you open or run a program, it's likely an issue with that program. Resolving program-specific errors can be easier than operating system related .dll errors.
If the program you're attempting to run has only recently started to get the .dll errors, reinstalling the program may resolve your problem.
Additionally, while reinstalling the program, it's also a good idea to check if updates or patches are available by the developer of your program. Updates are often found through the developer's website.
Recently uninstalled program
If you recently uninstalled a program, that program may have removed a .dll file that is necessary for Windows or a Windows program to work properly.
If you've already tried the recommendations above, you may want to reinstall the program to get whatever file was deleted back on the computer. If this resolves your .dll error message and you want remove the program again, make sure you click "No" or "No to all" during the uninstall process. This action keeps you from deleting a system file or other important files used by multiple programs.
Recently installed program
If you have recently installed a program and, after the installation, began encountering your .dll error messages, we suggest you first check if updates are available for the program. In some situations, a program may need to be updated for it to work properly on your computer. Updates are often available on the developer's website.
If no updates are available for the program, try uninstalling the program to resolve the issue. If this does correct your issue, contact the program developer for additional support on getting the program installed on the computer.
Virus, spyware, or other malware installed on the computer causing your .dll error
A virus, spyware, or other malware program can cause .dll errors. We recommend running a full virus and spyware scan on your computer to find and remove any infections.
Windows .dll error message or .dll errors when trying to do something in Windows and not a program
Microsoft Windows .dll errors that occur when starting Windows or starting a Windows feature can be more serious and unfortunately more difficult to resolve. For these errors, we suggest you run through the basic troubleshooting steps for your operating system.
If, after running through these steps, you still encounter the same .dll errors, we suggest you erase everything and reinstall Windows to resolve the issues.
If issues continue after Windows is reinstalled or errors occur while Windows is being installed, your computer may have bad hardware that is causing the problems. We suggest testing your memory and hard drive for problems.