FIX DLL Files Missing on Windows 7/8/8.1/10 [2020]
WHAT IS A DLL FILE?
A DLL file, short for Dynamic Link Library, is a type of file that contains instructions that other programs can call upon to do certain things. This way, multiple programs can share the abilities programmed into a single file, and even do so simultaneously.
DLL files, because of how many there are and how often they’re used, tend to be the quite troublesome. Anyway, if you get a DLL error, here is how to you can fix them.
REINSTALL VISUAL C++ REDISTRIBUTABLE(s)
If DLL files are missing from your PC, you might be able to fix the problem simply by reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable(s). Many applications require these files in order to work, therefore you need to download them from the Microsoft website.
Keep in mind that certain applications require an older version of Visual C++ Redistributable in order to work, so you’ll might have to download and install the later versions as well.
➤ DOWNLOAD LINK:
✓ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads
INSTALL DIRECTX
If DLL files are missing from your PC, you might be able to fix the problem simply by installing DirectX. According to some users, they are usually getting the error message about missing files when trying to start a certain video game.
To fix the problem, you just need to install the required version of DirectX and the issue should be resolved. You can download the necessary files from Microsoft’s website, but sometimes there’s a DirectX setup file on your game’s disc so you can install it from there.
➤ DOWNLOAD LINK:
✓ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35
DOWNLOAD A .DLL FILE MANUALLY
If there’s no other way to solve the problem with a missing .dll file, you can download it manually from the Internet. However, be aware that there are many sites online offering free DLL files, but just a few of them are trustful. DO IT A YOUR OWN RISK!
If you don’t feel comfortable downloading missing dll files online, you can try to copy them from another working PC.
RESTART YOUR PC
The easiest way to fix the missing .dll file error is to restart your PC. Many times, there are cache problems that a restart fixes automatically.
But when some .dll files are missing, rebooting your device will not help. In such a case, do a forced restart and see if this resolves the problem.
RETRIEVE DELETED FILES
Sometimes, you could’ve accidentally deleted a .dll file yourself. If that’s the case, search your recycle bin and restore it. Alternately, you can recover deleted files with file recovery software. However, note that this method will not fix your problem if the .dll file was corrupted before it was deleted. It will work only for good but deleted .dll files.
RESTORE YOUR SYSTEM
Though this is not the best option, you can still do a system restore to revert your computer’s state to a previous point in time. This can remove the missing .dll file error, but in the process, some recent changes made to registry variables and installed applications will be lost.
REINSTALL THE APPLICATION
If you have the original CD or if you can reinstall the software that’s throwing the missing .dll file error, go ahead and try it. This should fix the problem in many cases, especially if it caused by a dll conflict with other running programs.
UPDATE DRIVERS
Sometimes, you’ll get a missing .dll file error while using hardware such as a printer. This error can be due to an older version of the driver that is not compatible with the updated .dll file, so the printer is looking for a wrong .dll file and can’t find it.
Update your device’s drivers to see if this fixes the problem.
UPDATE WINDOWS
Certain Windows updates can change or replace .dll files, so these files are not available when another program wants to use them. Update Windows and check if this fixes the error. The upside with this fix is it will improve the overall health of your system as well.
SYSTEM FILE CHECKER (SFC) SCAN
Using a system file checker scan is the optimal way to fix missing .dll file errors. In fact, Windows 7 and later versions have a built-in SFC that replaces missing .dll files and fixes this problem.
To run this scan, follow these steps:
1. Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
NOTE: It’s a good idea to run this command in Safe mode.
USE THE DISM TOOL
The system update readiness tool, also called the deployment image servicing and management (DISM) tool fixes some corruption errors in Windows. It could possibly work here too.
If you’re on Windows 10, 8.1, and 8, do the following:
1. Open an elevated Command Prompt, type this command and hit the Enter key on your keyboard: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
➤ MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES:
✓ https://windowsreport.com/dll-files-missing-windows-10/#4
✓ https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-dll-file-2625852
how to repair windows 7
