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How to Restore Missing DLL Files in Windows 10/8/7
Are you experiencing the error "DLL files missing" when attempting to launch your applications? Calm down. In this post, you’ll see several solutions to fix this issue.
By Lucas / Updated on August 22, 2024
A Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is a crucial file that contains a set of instructions that are necessary for the operation of nearly all programs in Windows. This type of file contains code, data, and resources that multiple programs on a Windows PC can use simultaneously. These files are essential for running applications because they provide shared functionality that different software can access without having to include the code directly in each program. The programs or applications you require may not be able to run if the DLL files are absent from the Windows operating system.
The error message "The program can't start because xxxx.dll is missing from your computer" is one of the most prevalent missing DLL file errors on Windows 10. To resolve this issue, consider reinstalling the program.
▶ There are other 2 errors about missing DLL files:
• Cannot find .dll. Please, re-install this application.
• This application failed to start because .dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
Possible causes of missing DLL files Windows
When a DLL file is missing, the programs that depend on it may not work properly or fail to launch, DLL files might go missing on a Windows PC for several reasons.
- Malware or virus infection
- Accidental removal of DLL files
- Corrupted DLL files are overwritten in the Windows operating system.
- Damaged DLL files.
- Functions that differ between Windows 10 and Windows 8/7.
- Improper installation or uninstallation of programs that rely on the DLL.
Restore missing DLL files in Windows 10/11
Missing DLL files will cause your apps boot failed. In this part, you can learn several tricks to fix this error.
Way 1. Reinstall the Program
Step 1: Identify the program that is giving the DLL error.
Step 2: Open the Start menu, go to Settings > Apps.
Step 3: Find the problematic program in the list and click Uninstall.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Step 5: Reinstall the program from its official source and check if the DLL file is restored.
Way 2. Use System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type cmd.
Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time. The SFC tool will automatically repair any missing or corrupted DLL files it detects.
Step 5: Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.
Tip: Sometimes the error: "SFC not working" may happen.
Way 3. Use the DISM Tool
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type cmd.
Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
Step 4: Allow the process to complete, which might take some time.
Step 5: After the scan finishes, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Way 4. Try file recovery software
If you have inadvertently deleted or lost your files for any other reason, you can attempt to restore missing DLL files in Windows 10 or 11 by utilizing file recovery software such as AOMEI FastRecovery. It is also applicable to Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows Server.
🔎 1. Two practical scanning methods are supported: Quick Scan and Deep Scan. It is beneficial to exhaustively locate all deleted and lost files.
⚡ 2. Immediately recover specific files upon their discovery by filtering them rapidly. You are not required to wait until the scanning procedure is complete.
✨ 3. Retain the DLL files that were recovered with their original name, format, and path.
💡 4. Recover files from a variety of storage devices, including external hard drives, local disks, HDDs, SSDs, and USBs.
💪🏼 5. Recover files in a timely and successful manner as a result of disk or Windows corruption, virus attacks, or inadvertent deletion.
To retrieve deleted DLL files, it is necessary to download and install this Windows data recovery software.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.
Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.
Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".
Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.
Step 5. Wait patiently for this recovery process to end.
Way 5. Download the missing DLL file
Step 1: Identify the missing DLL file name from the error message.
Step 2: Visit a reputable website that offers DLL files, such as the official Microsoft site or another trusted source.
Step 3: Download the correct version of the DLL file that matches your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 4: Copy the downloaded DLL file to the C:\Windows\System32 directory if you are using a 32-bit system or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for a 64-bit system.
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Ending lines
In this post, we have demonstrated the definition of DLL, the causes of the missing DLL file issue, and the practical solutions to restore missing DLL files errors. Now, it is your turn to attempt to remedy the issue using these methods. The most effective approach is to employ a professional file recovery software, such as AOMEI FastRecovery, if the cause of missing DLL files is inadvertent deletion. It facilitates the successful and rapid recovery of over 200 file types, including DLL files.
