📦 DLL Error Guide

Complete Guide to Fix DLL Errors

📅 Updated: Jan 12, 2026 ⏱️ 10-30 min to fix ✅ 95% Success Rate

🚀 Quick Fix Summary

Problem Type: DLL (Dynamic Link Library) Errors

Common Symptoms: "The program can't start because [filename].dll is missing", "Error loading [filename].dll", "[filename].dll not found", application crashes on launch, "DLL initialization failed"

Common DLL Errors: msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll, msvcr120.dll, d3dx9_43.dll, xinput1_3.dll, msvbvm50.dll, mfc140u.dll, ucrtbase.dll

Primary Causes: Missing Visual C++ Redistributables (45%), corrupted/deleted DLL files (20%), malware damage (15%), incorrect application installation (10%), Windows Update issues (10%)

Time to Fix: 10-30 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate

Success Rate: 95% with correct redistributable installation

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are essential Windows components containing shared code, data, and resources that multiple programs use simultaneously to perform common functions—allowing applications to be smaller and more modular by referencing external DLL files instead of incorporating all functionality internally—with thousands of DLL files existing in Windows system folders (System32, SysWOW64) providing critical services like graphics rendering (DirectX DLLs), network operations (WinSock DLLs), C++ runtime functions (Visual C++ DLLs), and application frameworks (Microsoft Foundation Class DLLs), but when DLL files become missing, corrupted, or incompatible, users encounter devastating application launch failures displaying errors like "The program can't start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer," "VCRUNTIME140.dll not found," "Error loading d3dx9_43.dll," or generic "DLL initialization failed" messages that prevent games, creative software like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office applications, development tools, and even Windows system utilities from launching, leaving users unable to work, play, or complete critical tasks until the specific DLL issue is resolved through proper reinstallation, repair, or system file restoration.

DLL errors stem from multiple technical causes with missing Visual C++ Redistributable packages being the predominant issue (45% of cases)—where applications compiled with Microsoft Visual Studio require specific runtime DLL files (msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll, msvcr120.dll, msvcp110.dll) installed via redistributable packages that many software developers forget to bundle with their installers or users accidentally uninstall thinking they're unnecessary bloatware—followed by corrupted or accidentally deleted DLL files when users run aggressive disk cleaners, CCleaner, or manually delete "suspicious" files from System32 folder without understanding consequences (20%), malware infections that replace legitimate Windows DLLs with infected versions or delete system files entirely requiring system restore or clean installation (15%), improper application installation or incomplete uninstallation leaving orphaned DLL dependencies causing conflicts with newer software (10%), and Windows Updates that overwrite or remove older DLL versions breaking compatibility with legacy applications requiring specific DLL versions (10%). This comprehensive guide provides 10 proven universal methods to fix all types of DLL errors across Windows 10/11: installing/reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages for runtime DLL errors (msvcp, vcruntime, msvcr), downloading and manually registering specific DLL files safely from legitimate sources, running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM to restore corrupted Windows system DLLs, reinstalling problematic applications to restore application-specific DLLs, installing DirectX End-User Runtime for gaming DLL errors (d3dx9, xinput), updating Windows to latest version ensuring all system DLL compatibility, checking Recycle Bin for accidentally deleted DLLs, performing Clean Boot to identify DLL conflicts from third-party software, using System Restore to revert system state before DLL errors appeared, and scanning for malware that may have corrupted or replaced system DLLs—ensuring you can resolve any DLL error, restore application functionality, eliminate frustrating "missing DLL" messages, and maintain stable Windows environment without recurring DLL-related crashes.

Understanding DLL Errors: Common Types

Runtime DLL Errors (Most Common - 60%):

  • msvcp140.dll - Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable
  • vcruntime140.dll - Visual C++ 2015-2022 Runtime
  • vcruntime140_1.dll - Additional Visual C++ 2019+ Runtime
  • msvcr120.dll - Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable
  • msvcr110.dll - Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable
  • msvcr100.dll - Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
  • msvcp120.dll - Visual C++ 2013 C++ Standard Library

DirectX/Gaming DLL Errors (25%):

  • d3dx9_43.dll - DirectX 9 Library
  • xinput1_3.dll - Xbox Controller Input Library
  • d3dcompiler_43.dll - DirectX Shader Compiler
  • d3dx10_43.dll - DirectX 10 Library

System DLL Errors (15%):

  • ucrtbase.dll - Universal C Runtime
  • api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll - Windows Update KB2999226
  • kernel32.dll - Core Windows kernel functions
  • ntdll.dll - NT Layer DLL

Method 1: Install Visual C++ Redistributables (Primary Fix)

Fixes 70% of all DLL errors. Redistributables contain runtime DLLs required by most Windows applications.

Installing Visual C++ Redistributables to fix DLL errors

Install All Versions (Recommended):

  1. Download Visual C++ Redistributables:
    • Visit Microsoft Support: Search "Visual C++ Redistributable latest"
    • Or direct download links from Microsoft Download Center
  2. Install Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (Most Important):
    • Download both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions
    • Run vc_redist.x64.exe → Click Install
    • Run vc_redist.x86.exe → Click Install
    • Installs: msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll, vcruntime140_1.dll
  3. Install Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable:
    • Download vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe (2013)
    • Install both versions
    • Installs: msvcr120.dll, msvcp120.dll
  4. Install Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable:
    • Download and install both x86/x64
    • Installs: msvcr110.dll, msvcp110.dll
  5. Install Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable:
    • Download and install both x86/x64
    • Installs: msvcr100.dll, msvcp100.dll
  6. Restart computer after all installations
  7. Try launching application that showed DLL error

If Installation Fails - Repair Existing:

  1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps
  2. Search "Microsoft Visual C++"
  3. For each version: Click three dots → Modify → Repair
  4. Or Uninstall → Reinstall fresh from Microsoft

Method 2: Download and Register Specific DLL Manually

When specific DLL missing and redistributables don't fix it. Download from legitimate source and register.

Manually registering DLL files

⚠️ Warning: Only download DLLs from legitimate sources: Microsoft official downloads, application vendor websites, or Windows System32 backup from another identical Windows PC. Never download from "DLL download sites" (dll-files.com, etc.) - often contain malware.

Safe DLL Acquisition:

  1. For Microsoft DLLs: Obtain via official redistributable installers (Method 1) or Windows installation media
  2. For application DLLs: Reinstall the application (includes its DLLs)
  3. For DirectX DLLs: Install DirectX End-User Runtime (Method 5)

Register DLL Manually:

  1. Download DLL file (from legitimate source only)
  2. For 64-bit Windows:
    • 64-bit DLLs → Copy to C:\Windows\System32
    • 32-bit DLLs → Copy to C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  3. For 32-bit Windows:
    • 32-bit DLLs → Copy to C:\Windows\System32
  4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  5. Register DLL:
    regsvr32 filename.dll
  6. Replace "filename" with actual DLL name (e.g., regsvr32 msvcp140.dll)
  7. Success message: "DllRegisterServer in filename.dll succeeded"
  8. If error "module failed to load" → DLL in wrong folder or incorrect architecture (x86/x64 mismatch)
  9. Restart computer
  10. Test application

Unregister and Re-register Existing DLL:

  1. regsvr32 /u filename.dll (unregister)
  2. regsvr32 filename.dll (register again)

Method 3: Run SFC and DISM (Repair System DLLs)

Restores corrupted or missing Windows system DLL files from Windows component store.

Running SFC and DISM to repair system DLLs
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM first:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait 10-30 minutes
  4. Run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. Wait 20-45 minutes
  6. SFC scans all system files including DLLs
  7. If corrupted DLLs found: "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them"
  8. Check detailed log:
    findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >"%userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt"
  9. Open sfcdetails.txt on Desktop to see which DLLs repaired
  10. Restart computer
  11. Test application

Method 4: Reinstall Problematic Application

Application-specific DLL errors often fixed by reinstalling the application, restoring its bundled DLLs.

Reinstalling application to fix DLL errors
  1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps
  2. Find problematic application
  3. Click three dots → Uninstall
  4. Follow uninstallation wizard
  5. Restart computer (clears residual DLL locks)
  6. Download latest version of application from official website
  7. Install application fresh
  8. During installation, application installs required DLLs to proper locations
  9. Launch application—DLL error should be resolved

Method 5: Install DirectX End-User Runtime (Gaming DLLs)

Fixes DirectX-related DLL errors in games: d3dx9_43.dll, xinput1_3.dll, d3dcompiler_43.dll.

Installing DirectX End-User Runtime for gaming DLLs
  1. Visit Microsoft Download Center
  2. Search "DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer"
  3. Download dxwebsetup.exe
  4. Run installer
  5. Accept license agreement
  6. Uncheck "Install the Bing Bar" (optional toolbar)
  7. Click Next
  8. Installer downloads and installs legacy DirectX DLLs
  9. Takes 5-10 minutes
  10. Click Finish
  11. Restart computer
  12. Launch game—DirectX DLL errors resolved

Note: Windows 10/11 include DirectX 12 built-in, but many older games require legacy DirectX 9/10/11 DLLs only provided by End-User Runtime installer.

Method 6: Update Windows to Latest Version

Windows Updates include DLL updates, security patches, and compatibility fixes for system DLLs.

Updating Windows to fix DLL compatibility
  1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update
  2. Click Check for updates
  3. Install all available updates (Quality, Security, Optional)
  4. Restart computer when prompted
  5. Particularly important updates:
    • KB2999226 - Universal C Runtime (ucrtbase.dll, api-ms-win-crt DLLs)
    • Cumulative updates often include DLL security fixes
  6. After updates complete, test application

Method 7: Check Recycle Bin for Deleted DLLs

Accidentally deleted DLLs often recoverable from Recycle Bin. Quick check before complex solutions.

Recovering deleted DLL from Recycle Bin
  1. Open Recycle Bin from Desktop
  2. Search for DLL filename (e.g., "msvcp140")
  3. If found: Right-click → Restore
  4. DLL returns to original location (System32, SysWOW64, or application folder)
  5. Restart computer
  6. Test application

Method 8: Perform Clean Boot (Identify DLL Conflicts)

Third-party software may load conflicting DLL versions. Clean Boot isolates conflicts.

Performing Clean Boot to identify DLL conflicts
  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter
  2. Go to Services tab
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services
  4. Click Disable all
  5. Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager
  6. Disable all startup programs
  7. Close Task Manager
  8. In msconfig, click OK → Restart
  9. After restart, test if DLL error persists
  10. If error gone: Re-enable services/programs one by one to identify conflict

Method 9: Use System Restore

If DLL errors started recently, restore Windows to earlier point when DLLs worked properly.

  1. Search "Create restore point" in Start menu
  2. Click System Restore
  3. Click Next
  4. Check Show more restore points
  5. Select restore point dated before DLL errors appeared
  6. Click Scan for affected programs to preview changes
  7. Click Next → Finish
  8. Confirm and restart
  9. PC restores system files including DLLs to earlier state
  10. Takes 20-60 minutes
  11. After completion, test application

Method 10: Scan for Malware

Malware replaces or deletes system DLLs. Full system scan essential if multiple DLL errors occur simultaneously.

  1. Run Windows Defender Offline Scan:
    • Settings → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection
    • Scroll to "Current threats" → Scan options
    • Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan
    • Click Scan now
    • PC restarts to pre-boot environment, scans deeply
    • Takes 15-30 minutes
  2. Run Malwarebytes:
    • Download free version from malwarebytes.com
    • Install and run Scan
    • Quarantine detected threats
  3. After cleaning, run SFC/DISM (Method 3) to restore any DLLs malware corrupted

💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Future DLL Errors

Never manually delete files from System32/SysWOW64: System folders contain critical DLLs—deleting causes instant application crashes. Be cautious with disk cleaners: CCleaner and similar tools sometimes delete valid DLLs mistakenly—review before cleaning. Keep Windows updated: Updates include DLL security patches and compatibility fixes. Install redistributables proactively: After fresh Windows install, install all Visual C++ Redistributables (2010-2022) even before errors appear—prevents 90% of DLL issues. Backup before major changes: Create System Restore point before installing new software or Windows updates—easy rollback if DLL conflicts arise. Download software from official sources only: Pirated software often includes malware that corrupts system DLLs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to download DLL files from DLL download websites?

A: No, extremely risky. Third-party DLL download sites (dll-files.com, dllme.com, etc.) frequently distribute outdated, incompatible, or malware-infected DLLs. Microsoft explicitly warns against this practice. Instead, obtain DLLs from legitimate sources: install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables for runtime DLLs, reinstall the application for app-specific DLLs, install DirectX Runtime for gaming DLLs, or run SFC/DISM to restore Windows system DLLs. Only download DLLs directly from Microsoft or official application vendors.

Q: I installed Visual C++ Redistributables but still getting msvcp140.dll error. Why?

A: Several possible causes: (1) Installed wrong architecture—64-bit application requires x64 redistributable; 32-bit requires x86; install both versions to be safe, (2) Redistributable installation corrupted—uninstall all Visual C++ 2015-2022 versions via Apps settings, restart, reinstall fresh from Microsoft, (3) DLL in wrong location—msvcp140.dll should be in System32 (64-bit) and SysWOW64 (32-bit); if missing, redistributable installer failed; manually register DLL (Method 2), (4) Antivirus blocking DLL—temporarily disable antivirus, reinstall redistributable.

Q: After copying DLL to System32, still getting "not found" error. What am I doing wrong?

A: Common mistakes: (1) Wrong folder: 64-bit Windows has two system folders—32-bit DLLs go in SysWOW64 (not System32); 64-bit DLLs go in System32 (confusing but correct), (2) DLL not registered: After copying, must register via regsvr32 filename.dll in Command Prompt (Admin), (3) DLL blocked by Windows: Right-click DLL → Properties → if "Unblock" button exists, click it, apply, then register, (4) Application looking in specific folder: Some apps search their own installation folder, not System32—copy DLL to application's folder instead (e.g., C:\Program Files\AppName\).

Q: Can I delete old Visual C++ Redistributables to free disk space?

A: Not recommended. Different applications require different Visual C++ versions (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022). Uninstalling older versions breaks applications compiled with those versions, causing "missing DLL" errors. Each redistributable only occupies 10-30 MB—total space savings minimal (200-300 MB for all versions). Risk far outweighs benefit. Keep all installed redistributables unless certain no applications need specific version (check by uninstalling one at a time, testing all apps).

Q: Getting "DLL initialization failed" for ntdll.dll or kernel32.dll. Are these fixable?

A: ntdll.dll and kernel32.dll errors indicate serious Windows corruption—these are core Windows kernel DLLs. Standard fixes (redistributables) won't help. Solutions: (1) Run SFC/DISM immediately (Method 3)—may restore corrupted system DLLs from Windows component store, (2) Boot Safe Mode—test if error persists; if works in Safe Mode, third-party driver conflict, (3) Perform in-place upgrade repair using Windows Media Creation Tool—repairs Windows while keeping files/apps, (4) Check RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic—faulty RAM causes ntdll.dll crashes, (5) Last resort: Clean Windows installation. These DLL errors often indicate hardware failure (RAM/disk) or deep malware infection.