How to Fix “Program Cannot Start Because .dll File Is Missing” Error

Have you ever tried to open a program on your computer only to be met with an error message saying, “The program can’t start because .dll file is missing”? It can be frustrating, especially when you’re not familiar with what a .dll file is or why it’s so important for your software to function. In this blog post, I will walk you through what a .dll file is, why this error occurs, and most importantly, how to fix it.

What is a .dll file?

DLL stands for “Dynamic Link Library.” These files contain instructions that different programs can share to perform certain tasks. Think of a .dll file as a toolbox for your software, it provides essential functions that multiple programs on your computer might need to use.

For example, if two different programs need to run the same operation, like printing a document, they can share the same .dll file that contains the code for that function. This allows Windows to save space and operate more efficiently. However, if one of these important .dll files is missing or corrupted, your program won’t have the tools it needs to run, and you’ll see the “missing .dll” error.

Also read: How to Access Clipboard on Windows 11

Common Causes of Missing .dll Errors

Before diving into the solutions, it is important to understand why you might be seeing this error in the first place. Common causes include:

1. Accidental Deletion: Sometimes, .dll files are deleted by mistake when cleaning up files on your computer, or by uninstalling a program that shares the file.

2. Corrupted Files: Files can become corrupted due to system errors, malware, or bad installations.

3. Outdated Software: If your operating system or software is outdated, it may not be compatible with certain .dll files.

4. Incomplete Installations: During program installation, something may go wrong, leaving out crucial .dll files.

5. Malware or Virus: Malicious software can damage or remove .dll files, causing programs to stop functioning properly.

How to Fix Missing .dll File Errors

Now that we understand the causes, let’s look at how to fix this error. Depending on the cause of the issue, you can try several methods.

Restart Your Computer

It may sound basic, but the first thing you should always try is restarting your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can reload system files and resolve the issue. If the problem persists after restarting, move on to more specific solutions.

Reinstall the Program

If the error is tied to a specific application, try uninstalling and reinstalling that software. Here is how:

• Step 1: Open Control Panel.
• Step 2: Go to Programs> Uninstall a Program.
• Step 3: Find the program that is giving the error, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
• Step 4: Download and reinstall the program from a trusted source.

By reinstalling, any missing or corrupted .dll files that the program needs should be replaced automatically.

Restore the Missing .dll File from the Recycle Bin

If you think you might have deleted the .dll file accidentally, check your Recycle Bin. You can restore the file from there if it hasn’t been permanently removed. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.
• Step 2: Search for the missing .dll file.
• Step 3: If you find the file, right-click and select Restore. 

This will restore the file to its original location.

Download the .dll File from a Trusted Source

There are websites that offer .dll files for download, but be careful! Not all of them are trustworthy, and downloading from a suspicious website could introduce malware to your system.

It is always better to get the .dll file from an official source. For example, if a game or app is giving you this error, check the developer’s website for a patch or update that might include the missing file.

Note: Avoid downloading .dll files from unofficial third-party websites, as these files may contain malware.

Use System File Checker (SFC)

Windows comes with a built-in tool called System File Checker (SFC), which scans your system for corrupted or missing files and repairs them. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
• Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.

The SFC tool will now scan your system and replace any missing or corrupted files, including .dll files.

Update Windows

Sometimes, missing .dll files can be due to an outdated operating system. Updating Windows to the latest version can fix these issues. Here’s how to check for updates:

• Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Step 2: Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Step 3: Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.

Once your system is up to date, restart your computer and try running the program again.

Also read: How to Check the Battery Time Remaining on Windows 11

Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause .dll errors, especially if they are related to hardware components like your graphics card or sound card. To update drivers:

• Step 1: Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.
• Step 2: Find the hardware device that may be causing the issue, right-click on it, and choose Update Driver.
• Step 3: Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Windows will search for the latest drivers and install them if available.

Perform a System Restore

If the .dll error started occurring recently, performing a System Restore can take your computer back to a point before the problem occurred. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and click Create a restore point.
• Step 2: In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
• Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point that dates back before the issue began.

Once the system restore is complete, check if the .dll error is resolved.

Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

Many .dll files are included in Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. If one of these files goes missing, reinstalling the package can solve the problem. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page on Microsoft’s website.
• Step 2: Download and install the latest version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
• Step 3: Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

Scan for Malware

Malware can corrupt or delete .dll files, so running a full system scan with your antivirus software can help detect and remove malicious threats. If your antivirus finds and removes a virus, try reinstalling the program afterward.

Conclusion

The “program can’t start because .dll file is missing” error can be annoying, but with these simple fixes, you should be able to get your program running smoothly again. Whether it’s reinstalling the software, running a system scan, or updating drivers, there are various ways to tackle this issue. Just make sure to avoid downloading .dll files from untrustworthy sources, as this could cause more harm than good.

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still face issues, it may be worth contacting the software’s support team or considering professional help to avoid damaging your system.

 FAQs

1. Can I manually copy a .dll file to fix the error?

Yes, you can, but it’s not always recommended unless you’re copying the file from a reliable source, such as an official software installation. Always ensure the .dll file matches the version and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of your system.

2. Why should I avoid downloading .dll files from third-party websites?

Many third-party sites that offer .dll downloads are not trustworthy and may provide infected or incompatible files, which can worsen the problem. Stick to official sources like Microsoft or the software vendor.

3. What if none of these solutions work?

If you have exhausted all options, including reinstalling the software and updating Windows, consider reaching out to the software’s customer support team. In extreme cases, reinstalling the operating system might be the final resort.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to fix the error and get back to using your software with minimal hassle.