A DLL or Dynamic Link Library file ensures that your programs run faster and work more efficiently. Several applications can use a single DLL file for functioning. That is why sometimes the user faces some issues regarding these files.
While running a program, sometimes your system shows you an error that says “.dll file not found.” You will not be able to start the application without this file, as it contains important data.
Most people are unaware of what to do when they see this error on the monitor. There are some ways that you can fix and prevent these errors without harming the system.
Causes of missing DLL File error
Before learning about the methods to fix the missing DLL file error, you should know what is causing it to occur. Following are the reasons why such errors appear on your computer or laptop:
1. Overwritten
Existing applications use the latest version of the DLL file. When you install new programs having an outdated version, these files might get overwritten. It causes DLL errors in every program that is using the file.
2. Replaced
Downloading an application that has an out-of-date DLL update may replace the existing and latest version of the file. Programs that operate through a particular DLL file will stop functioning until they get the upgraded form.
3. Virus
Malicious software present in your computer is one of the most common causes of a missing DLL file. If any sort of virus enters your system while downloading a file, it could lead to several issues, including DLL errors.
4. Uninstall
Uninstalling an existing application can cause DLL errors, just like installing a new one. The DLL file linked with the deleted software will also get removed from the system, causing an error with other programs.
5. Hardware Malfunctioning
Any kind of hardware malfunctions, like damaged hard disks, corrupt registry, or application issues, can damage a DLL file.
How to prevent missing DLL file error?
Since prevention is better than cure, you should focus more on stopping these errors from appearing. Here are a few ways you can follow to ensure that your monitor does not display any DLL errors:
6. Avoid Free Software
People tend to get their hands on anything they are getting for free, even if they don’t need it. It should not be the case with software available on the internet. Free software might be spam or contain malicious files that can affect the whole system.
The website could belong to a hacker who is trying to access the personal data of its visitors. So, avoid downloading such software unless it’s from a trustworthy source.
Remember to ask yourself the question – why are they giving it for free?
7. One program at a time
More than one program uses the same DLL registry for its operations. Try not to run multiple programs linked to a single DLL file.
Close those applications that are not important at the moment and only work with as few programs as possible.
8. Close Background Programs
Closing an unnecessary application does not mean that it is not running in the background. To remove these programs from the background, simply press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously. It will open the task to manage and allow you to get rid of all these unwanted applications.
Select the ones you don’t want running on the system, and click on End Process to entirely close these programs.
9. Cleaning the Registry
The DLL registry might contain some junk files that can cause a missing file error while launching a program. That is why you should regularly clean the DLL registry junk. Even the smallest of issues in the registry will affect the applications linked to the DLL.
How to fix the missing DLL file error?
If somehow you couldn’t prevent the missing DLL file error, there are still some ways to fix it. These are:
10. System Restore
System Restore allows you to go back to your previous Windows settings. It is a simple process, and anyone can easily perform it on their computer. Just follow these steps, and you are good to go:
• Search Control Panel on your search box and open the first result it shows.
• Find the Recovery tab and open it.
• In this tab, locate Open System Restore and click on it.
• Follow the instructions on your monitor and select the restore time. Windows will begin restoring your system.
• Once restored, check whether the missing DLL file error is appearing or not. If it’s not, you should try other methods to resolve the issue.
11. System File Checker
Windows has an in-built feature called System File Checker (SFC) that allows a user to check and repair any existing damaged files. You can easily access SFC by following these steps:
• Type CMD in the search box
• Right-click on the Command Prompt and select run as administrator from the drop box
• Once opened, type the Sfc/Scannow command and press Enter.
• After a few minutes, Windows will restart, and you can check if the missing DLL file error is still there
or not.
12. Restart Your Computer
The easiest way to eradicate the missing DLL file error is to restart your computer. Sometimes the system has cache problems, and rebooting it can solve the issue.
It may not work every time as the error can occur due to several other reasons that a restart cannot fix.
13. Repair System Image
Run this using cmd for any errors and restart the system.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Download New Windows OS
Download latest version of Windows again from Authenticate Source and Install It.
13. Manually Download DLL Files
Downloading the required DLL file from the internet is another simple method of fixing the issue.
Summing up
That is how you can prevent and fix your missing DLL file error without damaging a part of your computer. These errors are common with gaming applications that use modern technology and advanced graphics.
As mentioned above, you can also download a DLL file if other methods are not working from the Internet.
Sometimes you have to download multiple DLL Files from different sources if it does not work for the first time. Hit and try all one by one, the best one will solve the problems.
