How To Fix DLL Error in Windows 10

Read about restoring faulty DLL libraries in Windows 10, 8 or 7 and why DLL files can be damaged, deleted or corrupted. By themselves, DLL files are not executable files but other programs use them in their work. Often several programs or drivers can use one DLL file together, so removing or updating one program can break the other.

The Possible Causes For DLL Files To Be Damaged, Deleted

  1. Deleting DLL files unintentionally.
  2. Overwriting DLL files.
  3. Effects of viruses or malware.
  4. Damage to the hard disk.
  5. Absent or damaged hardware drivers.
  6. In Windows, there are incompatible file versions which belong to different applications.

To Recover DLL Files in Windows 10

  1. Find and copy the required DLL file from another computer or an installation disk. There are also DLL archives on the Internet where you can search for the necessary DLL file configuration.

  2. Reinstall the program referring to the DLL file. A DLL file error may be caused by an error in the work of the application that uses it.

  3. Update the driver for the device which generates a DLL file error.

  4. Scan the computer for viruses. Some malware can disguise as a DLL file and cause system errors.

  5. Restore the system back to the last good configuration. Launch the Run window with the key combination Windows + R and type in the command: rstrui.exe

    In the System Restore Wizard window that opens select the required system restore point with the date preceding the date when you encountered DLL errors.

  6. When a Windows 10 file is deleted, it doesn’t disappear from the hard disk – it can be restored from the Recycle Bin. Just do the following:

    • Go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop;
    • Find the file or folder which you need to restore;

    • Right-click on the required element and select Restore in the context menu.

      An alternative variant: Select the files or folders which you need to restore and click on the corresponding function in the Recycle Bin menu: find it in the tab Manage / Restore the selected items.

  7. Even if it is permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin, it can still be recovered. In Windows, files never disappear; the space they take up on the hard disk (or any other media) is only marked as free for writing new data there.

    If files were deleted with a key combination Shift + Delete and it is impossible to recover them using standard tools of your operating system, the most effective way will be to use Hetman Partition Recovery:

    • Download the program, install and launch it. Learn about the program functions and step-by-step guide.
    • By default, users are suggested to start with File Recovery Wizard. Click «Next», and the program will ask you to select the disk you want to recover your files from.
    • Double-click on the disk and select analysis type. Choose «Full analysis» and wait for the disk scanning process to finish.
    • When the scanning is over, you will be shown files for recovery. Select the ones you need and click «Recover».
    • Select one of the options to save files. Do not save the recovered files to the disk from where they have been deleted previously because they can be erased.

Have you managed to recover your DLL files? Leave your feedback and ask questions in your comments.

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

What is a DLL file, and how does it relate to Windows 10?

A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file is a Windows file containing executable code and data used by multiple programs. It is a library of functions and resources that can be shared across multiple applications. DLL files are important for Windows 10 as they provide an efficient way to store code and data that can be used by multiple programs, saving memory and disk space. They also allow programs to access functions and resources in other programs, which is especially useful when multiple programs need to access the same data.

What are some common causes of DLL errors in Windows 10?

  1. Missing or corrupted DLL files.
  2. Registry errors caused by installing or uninstalling programs.
  3. Viruses or malware infections.
  4. Conflicting versions of the same DLL file.
  5. Hardware incompatibility issues.
  6. Outdated drivers or operating system.
  7. Corrupted Windows system files due to a recent update or upgrade.

How can you identify which DLL file is causing an error in Windows 10?

  1. Check the Event Viewer for errors related to the DLL file.
  2. Use a file search tool to locate the DLL file in question.
  3. Run a System File Checker scan to check for any corrupted system files.
  4. Use the Dependency Walker tool to check for any missing dependencies.
  5. Use the Process Monitor tool to identify which processes are using the DLL file.

What is the System File Checker (SFC), and how can it be used to fix DLL errors?

The System File Checker (SFC) is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files. It can be used to fix DLL errors by scanning the system for any missing or corrupted DLLs, and replacing them with the correct versions. This can help to resolve many common DLL errors, such as missing DLLs, corrupted DLLs, or incorrect versions of DLLs.

What is the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, and how can it be used to fix DLL errors?

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a command line utility for Windows that can be used to manage and service Windows images, such as those used for Windows deployment. DISM can be used to fix DLL errors by replacing corrupted or missing system files with the correct versions. DISM can also be used to enable or disable Windows features, scan and repair system files, and perform other system maintenance tasks.

Comments (13) #

  • Ahmed Wagdy 26.11.2017 11:24 #

    A great guide for windows 10 users it helped me!

  • Dominic Jones 4.11.2016 01:27 #

    Are there any third-party software tools that can help fix DLL errors in Windows 10, and if so, what are some examples?

    • Hetman Software 4.11.2016 01:42 #

      Yes, there are several third-party software tools that can help fix DLL errors in Windows 10. Some examples include:

      1. DLL Suite
      2. DLL-Files Fixer
      3. DLL Tool
      4. Reimage Plus
      5. Advanced System Repair
      6. SpeedyPC Pro
      7. Smart DLL Missing Fixer
      8. Error Repair Toolkit
      9. WinThruster
      10. RegClean Pro
  • Rembrandt Holman 3.11.2016 23:22 #

    How can you safely edit the Windows Registry to fix DLL errors in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 3.11.2016 23:53 #

      1. Back up the Windows registry before making any changes. To do this, open the Run command (Windows key + R), type in “regedit” and press Enter. Then, go to File > Export and save the registry backup to a secure location.
      2. Navigate to the registry key where the DLL error is located. To do this, open the Run command (Windows key + R) again, type in “regedit” and press Enter. Then, use the left pane to navigate to the key where the DLL error is located.
      3. Right-click on the key and select “Permissions”. In the Permissions window, select the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Change Permissions” button.
      4. Select the user or group you want to give permission to and check the “Allow” box for the permissions you want to grant. Click “OK” to save your changes.
      5. Right-click on the key again and select “Export” to save a backup of the registry key.
      6. Right-click on the key again and select “Delete” to remove it from the registry.
      7. Restart your computer to complete the process.
  • Russell Short 3.11.2016 20:22 #

    What is the Windows Registry, and how can it cause DLL errors in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 3.11.2016 20:42 #

      The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for the Windows operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. It is used to control how Windows operates and can be used to customize the user experience. The Windows Registry can cause DLL errors in Windows 10 because it stores the information about the DLLs that are installed on the system. If a DLL is deleted, renamed, or moved, the Windows Registry will not be able to find it and will display an error. Additionally, if a new version of a DLL is installed, the Windows Registry may not recognize it, resulting in a DLL error.

  • Grayson Belk 3.11.2016 16:29 #

    How can updating device drivers help fix DLL errors in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 3.11.2016 16:51 #

      Updating device drivers can help fix DLL errors in Windows 10 by replacing outdated or corrupted drivers with the latest versions. This can help ensure that the device drivers are compatible with the operating system and any software that is installed. Additionally, updating device drivers can help reduce the risk of system crashes and other issues caused by outdated or incompatible drivers.

  • Derick Brownell 3.11.2016 14:32 #

    Can reinstalling the affected program fix DLL errors in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 3.11.2016 14:50 #

      In some cases, reinstalling the affected program can fix DLL errors in Windows 10. However, this is not always the case and other solutions may be needed. It is recommended to first try other solutions such as scanning for malware or restoring the system to an earlier point before reinstalling the program.

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 14:58 #

    Read how to fix DLL error in Windows 10 and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.

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