How to Fix DLL Files Missing Error on Windows 11 PC

Windows 11 users are often greeted with a message that says The program can’t start because something.DLL is missing from your computer. There are multiple reasons for this to happen but you are here because most likely you are also stuck with one or the other DLL files missing error in Windows 11. Nevertheless, there are many ways to fix this issue so that your day-to-day tasks are not interrupted. Keep reading this guide to steer clear of dll files missing errors in Windows 11.

How to Fix DLL Files Missing Error on Windows 11 PC

 

What are DLL Files?

The DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library file that is shared by Microsoft to run crucial programs. Important files with .exe extensions need a guidebook that stores information and instructions for execution. And when Windows is unable to find a suitable DLL file, you will be shown an error that the following DLL file is missing.

What is DLL File Missing Error?

A DLL error file missing error in Windows 11 is an error when a file with .DLL extension is missing or not found by the operating system. The error has been known since Windows XP and continues to wreak havoc even on state-of-the-art Windows 11 PCs. Furthermore, DLL file missing errors are actually very troublesome because of their nature of getting corrupt easily. On the other hand, simply downloading DLL files online can put your system at a risk of malware attack.

How to Fix DLL Files Missing Error in Windows 11?

While the DLL files are as useful as they can get, the missing error is quite frustrating. Although the error says the file is missing, the case is different. DLL files often get corrupted and cause the missing error. But you don’t have to worry, because we have pinpointed the exact ways to fix this issue.

Fix 1: Register the DLL File

Registering the missing DLL file can fix the missing error in Windows 11. It is always better to register the DLL file because it is not at all safer to simply download the DLL file you find on the web. Follow these simple steps to register a DLL file:

  1. Click Windows+R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter together to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. Type this code: regsvr32 abc.dll (replace ABC with the name of the DLL file in the error message) and press the Enter key.

You may have to wait for a minute or 2 and the issue will get resolved. However, if you are still facing the issue, follow up with the next fix.

Fix 2: Reinstall the Application

If you are seeing the DLL file missing error, most likely you’re trying to run an application. Try to reinstall that application because the applications that require DLL files often come bundled with those files and can help solve the missing error. You don’t need to follow any steps. Just uninstall the application, download it again and reinstall it. This should fix the .dll file missing error.

Fix 3: Scan Your PC for Malware or Virus

Although Windows Defender can take care of your Windows PC, it is possible that your PC is infected with some kind of malware. As mentioned earlier, DLL files are vulnerable to malware and getting corrupted, it can be fixed with the use of an Antivirus. As a result, even if you reinstall the application, the DLL file can get corrupted due to the Malware. Follow these steps to scan your system for malware.

  1. Click on the Start button and search for Windows Security.
  2. In the new Window, make sure Virus and Threat protection is turned on. How to Fix DLL Files Missing Error on Windows 11 PC
  3. Now, click on Virus and Threat protection and click on Quick Scan. How to Fix DLL Files Missing Error on Windows 11 PC
  4. Windows Defender will now start scanning for all the files and folders and inform if there’s any malware.
  5. After that, you can take necessary actions to remove that malware although Windows Defender will quarantine it

Now reinstall the program as mentioned in Fix 2 and run the application to check whether the DLL file missing error is fixed. If not, the last fix is the only way to resolve your issue.

Fix 4: Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a Windows Utility that is known to fix all ongoing Windows issues. The process is simple to follow but you may have to wait for some time to let it work. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Click Windows+R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter together to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. Now, in the Command Prompt window, type this code: sfc/scannow.
  4. Windows will now start scanning your system and also repair if it finds anything corrupted or not in place

Wait for some time like 30 minutes and your PC will restart. Run the application and check whether the issue is solved. No doubt, the Qt5Widgets.dll missing issue will be fixed by now.

Well, that’s all we have here about how you can fix the DLL file missing error in Windows 11. We hope this guide helped you. If you liked this, make sure to check how you can fix Zoom Keeps Crashing on Windows 11.

Posted by
Anubhav Roy

Anubhav Roy is the founder and chief editor at Make Tech Quick. Whatever he says or writes is to deemed to be accurate, courtesy of his five years of experience, research, and analytical skills.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *