How to Fix Missing DLL Files in Windows 10/8/7 [2024 Full Guide]

DLL, short for Dynamic Link Library, is a type of essential file that contains a set of instructions used for running almost every program in Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. If the DLL files are missing from Windows operating system, you may not be able to run the programs or applications you need.

One of the most popular missing DLL files errors on Windows 10 is the MSCVP110.dll issue with an error message 'The program can't start because MSVCP110.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem'.  

In this article, we're going to show you how to fix missing DLL files in Windows 10 in a few effective solutions. First, let's see what caused the missing DLL files on Windows 10/8/7.

Causes of Missing DLL Files Windows 10

Before we move right into the solution, it would be great to have a proper understanding of the cause of the missing .dll file error. 

• Virus or malware attack
• careless deletion of DLL files
• Corrupted Windows operating system
• DLL files are overwritten
• DLL files are damaged
• Different functions between Windows 10 and Windows 8/7 

There are many ways to fix missing DLL files on your Windows computer. When a missing .dll file issue occurs, you can try restarting your computer at first to see if the problem is resolved. If not, take the following methods in order.

1. Reinstall the Program 

As the error message suggests, you can try reinstalling the program to fix the missing .dll issue. If this way doesn't work, move to the next approach.

2. Run System File Checker Scanner

As the corrupted Windows operating system may result in the missing .dll error, you can repair the corrupted system file to troubleshoot.

Run the Windows in-built System File Checker to help you detect and replace lost or corrupted files in your operating system. This tool can also be used to detect crucial missing DLL files on Windows 10.

Related reading: SFC is not working on Windows 10

Step 1. Right-click the "Start" button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run a full system scan.

Wait for the process to finish. If the SFC scanner found the missing DLL file, then the problem is solved. If you see this message: Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations, it means there is nothing wrong with the Windows system files. You need to jump to the next solution.

3. Run DISM Tool

If the SFC scanner is not useful, fix DLL file missing problem with DISM (Deployment Image & Servicing Management) tool.

Step 1. Press Win + R to open Run dialog and type: cmd to open "Command Prompt".

Step 2. Type the following command and hit "Enter".

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete. Then, restart your computer.

4. Recover Deleted DLL Files with a File Recovery Tool

Sometimes, you might have accidentally deleted the DLL files. In this case, the missing .dll file error arises. Search your Recycle Bin and restore the deleted files. If the DLL file is not in the Recycle Bin or you have emptied it, you can recover deleted files with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard allows you to restore any lost files from HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, external hard drive, etc.

What's more, it can repair corrupted files after recovery. Free download this file recovery program to get back your missing DLL files.

Step 1. Choose the exact file location and then click the "Search for Lost Data" button to continue.

Step 2. After the process, locate the deleted or lost files in the left panel using the "Path" or "Type" feature. Or, you can apply the "Filter" feature to find the deleted files.

Step 3. Click the "Recover" button and save the restored files – ideally, it should be different from the original one. You can choose a cloud storage, such as OneDrive, Google Drive, etc., and click "Save" to save your recovered files.

5. Download the DLL File Manually

If the above methods can't help to solve the problem with a missing DLL, you can download missing DLL files from the internet.

However, many sites offer free DLL files online, but only a few are trustworthy. Some harmful web pages may have malware that can infect your entire system. So, be sure to download DLL files through the official Microsoft links provided.

If you don't like downloading the missing DLL files online, you can try copying them from another working PC.

6. Upgrade Windows

Some Windows updates can change or replace .dll files so that they will not be available when other programs need to use them. You can update Windows 10 to the latest version and check if this missing DLL file error.

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click "Update & Security" and select "Check for updates" under Windows Update.

Step 3. If there a new Windows update available, click "Install Now" and follow the instructions to install the recent update.

More Information About Missing DLL Files Windows 10

Here is some additional knowledge of the DLL file on Windows 10.

Where are the DLL files located in Windows 10?

DLLs are located all over your PC, and they are not just in one location. You can find them in C:\Windows\System32, or in your program files folder, or in other places.

You can search your computer for a .dll file:

• Click the search button on your computer.
• Enter the filename without the .dll extension into the search bar.
• Check if the DLL file can be found.

How do I install missing DLL files?

Here's how you can find and install missing .dll files on Windows 10.

• Find and download your missing .dll file from a reliable site.
• Download the .dll file to: "C:\Windows\System32".
• Press Windows + R to start the Run tool. Type regsvr32 name_of_dll. dll and hit Enter. Then, the .dll file should be installed on your Windows.

What happens if DLL files are missing?

If the DLL file required by a program is missing from your computer, you will not be able to run the program, and you will receive an error message. 

Concluding Words

In this post, we have shown you what DLL is, what causes the missing DLL files issue, and the 6 most useful solutions to fix missing DLL file errors. Now, it's your turn to try these methods to resolve the problem.

If the .dll files are missing due to unintentional deletion, you can use EaseUS data recovery software to restore the files with ease. If you have any questions in addressing the problem, you can contact our technical support team for help. Email to [email protected].