Help: downloading and installing a DLL file
Answers to the most frequent questions about DLL files on Windows 10 and 11 (and earlier versions). For a specific error, see also our guides and the page of the file concerned: it gives the official solution when there is one.
How do I install a downloaded DLL file?
- Open the downloaded
.zipfile (right-click › Extract All): it contains the DLL and installation instructions. - Copy the DLL to the folder of the program showing the error, next to its
.exefile. To find it: right-click the program shortcut › Open file location. This is the safest method. - If the error persists, copy it to the Windows system folder that matches its architecture (table below).
- Restart your computer, then launch the program again.
| Your Windows | 64-bit DLL | 32-bit DLL |
|---|---|---|
| 64-bit Windows | C:\Windows\System32 | C:\Windows\SysWOW64 |
| 32-bit Windows | does not work | C:\Windows\System32 |
Yes, on 64-bit Windows, 64-bit files go to “System32” and 32-bit files to “SysWOW64”: it is counter-intuitive, but that is how Windows is organised. Never replace an existing system file (kernel32.dll, user32.dll…): see repairing Windows files.
32-bit or 64-bit DLL: which one should I choose?
The DLL must have the same architecture as the program that asks for it, not necessarily that of Windows: a 32-bit game needs a 32-bit DLL, even on 64-bit Windows. The architecture of each file is shown on its page, and many pages offer both versions.
To check your version of Windows: Settings › System › About › System type. If in doubt, for Visual C++ or DirectX files, install the official package instead: it contains both versions.
Message “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)”? It is almost always a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs: see the error 0xc000007b guide.
Do I need to register the DLL with regsvr32?
Usually not. The regsvr32 command is only for COM or ActiveX components (.ocx files and some DLLs), when the program explicitly asks for it. For msvcp140.dll, d3dx9_43.dll and most files, it is useless: the message “The module was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found” is then normal.
If it is needed: open a Command Prompt as administrator and type regsvr32 "C:\path\to\file.dll". For a 32-bit DLL on 64-bit Windows, use C:\Windows\SysWOW64\regsvr32.exe.
How do I replace a DLL file that is in use?
First close the program that uses it. If Windows still refuses to replace it, rename the old file (add .old to the end of its name), copy the new one, then restart your computer. Never do this with a Windows system file.
I cannot see the DLL file I just downloaded
The file is normally in the Downloads folder, as a .zip file to open. If File Explorer does not show the .dll extension or hides some files:
- Windows 11: in File Explorer, View menu › Show › check File name extensions and Hidden items.
- Windows 10: View tab of File Explorer › check File name extensions and Hidden items.
Why does my browser or antivirus show a warning?
Browsers are wary of .dll files and of rarely downloaded files by default. That is why our files are offered in .zip format. All of them have been scanned by an antivirus; each file page also shows the SHA-256 fingerprint of the file, which you can check on VirusTotal. Keep your antivirus up to date and scan the file if in doubt.
Why do my DLL files disappear?
Most DLLs are shared between several programs. Uninstalling a program, an overly aggressive disk “cleaner” or an antivirus can delete a file still used by another program. An incomplete installation, or Windows reinstalled without the prerequisites (Visual C++, DirectX), also causes these errors.
How do I repair Windows system files?
Open a Command Prompt as administrator, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow, and restart. Windows then replaces its own missing or damaged files. All the details in the missing Windows system DLL guide.
What does the acronym DLL stand for?
DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library. These files contain code and data that several programs can use at the same time: they avoid each program having to include its own copy of the same functions.
I cannot find the DLL file I am looking for
Use the search at the top of the page with the exact file name, or only part of the name (for example msvcp). Also see the guides: many errors are fixed by installing an official package rather than a single file. If the file is not in our library, contact us.