How to fix Windows 11 'dll' errors and missing system files when launching applications

Performance & Troubleshooting KB-647

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Windows 11 'dll' errors and missing system files when launching applications. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) are shared files that contain instructions used by multiple programs to perform specific tasks. When a Windows 11 application cannot find a required .dll file, or if that file has become corrupted, the application will fail to launch, often displaying an error such as "The program can't start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer."

Quick Fix Steps

Before attempting deep system repairs, try these basic troubleshooting steps to resolve the conflict:

Restart your computer: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary file locking issues.
Check the Recycle Bin: Ensure the missing file wasn't accidentally deleted by a user.
Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates to ensure all system libraries are current.
Reinstall the application: If the error only occurs with one specific program, uninstalling and reinstalling that software often replaces the missing .dll file.

Detailed Instructions

Running the System File Checker (SFC)

Windows includes a built-in tool to analyse and repair corrupted system files automatically.

Press the Windows Key and type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the black window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete. Windows will either report that no integrity violations were found or that it has successfully repaired the damaged files.
Restart your computer and attempt to launch the application again.

Using the DISM Tool

If the SFC scan fails to fix the issue, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the underlying Windows system image.

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator again.
Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This process may take several minutes to complete as it downloads healthy files from Windows Update to replace corrupted ones.
Once finished, run the sfc /scannow command one more time to ensure all remaining errors are cleared.

Installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Many .dll errors (especially those starting with MSVCP or VCRUNTIME) are caused by missing Visual C++ packages, which are required by many third-party applications.

Visit the official Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
Download the latest supported version (usually the X64 architecture for Windows 11).
Run the installer and select Repair or Install.
Restart your system.

Warning: Never download individual .dll files from third-party "DLL download" websites. These files are often outdated, incompatible, or may contain malware that could compromise your organisation's security. Always obtain files through official installers or Windows Update.

Troubleshooting Related Issues

If you have resolved the DLL error but are still experiencing stability problems, you may want to explore the following guides:

If your system remains unstable, check our guide on Applications freezing or crashing.
If you are seeing a blue screen after a system file repair, see Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps.
If the system feels sluggish after these updates, refer to Computer running slow.

Tip: If you are using a business-managed device, some system folders may be restricted. If you receive an "Access Denied" error while running commands, ensure you have selected Run as administrator.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please Open a Ticket so our technical team can analyse your system logs.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

💻 Open a Ticket