What Happens If DLL Files Are Missing?

A DLL file (Dynamic Link Library) is a type of file that contains code, data, and resources that can be used by multiple programs at the same time.

One of the most common Windows errors occurs when a DLL file goes missing. But what does this mean and what happens to the operating system?

Why do DLL files go missing?

There are many reasons why DLL files can go missing. The most common include:

• Accidental Deletion – When you erroneously remove a DLL or delete the folder where it resides.
• Malware – Malware and viruses can purposefully delete vital Windows DLLs to disrupt your system.
• Software Conflicts – Badly written software might remove shared DLLs when uninstalled, despite other programs using the files. Similarly, interrupted software installations or updates can result in missing DLL files.
• Broken Registry – If the Windows Registry is damaged, it can take DLLs with it.

As well as going missing, DLLs can also get misplaced by the registry or corrupted. In both cases, you should aim to replace them with fresh copies.

How do missing DLLs impact Windows?

When DLL files go missing it can wreak havoc on your computer You can expect problems such as:

• Program crashes – The most common problem are errors with software that rely on the missing file. You may receive a DLL error message, but crashes can also happen without warning.
• Unresponsive features – If you are lucky enough for the program to open, you may face features that simply do not work. This is because the program cannot load the code from the missing DLL.
• Inability to install software – Some software installations may fail if a common Windows DLL file that the program needs is missing.
• Performance issues – Missing DLL files can cause performance issues, such as slow system startup or slow application load times.
• Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) – In some cases, missing DLL files can cause a BSoD, which is a critical error that requires the system to be restarted.
• General instability – When DLLs can’t be found, it can cause system-wide instability, such as unexpected freezing or crashing.

It’s worth noting that not all missing DLLs are critical. Some applications may be able to function without certain DLL files, while others may require them to run properly.

Problems are worse when shared DLLs that are part of the Windows operating system go missing because more programs and software rely on them.

How do I restore missing DLL files?

When DLL files are corrupted or missing, you should restore them as soon as possible. You can do this manually or by using DLL tools like Fortect.

1. Manual DLL Installation

Replacing a DLL manually works best when you get a clear error message saying which DLL cannot be found. You can then search for the file online and download it from a reputable site.

DLLs do not run by clicking them. Instead, you must place the DLL file into the designated folder, such as System32 or SysWOW64.

However, if you do not know which folder to use or you have multiple missing files, it’s quicker to let a repair tool do the work.

Note: If software fails to install or update fully, reinstalling it may also install the right DLLs.

2. Replace DLLs with Fortect

Fortect is excellent for recovering from missing shared DLL files. Not only does it find and replace DLLs, but it also repairs the entire Windows Registry.

1. Download and Install Fortect on your computer.
2. Launch the software and Start scanning.
3. Fortect will find problems with missing DLL files.
4. Click on Start Repair (after product activation) to start replacing DLLs automatically with working versions from its database.

Missing DLLs can cause programs to crash and Windows to become unstable.

To fix the issue, the file may need to be replaced, or the application that relies on it may need to be repaired or reinstalled. In some cases, system-level changes, such as repairing the Windows operating system with Fortect, may also be necessary.