What Is a DLL Viewer? How to Open and View DLLs

DLLs are dynamic link libraries used by multiple programs to share functions and features. They are very common on Windows, with some vital to the operating system itself. Many others are installed when you install third-party software.

These DLL files are not executables and cannot be opened by themselves. Furthermore, Windows does not have a native DLL viewer. I.e., you cannot open a DLL in a text editor or other Windows utility to make sense of it.

However, if you want to view the code inside a DLL file or even modify it, tools such as a decompiler can get the job done.

Why do you want to view a DLL?

It’s important to note that the average PC user does not need to view the inner workings of a DLL. These files run in the background and modifying them can cause programs to stop working and system instability.

If you are getting missing DLL errors or are being instructed to put a DLL in a certain folder or register a DLL with the registry, you do not need a DLL viewer. See below for more on these tasks.

Decompiling DLL Files

If you are a developer, you may need to decompile DLL files to understand how they work or to modify their behavior. By decompiling the file, you can examine the source code, identify any security vulnerabilities, and see why it may not be working as intended.

Generally, you shouldn’t modify DLLs created by others if you do not have permission. However, simply viewing the code is not an issue.

To do this, you will need a decompiler tool like dotPeek. Once installed, you can then open DLLs and use the Assembly Explorer to view the nodes and code inside.

What are the causes of a missing DLL?

There are many potential causes for missing DLLs. If your PC crashed before receiving a missing DLL error, you can use the Windows Event Viewer for crash data.

1. Press the Windows key + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type eventvwr.msc and press Enter to open the Event Viewer app.
3. In the Event Viewer window, you can see a list of logs on the left. These logs are divided into different categories such as Application, Security, Setup, System, etc.
4. Select System and look for events in the middle window with the Error level and source BugCheck.

Easily fix DLL errors with Fortect

To save you from hunting down the missing file online and putting it in the right folder, you can use a DLL fixer or Windows repair tool like Fortect.

1. Download and Install Fortect on your computer.
2. Launch and run the system scan.
3. Click ‘Start Repair’ to fix all Windows problems, including missing DLLs.
4. If prompted, restart your PC.

Fortect pulls shared DLLs and other missing or damaged system files from its database of clean Windows components. Your system is then automatically repaired.

Fortect also repairs the Windows registry. If the registry is corrupted, it can forget where the DLL is located, even if it’s not technically missing from your system.

Where do I install a DLL file?

If you want to install a DLL file manually, you do not have to open it or view it in a special program. Simply Google the desired location of the DLL and move it accordingly.

If unsure, the most common folder is: C:\Windows\System32

How do I register a DLL?

In some cases, you may also need to register a DLL on Windows. To do this:

1. Search cmd in the Search box and select Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt with full privileges.
2. If the DLL is in the System32 folder, type the following command and press Enter to run it: cd C:\Windows\System32
3. Next type the following command and press Enter (Replace <DLLFileName> with the actual name of the DLL file you want to register): regsvr32 <DLLFileName>.dll

Conclusion

A DLL viewer or decompiler will let you access the code inside a DLL file. However, the average PC user only needs to know where to put DLLs when they go missing and check the logs to learn more about DLL-related system crashes.

Tools like Fortect can even download missing DLLs automatically.

Since DLLs are not executables, you do not need to open or run them. However, the Command Prompt lets you register a DLL on the system.