Where to Install DLL Files on Windows 10 & 11

| Updated on March 26, 2024

When you run a program or game you get an error message that says “The program can’t start because dllName.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.”

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You won’t be able to open a program or play a game when the DLL file missing error occurs. It is because a certain DLL file, required to run the process, is either removed or corrupted and you need to fix it.

Although, you can find plenty of methods to solve this error the easiest and hassle-free method is to install a DLL file on your Windows PC.

Unlike other programs that have a proper installation process, the DLL files don’t have it. Instead, there’s a certain procedure to add the missing DLL file after you install it on your PC.

In this article, we have explained where to install DLL files on your Windows 10 & 11 PC. Before that….

What is DLL File?

Those who got a DLL error message and quickly stumbled upon DLL file download sites without even knowing what it is?

They should know that Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is a file format that has certain commands, codes, and a set of instructions to smoothly run different Windows programs.

The DLL files are an essential component of Windows OS. Even third-party software and games also have these files in them.

When you run any program on Windows it automatically fetches the DLL file making it a dependent file. The most popular DLL files include MSVCP140.dll. Vcruntime140.dll, and xinput1_3.dll, etc.

Why does the Missing DLL Error Appear?

Many programs use the shared DLL file to fully operate. When you remove that program the shared DLL file also gets removed giving you the dllName.dll missing error.

Other causes include that the program that uses that DLL file may itself get corrupted or antivirus software is preventing it from running.

How to Download DLL File?

Although it’s not preferred to download the missing DLL file unless you have exhausted other solutions.

The simple reason is that the DLL file is the property of Microsoft so third-party sites can’t offer them. However, some sites do offer DLL files without any malicious racks.

You can find plenty of these sites and download them on your PC.

Where to Install DLL Files?

Once you install the DLL file it will show up as a zip folder. First right-click on its folder and choose to Extract All options.

Now there are two cases according to which you will put the install DLL files.

  • Windows itself causing a DLL file error.
  • A third-party program causing DLL file error.

If Windows is causing the error, then open File Explorer and go to this path C:\Windows\System32 copy and paste the missing DLL file there and restart your PC.

In case third-party software like adobe or game is causing this error then right-click on the app’s executable file appearing on the desktop and choose Open File Location. Copy and paste the DLL files in the program installation folder.

This is how easily you can put the missing DLL file.


Chitra Joshi

Content Writer & Marketer


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