Where Does Windows Look For DLLs? [DLL Files Location]

If you’re getting the dreaded DLL missing error on Windows, you may be wondering where the operating system looks for DLL files.

This can help you replace missing DLLs you’ve downloaded and put them in the correct location. Alternatively, you can use a DLL fixer.

What are the DLL files?

A DLL is a dynamic link library, which is a special file used by Windows that lets multiple programs load the same code when they share similar features. This process reduces memory usage and disk space because each program doesn’t have to reproduce the same feature.

Windows looks for DLLs in several directories, though the most common is the System32 folder, located at C:\Windows\System32.

If you get an error when opening a program that a certain DLL is missing, it has most likely been removed from this folder. However, DLLs can also be stored in other locations too.

To understand where a DLL should reside, here’s more about the different types of DLLs:

What are the core DLLs?

Core libraries are DLLs that are present in Windows by default. These are critical to the operating system functioning correctly and are also the most commonly shared among Windows programs and third-party software. The majority of these are stored in the System32 folder.

Whenever a program requires a DLL, it communicates with Windows, which references the information in the Registry and then pulls the file from System32 to be loaded into the program.

If you use a 64-bit version of Windows, you may also have a SysWow64 folder, which is located at C:\Windows\SysWow64.

This contains all the DLL files that are native to the 32-bit version of Windows. Most 32-bit programs will need to access this folder to run properly on your operating system.

In some instances, DLLs might also be found in the main Windows directory.

What are the software DLLs?

In addition to core libraries, third-party software sometimes includes DLL files that are registered on the system when installed. These are used by the software in question and any future software that requires them.

Windows looks for these in the System32 and other common folders, though they are also commonly located in the software’s installation director. By default, this is the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders, located at C:\Program Files\Software Name.

This might be a different location if you installed the software to a custom path. When this type of DLL goes missing, you can often just reinstall the software to get it back in the right folder.

How do I register DLLs?

For the file to work, it needs to be in the right folder as DLLs do not run by themselves. However, it also needs to be registered on the system and correctly referenced in the Windows Registry. Malware and other errors can interfere with this process.

Follows these steps to register DLLs and allow Windows to find them:

1. Click the Start menu and search cmd in the Search box to find the Command Prompt.
2. Use the CD command and enter the location of the DLL. For example, if the DLL file is located in the System32 directory, type cd C:\Windows\System32 and press Enter.
3. Once you have navigated to the correct directory, type the command regsvr32 <DLLFileName>.dll and press Enter. Replace <DLLFileName> with the actual name of the DLL file you want to register. For example, if the DLL file is named mydll.dll, type regsvr32 mydll.dll and press Enter.
4. After you have registered the DLL file, you should receive a message indicating that the registration was successful. You can also verify that the DLL file has been registered by checking the Windows Registry. To do this, type regedit in the Command Prompt and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Then navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID and search for the registered DLL file.

Use Fortect to Replace Missing DLLs

If you have missing DLL errors, it can be a hassle to find the files online and then put them in the right folder before registering the DLL. Fortect can do all this automatically. Just follow these steps:

1. Download and Install Fortect on PC.
2. Accept a system Scan when you launch the program.
3. Click Start Repair (after product activation) to repair all Windows problems, or pick and choose which problem to fix.

Fortect replaces all missing or damaged system files, not just DLLs. Moreover, it can repair the Windows Registry and clean junk files, bringing your system back to its optimal state.

Windows looks for DLLs in several different folders, depending on instructions in the Registry. The most common is the System32 directory.

When you experience missing DLL errors, you must find a new copy of the file and place it in the right location. In some cases, it must also be registered.

To make this process easier, a DLL fixer like Fortect can detect and replace DLLs automatically.