How To Run A DLL File: DLL File Open
A Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is a special type of shared file used within Windows. Native and third-party programs call on DLLs to carry out functions and tasks instead of hardcoding them into the program itself.
Problems arise when DLL files become corrupted or go missing because it could make multiple programs and software unusable.
If you have located a missing DLL, you may be wondering how to run it on your computer and get your programs working again. Here’s what you need to know.
Can I run a DLL file?
It’s important to note that you cannot directly run a DLL file in the same way you would run an executable. DLLs are meant to be used by other programs and do not have a standalone interface nor will they respond to double-clicking.
If you wish to install a new DLL file or a DLL that was previously missing, you should follow these steps:
1. Find a reputable source for DLLs
Before downloading a DLL from a website, make sure it is well-established and has positive reviews online. It is not uncommon for malicious sites to bundle other junk and potential malware with DLL files.
Similarly, some sites will claim to have a DLL and once you get to the download page it will be missing or the file itself will be a dud.
It is also wise to scan the file with your antivirus software before installing it.
2. Make sure it is the correct DLL version
DLL files are specific to each version of Windows, so an old Windows 7 DLL is unlikely to work on Windows 10 or 11.
Furthermore, some DLLs have different versions with the same name, so you must be sure it is the correct DLL for programs or software that need it.
3. Copy the DLL in the right folder
Most shared DLLs reside in the System32 or SysWOW64 folders located at:
- C:\Windows\System32
- C:\Windows\SysWOW64
The software also sometimes comes with DLL files bundled. When these go missing, you must put their replacements in the installation folder, commonly found within C:\Windows\Program Files or Program Files (x86).
Some DLL files may be stored in the main Windows folder, but this is less common.
If a specific program is returning an error message, you can Google which folder to put the DLL into.
4. Register the DLL file
- Go to the Windows Start menu and search for cmd.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt app and Run as Administrator.
- Type the following command: regsvr32 <path to DLL file>
Some DLL files require registration before they can be used. This is most likely to occur if you get a DLL error after updating a program that didn’t contain the new DLL or an updated version.
For example, if the DLL file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, you would type: regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\filename.dll.
If the registration fails, you may see an error message that indicates the reason for the failure. Some common reasons for registration failure include missing dependencies, incorrect file paths, or insufficient permissions to modify the Windows registry.
Once the DLL file is in the correct location and registered, the programs that require it will automatically load and use it.
Simply open the program that crashes and check to see if the error message is resolved.
Find and run DLLs automatically
One way you can avoid the risk of finding the right DLL files online is to use Fortect or similar DLL fixers and Windows repair tools.
When you launch Fortect, it performs a comprehensive scan of your Windows registry and system files, detecting any corrupted or missing DLLs. When you click repair, it will automatically pull fresh versions of the DLL files from its huge database.
These are put into the correct folders and are registered if needed. Alongside DLLs, it finds and fixes almost all common Windows errors.
A dynamic link library does not run like an executable, so double-clicking it will not fix a DLL error. Instead, you must place the file in the correct folder and register it with the command prompt if it is new.
Because it can be a hassle to find clean DLLs online, Fortect can do all the hard work for you and repair other Windows problems at the same time.
