Where Are the DLL Files Stored on Your PC?

Most of us won’t encounter dynamic link library libraries (DLL files) unless a program crashes and tells us one is missing. But what do they do?

A DLL contains code and resources that can be loaded by a program to provide additional functionality. They are designed to be shared between multiple programs to help reduce disk space and memory usage.

If you get an error message and need to replace a DLL, you may be wondering where it should be stored on your computer.

System DLLs

The Windows operating system comes with a number of core libraries that are available out of the box. These are shared among native programs and other functions and are widely used by Windows-compatible software.

When system DLLs go missing, it can have a big impact on the stability of your PC because so many programs rely on them.

System DLLs are almost all stored in the following folders:

System32

The system32 folder is a core directory in the Windows operating system that contains many of the system files and libraries that are necessary for the proper functioning of Windows.

It is located in the Windows directory, typically located on the C: drive or the drive where Windows is installed. For example: C:\Windows\System32

As well as DLL files, this folder contains important files such as device drivers and system executables that are necessary for hardware and software to function correctly.

Some of the System32 files are responsible for managing the operating system’s resources and providing access to system services.

Many third-party software applications may also install files in the System32 folder for compatibility with the operating system or to take advantage of shared system resources.

Due to its critical role in the functioning of Windows, it’s important to exercise caution when working with or modifying files in the system32 folder, as any changes made could potentially cause system instability or errors.

SysWow64

The SysWow64 folder is also located in the Windows directory, usually at: C:\Windows\SysWow64

It is a directory exclusive to 64-bit versions of Windows that contain 32-bit system files and libraries. It is a part of the Windows File System Redirector technology that enables 32-bit applications to run on 64-bit versions of Windows.

When a 32-bit application tries to access a system file or library, the File System Redirector redirects the request to the corresponding file in the SysWow64 folder.

Because of this, many of the DLLs in this folder are the same as in the regular System32 folder.

Some DLL libraries are also stored a level up in the main Windows folder, but this is rarer.

Software DLLs

When you install third-party software, it will make use of the DLLs already on your computer and might also come bundled with some of its own.

While most of these will go to System32, some are placed in their own folder in the Program Files directory or the software’s custom path. They can appear in the main folder or subfolders labeled DLLs or Libraries.

Fortunately, when most software-related DLLs go missing, the software that uses them will display a clear error message naming the DLL. You can then take this name and the name of the software and search for the correct folder on Google.

Let Fortect find the right DLL folder

With Fortect you never have to worry about where to download or store DLL files, because it pulls them from its database and puts them in the right folder for you.

To repair missing DLLs automatically, follow these steps:

1. Download and Install Fortect on your computer.
2. Launch Fortect and accept a system Scan, which takes only a few minutes.
3. As well as DLLs, Fortect will fix the registry, clean junk files, and identify potentially dangerous programs.
4. Click Start Repair to repair all Windows problems, or select only the DLL files.

When you’re forced to manually configure a DLL file, it’s not always immediately clear where it should be stored. It could be the System32, SysWow64, Windows, or the program’s installation folder.

While you can Google this, the answer can vary. It’s even more of a hassle to find the DLL online.

If you’re struggling, you can use a DLL fixer like Fortect to easily identify and replace missing DLLs automatically.