How to Manually Install DLL Files [Register DLL]
A DLL is a dynamic link library, which is a type of file shared between programs and software on Windows. It allows for common features and functions to be used without having to be coded into the app itself.
This saves disk space, memory, and other resources.
One of the most common Windows errors is a missing DLL file, so you’re probably wondering how to install one.
How do I manually install DLLs?
Fortunately, a lot of DLLs come with the operating system itself. Others are installed when you install the software.
However, if you’re facing the dreaded missing DLL error, here’s what to do.
1. Reinstall the Software
A lot of programs are bundled with the required DLLs. If you chose the wrong options during installation or the process was interrupted, simply reinstalling the software can recover the file and get things working.
Even if you have been using the software for months and a DLL suddenly goes missing, it’s still worth reinstalling to see if it solves the problem.
2. Locate the DLL online
If reinstallation doesn’t help, the DLL is possibly native to Windows and has been deleted from the system. In this situation, you will have to locate the file on the web.
Programs that need the DLL will typically display the filename in an error message.
A Google search will be able to pull up most DLLs. However, remember to check that the site is reputable before downloading DLLs. You should also run the file through your antivirus to be sure it’s clean.
3. Find the right folder
A DLL file is not an executable, so double-clicking will not open the file or install it. Instead, you must put the DLL in the correct folder, so programs can find it and load it into memory.
You should be able to find the right folder by Googling the DLL and the program that needs it. However, most DLLs reside in the System32 or SysWOW64 folders are found at:
- C:\Windows\System32
- C:\Windows\SysWOW64
Others may sit a level up in the Windows folder, but this is less common.
DLLs that usually come bundled with software can also be located in the program’s own folder in the Program Files directory. This might be different if you use a custom installation path.
Do I need to register the DLL file?
Usually, when a new DLL file is installed by software, it is registered with Windows and the registry. This basically gives the system a nod that the file is legitimate and ready to be used.
In most cases, when a DLL goes missing, it has already been registered but has been erroneously deleted along the way. Therefore, when you replace the file, it does not need to be registered again.
The only time a DLL must be registered is if it’s brand new to the system or has been unregistered. This can happen if a new program doesn’t come with the DLL it’s supposed to or was interrupted during installation.
To register a DLL, follow these steps:
- Go to the Windows Search bar and search for cmd.
- Run the Command Prompt app as an Administrator.
- Type the command: regsvr32 <path to DLL file> and press Enter.
For example, if the DLL is meant to be in the System32 folder, you should type: regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\filename.dll.
If the DLL file is registered successfully, you should see a message indicating that the registration was successful.
Use Fortect to install DLLs automatically
Locating missing DLLs online can be a hassle, so why not let a DLL fixing tool like Fortect do all the hard work for you?
It will scan your system for damaged or missing DLL files, broken registry entries, and other system files. Then it automatically downloads clean copies from its vast repository of Windows components.
DLLs are put in the right folders and registered if needed, so you can solve program and software crashes in no time.
All you have to do is:
- Download and Install Fortect on your computer.
- Launch the program and run the system scan.
- It will detect DLL problems and issues with other areas of Windows.
- Click Start Repair to install missing DLLs and fix all Windows problems.
Manually installing a DLL requires you to find a legitimate copy online, place it in the right directory, and sometimes register it with the Command Prompt.
Alternatively, DLL fixers like Fortect can automate this process.
