missing-dll
The code execution cannot proceed because xxx.dll was not found
The most common missing-DLL dialog β clear but only tells you "what is missing"
Root cause
The specified DLL cannot be found during program load. Possible causes: a missing runtime, a DLL deleted by antivirus, or an incomplete program install.
Fix paths (try in order)
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Look up which runtime this DLL belongs to
Use our DLL Index β type the file name (with or without .dll) to jump to a per-DLL fix page that tells you which runtime owns it and where to download it from Microsoft.
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Install the latest VC++ Redistributable
The merged Microsoft redistributable (VS 2015-2022) covers vcruntime140, msvcp140 and almost all modern C++ DLLs. Install both VC_redist.x86.exe and VC_redist.x64.exe, then reboot.
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Install DirectX End-User Runtime
Windows 10/11 ship with modern DirectX, but many older games depend on legacy components like d3dx9_*, d3dcompiler_*, xinput1_3, xaudio2_7. Install the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from the Microsoft Download Center.
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Run System File Checker
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands in order:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth -
Reinstall the program from its official site
If only one program triggers the error, the bundled DLL inside it is the issue. Uninstall, then reinstall from the vendor's official site. On Steam/Epic, use the "Verify integrity of game files" feature.