WS2_32.dll: download the file and fix the error

32-bit (x86) Windows system file Scanned by antivirus

WS2_32.dll is a Windows system file, installed and updated by Windows itself. Its official description: “Windows Socket 2.0 32-Bit DLL”, by Microsoft Corporation.

If it is missing or damaged, Windows displays for example: “The program can't start because WS2_32.dll is missing from your computer.” Two methods can fix the error, below.

Method 1 · quick · about 1 minute

Download only WS2_32.dll

Ideal if only this file is reported missing: you replace a single file, without reinstalling anything.

⇓ Download WS2_32.dll .zip file: the DLL + its instructions · downloaded 11,314 times

Version: 5.1.2600.2180
Architecture: 32-bit (x86)
Size: 82.94 KB
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

Then:

Extract WS2_32.dll from the zip file and copy it to the folder of the program showing the error (where its .exe file is).

System file: copy it only to the folder of the program that shows the error. Never replace the version in C:\Windows; if the error persists, use method 2.

SHA-256: 386dddf96e06b1e6b654f3d731c6a1d3b3d9de2d2243c3db6279a5a0b15cae9b · Check on VirusTotal · Product: Microsoft® Windows® Operating System

Method 2 · complete · official method · 15 to 30 minutes

Repair Windows files (SFC and DISM)

Windows can check and replace its own missing or damaged system files with the official DISM and SFC tools.

Microsoft: System File Checker tool

Open a Command Prompt as administrator: Start menu, type cmd, right-click › Run as administrator.
Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter, wait until it finishes, then type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Restart your computer, then install the updates offered by Windows Update.

Complete guide: Missing Windows system DLL

Error messages related to WS2_32.dll

The program can't start because WS2_32.dll is missing.
Error loading WS2_32.dll. The specified module could not be found.
Failed to load WS2_32.dll

Why does this error occur?

The program expects another version of the file (old program, or designed for another version of Windows).
Damaged system file: crash, power cut, failing disk.
Malware or antivirus that modified or deleted the file.

Other Windows system files

KERNEL32.dll User32.dll XInput1_4.dll comctl32.dll d3d11.dll d3d9.dll dxgi.dll msvcrt.dll shell32.dll winmm.dll

Frequently asked questions

Should I copy WS2_32.dll to C:\Windows\System32?

No: replacing a system file with another version can prevent Windows from starting. Only copy it to the program’s folder, or repair Windows with SFC and DISM.