python36.dll: download the file and fix the error

64-bit (x64) Python 3.6 Scanned by antivirus

python36.dll is the main library of Python 3.6, used by programs written in Python or that embed this language. Its official description: “Python Core”, by Python Software Foundation.

If it is missing or damaged, Windows displays for example: “The program can't start because python36.dll is missing from your computer.” Two methods can fix the error, below.

Method 1 · quick · about 1 minute

Download only python36.dll

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

⇓ Download python36.dll .zip file: the DLL + its instructions · downloaded 3,544 times

Version: 3.6.1
Architecture: 64-bit (x64)
Size: 3.56 MB
Publisher: Python Software Foundation

Then:

Extract python36.dll from the zip file and copy it to the folder of the program showing the error (where its .exe file is).

64-bit version: it does not work with a 32-bit program. In that case, use method 2.

SHA-256: 45792aded5f8a2faa34becab0d40cc72e6e6d46c609f66bfe16d121776335e32 · Check on VirusTotal · Product: Python

Method 2 ·complete · official method · 5 minutes

Install Python 3.6

The official Python installer installs this file. A program that embeds Python must be reinstalled instead.

python.org: Python for Windows

Download Python 3.6 from python.org and run the installer (check “Add python.exe to PATH”).
If the error comes from a program that embeds Python, reinstall that program.

Error messages related to python36.dll

The program can't start because python36.dll is missing.
Failed to load python36.dll
Error loading python36.dll. The specified module could not be found.

Why does this error occur?

Python not installed, or installed in a different version from the one expected.
Incomplete program installation.

Other versions of Python

python3.dll python311.dll python312.dll python313.dll