Missing or damaged system DLL file: repairing Windows (SFC, DISM)
Some DLL files are part of Windows itself: kernel32.dll, user32.dll, advapi32.dll, shell32.dll, d3d9.dll, xinput1_4.dll… Windows installs, protects and updates them. When one of them causes a problem, the right answer is almost always to repair Windows, not to replace the file by hand.
In short
- Never replace a system file in
C:\Windows\System32: a different version can prevent Windows from starting. - Run DISM then SFC: these official tools replace damaged files with the right version.
- For a single program, the DLL can be copied to that program’s folder only.
Repairing with DISM and SFC
- Open a Command Prompt as administrator: Start menu, type cmd, right-click › Run as administrator.
- Type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. The operation can take several minutes and requires an Internet connection. - Then type
sfc /scannowand press Enter, and wait until the check is complete. - Restart your computer.
Microsoft describes these tools on its System File Checker page.
“Entry point not found”: a special case
The message “The procedure entry point … could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll” does not mean that the file is missing: the program uses a function that does not exist in your version of Windows. It was designed for a newer version (for example a program for Windows 10 run on Windows 7). Replacing kernel32.dll does not solve anything: update Windows or use a compatible version of the program.
“N” editions of Windows: the Media Feature Pack
The “N” editions of Windows (sold in Europe without a media player) do not include the audio and video components: mfplat.dll, wmvcore.dll and other Windows Media files are missing. Install the “Media Feature Pack” from the Windows optional features (Settings), then restart.
Other solutions
- Windows Update: install all available updates.
- Restore point: type rstrui in the Start menu to return to an earlier state of the system.
- Antivirus scan: malware can modify system files; run the “Microsoft Defender Offline scan” (Windows Security › Virus & threat protection › Scan options).
- Repair Windows while keeping your files: Settings › System › Recovery.
DLL files concerned
Each file page offers the download of the file alone and the complete method suited to it.
Frequently asked questions
SFC says it could not repair some files
Run DISM /RestoreHealth and then SFC a second time. If the problem persists, repairing Windows while keeping your files (Settings › System › Recovery) replaces all the system files.
Can I copy a system DLL to a program’s folder?
Yes, it is harmless for Windows: only that program will use the copy. Just never replace the original file in C:\Windows.