To fix a missing DLL error on Windows startup, first identify if it's linked to a specific program, then use System File Checker, reinstall runtime libraries, and check for malware or recent changes. Start by checking if the error mentions a specific app—reinstall or repair it. Next, run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin), and if needed, use DISM before sfc again. Then, uninstall and reinstall the latest Microsoft Visual C Redistributable Packages from Microsoft’s site. Finally, scan for malware, review recent driver or software changes, and disable suspicious startup programs via Task Manager. These steps, followed in order, typically resolve most DLL-related boot issues.
When your Windows PC starts up and you see an error about a missing DLL file, it usually means something important is missing from the system. The issue could be due to software uninstallation leftovers, corrupted system files, or incompatible programs trying to load at startup.

Here’s how to handle it effectively without getting stuck in technical confusion.
Check if It's a Specific Program Causing the Issue
Sometimes, the missing DLL error points to a particular application rather than the core Windows system. For example, if the message says msvcr120.dll
is missing, that might mean a Visual C Redistributable package is either missing or broken.

- Try recalling when the error started — did you recently uninstall or install something?
- If you see a program name mentioned in the error (like “missing from MyApp”), look into reinstalling or repairing that specific app.
- You can also search online for the exact DLL name plus “Windows 10/11” to find common causes.
If this doesn’t help, move on to broader system checks.
Run System File Checker to Repair Core Files
Windows has built-in tools to fix missing or corrupted system files, including DLLs. The most reliable one is System File Checker (sfc).

Here’s how to use it:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > select "Windows Terminal (Admin)")
- Type:
sfc /scannow
and press Enter - Let it run — it may take 10–15 minutes
- If it finds issues, it will try to repair them automatically
If that doesn’t work, you can also try:
-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
before running sfc again
These tools don’t always catch everything, but they’re a solid first line of defense.
Reinstall Common Runtime Libraries
Some DLL errors come from missing or outdated runtime components like Microsoft Visual C Redistributable Packages or .NET Framework. These are used by many apps and games.
What to do:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
- Look for entries named “Microsoft Visual C Redistributable”
- Uninstall all versions listed
- Then go to Microsoft’s official download page and install the latest version(s)
This won’t hurt your system and often clears up generic DLL problems that pop up during boot.
Consider Recent Changes or Malware
DLL issues can sometimes point to deeper problems like malware infections or incorrect driver installations.
- If the problem started after installing a driver or utility, try rolling back or uninstalling it
- Run a full scan with Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus
- Also check Startup settings (via Task Manager) to disable any suspicious-looking programs from launching automatically
Malware isn’t the only culprit, but it’s worth checking if nothing else works.
That’s the basic approach. Most missing DLL issues on startup can be resolved with one or more of these steps. They’re not overly complex, but they do require some careful checking.
The above is the detailed content of Resolving missing DLL files on Windows startup. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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