Note which program shows the error and whether you recently copied any .dll files into Windows or the program's folder. Never download DLL files from DLL websites. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.
Work through these checks
0 of 7 complete01Reinstall the program
Microsoft's message for this code advises installing the program again from the original source.
- Uninstall the program in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Download a fresh installer from the official website or store and install it again.
- For games, verify or repair the files in the launcher instead (Steam: Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files).
The program starts normally.
If it does not helpMake sure you downloaded the version matching your Windows (64-bit for almost all current PCs).
02Remove DLLs you copied in by hand
A DLL of the wrong architecture is the most common trigger for this code.
- If you copied DLL files such as msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll or d3dx9_43.dll into C:\Windows\System32, C:\Windows\SysWOW64 or the program's folder, delete those copies (keep a note of their names).
- Do not delete DLLs that came with Windows or the program; only remove ones you added yourself.
- Then install the official runtime packages in steps 3 and 4, which put the correct versions in place.
Deleting Windows system files breaks Windows. Remove only files you know you copied in.
Only official DLL versions remain.
If it does not helpIf you are not sure which files you added, skip this step and continue with step 3.
03Repair the Visual C++ Redistributables
Many programs depend on these runtimes, and a damaged installation causes start-up errors.
- Download the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft in both versions: X64 and X86.
- Run both installers; if they offer Repair, choose Repair.
- Restart the PC and try the program again.
The program starts.
If it does not helpThe VCRUNTIME140.dll guide on this site explains these packages in detail.
04Install the DirectX runtime for older games
Older games use legacy DirectX libraries that Windows does not include by default.
- Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer (dxwebsetup.exe) from Microsoft's website and run it.
- Or run the DirectX setup in the game's own folder, often in _CommonRedist\DirectX.
The game starts.
If it does not helpThe d3dx9_43.dll guide on this site covers this runtime.
05Check antivirus quarantine
Security software sometimes quarantines or damages a program's files.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history and look for items from the program's folder.
- Restore them only if you trust the program and its source, then reinstall the program.
Never restore files from an untrusted source.
No program files are blocked.
If it does not helpIf your third-party antivirus blocked files, check its quarantine the same way.
06Repair Windows system files
Damaged system DLLs produce the same error for many programs at once.
- Open Terminal (Admin).
- Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow, and restart.
SFC reports no remaining problems.
If it does not helpIf many programs fail with this code, this step is the most important one.
07Run Windows Update
Updates include current versions of system components that programs rely on.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates, including .NET updates.
- Restart and try the program again.
The program starts normally.
If it does not helpIf only one program still fails, contact its developer with the exact error message.
Possible causes
- A 32-bit DLL loaded by a 64-bit program, or the other way round
- DLL files downloaded from DLL websites and copied into System32 or the program folder
- Damaged or missing Visual C++ Redistributable packages
- Damaged program or game files
- Missing legacy DirectX components for older games
Was this helpful?
Your progress is saved on this device.