What to Do When Your PC Says Shell32.dll Is Missing? Here’s How

This DLL file contains Windows Shell API functions and is therefore necessary for your computer to work properly, like to display items and open files.

The shell32.dll error message could apply to any program or system that might utilize the file on any of Microsoft’soperating systems includingWindows 11 ,Windows 10 ,Windows 8 ,Windows 7 ,Windows Vista ,Windows XP , and Windows 2000.

How to Fix Shell32.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they’re given below to try the simpler solutions first.

Do not download shell32.dll from a “DLL download” website. There are many reasonswhy downloading a DLL file that way is a bad idea . If you need a copy of this file, it’s best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

1. Restore shell32.dll from the Recycle Bin . The easiest possible cause of a “missing” DLL file is that you’ve mistakenly deleted it.
   If you suspect this, but you’ve already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover the file with afree file recovery program .
   Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of these steps if you’re unable to access Windows normally due to the error.
2. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the shell32.dll file. Since this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, theSystem File Checker tool should restore it.
   Try your best to complete this step. Having Windows replace the file is a likely solution to this error.
3. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system . Some DLL errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the file. It’s even possible the error you’re seeing is related to a hostile program that’s masquerading as the file.
4. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes . If you suspect the shell32.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, aSystem Restore could solve the problem.
5. Reinstall the program that uses the shell32.dll file . If the DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.
6. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to shell32.dll. If, for example, you’re receiving a “The file shell32.dll is missing” error when you play a 3D video game, try updating thedrivers for yourvideo card .
   This DLL file may or may not be related to video cards—this was just an example. The key here is to pay very close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.
7. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if errors began after updating a particular hardware device’s driver.
8. Install any available Windows updates . Manyservice packs and otherpatches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. This DLL file could be included in one of those updates.
9. Test your memory and thentest your hard drive . I’ve left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer’smemory andhard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause DLL errors as they fail.
   If the hardware fails any of your tests,replace the memory orreplace the hard drive as soon as possible.
10. Repair your installation of Windows . If the individual troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLLs to their working versions.
11. Use a free registry cleaner to repair shell32.dll related issues in the registry. A registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid DLLregistry entries that might be causing the error.
    I rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. This option is included here as a “last resort” attempt before the destructive step coming up next.
12. Perform a clean installation of Windows . This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the shell32.dll error, this should be your next course of action.
    All the information on your hard drive will be erased if you complete this step. Make sure you’ve made the best attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.
13. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any errors persist. After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

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Need More Help?

If you’re not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.

Causes of Shell32.dll Error Messages

Shell32.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the shell32DLL file . In some cases, shell32.dll errors could indicate aregistry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even ahardware failure.

There are several ways shell32.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common error messages:

• Shell32.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because shell32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
• Cannot find [PATH]\shell32.dll
• The file shell32.dll is missing.
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: shell32.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

These errors might appear while using or installing certain programs (VMware Workstation Player is a common one), when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation.

The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.

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