Programs & apps · .dll
What Is a DLL File?
A .dll file is a Windows code library shared by programs.
- Extension
- .dll
- Full name
- Dynamic Link Library
- Type
- Program
- MIME type
- application/vnd.microsoft.portable-executable
- Developed by
- Microsoft
Free DLL Tools
These run in your browser. Your DLL files are never uploaded.
About DLL Files
A DLL contains code and resources that Windows programs load while they run, so several programs can share the same functions. Errors such as 'MSVCP140.dll was not found' usually mean a program needs a runtime package, such as the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, that isn't installed. Download that from Microsoft rather than downloading single DLL files from websites, which can be outdated or malicious.
How to Open a DLL File
- Windows
- DLLs aren't opened directly. Programs load them automatically.
- Developers
- Inspect one with Dependencies, dotPeek (for .NET) or a disassembler.
DLL File Questions
How do I fix a missing DLL error?
Reinstall the program, or install the runtime it needs, such as the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable or DirectX, from Microsoft.
Should I download DLL files from DLL websites?
No. They may be wrong versions or contain malware. Get them from the official installer or runtime.