How To Fix D3d11.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

D3d11.dll Error Messages

There are several ways that d3d11.dll error messages might be phrased depending on the cause of the problem. Here are some common d3d11.dll errors:

• "D3d11.dll Not Found"
   
• "The file d3d11.dll is missing."
   
• "This application failed to start because d3d11.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
   
• "Cannot find [PATH]\d3d11.dll"
   
• "Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: d3d11.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again."

D3d11.dll error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation.

Noting at what point your d3d11.dll error shows up is an important piece of information that will be helpful during troubleshooting.

Cause of D3d11.dll Errors

D3d11.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the d3d11 DLL file.

In some cases, d3d11.dll errors could indicate a registry problem, a malware issue, like a virus infection, or even a hardware failure.

Don't Want to Fix This Yourself?

If you're interested in fixing this problem yourself, continue with the troubleshooting in the next section.

Otherwise, 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 whole lot more.

How To Fix D3d11.dll Errors

Important: Do not download d3d11.dll from one of those DLL download sites.

There are many reasons why downloading a DLL file is a bad idea. If you need a copy of d3d11.dll, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

Note: Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of the following steps if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the d3d11.dll error.

1. Restore d3d11.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" d3d11.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it.
   If you suspect that you've accidentally deleted d3d11.dll but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover d3d11.dll with a free file recovery program.
   Important: Recovering a deleted copy of d3d11.dll with a file recovery program is a smart idea only if you're confident you've deleted the file yourself and that it was working properly before you did that.
2. Scan your entire computer for viruses and other malware. Some d3d11.dll errors could be related to some kind of malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file.
   It's even possible that the d3d11.dll error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.
3. Execute the sfc /scannow command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the d3d11.dll file.
   Fortunately, the d3d11.dll file is provided by Microsoft in at least some versions of Windows so the System File Checker tool (the sfc command) should restore it.
   Important: This is the most likely solution to a missing or not found d3d11.dll error. Please make every effort you can to complete this step after making sure your computer isn't infected with malware.
4. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the d3d11.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, and System File Checker didn't help, a System Restore should solve the problem.
5. Reinstall the program that uses the d3d11.dll file. If the d3d11.dll DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.
   This step is most useful for replacing DLL files that are not supplied by Microsoft but it could help with your d3d11.dll problem if this program also provides a copy of the file and the previous troubleshooting ideas weren't successful.
6. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to d3d11.dll. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file d3d11.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.
   Note: The d3d11.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 d3d11.dll errors began after updating a particular hardware device's driver.
8. Install any available Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The d3d11.dll file could be included in one of those updates.
9. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual d3d11.dll file troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a Refresh, Startup Repair, or Repair Installation (depending on your version of Windows) should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.
10. Use a free registry cleaner to repair d3d11.dll related issues in the registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid d3d11.dll registry entries that might be causing the DLL error.
    Important: I rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. I've included the option here just in case it turns out to be helpful, in which case you could avoid the more difficult testing and last-resort options below.
11. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. I've left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer's memory and hard drive are relatively easy to test and are the most likely components to cause d3d11.dll errors as they fail.
    If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.
12. Perform a clean install of Windows. A clean install will erase everything and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the d3d11.dll error, this should be your next course of action.
    Important: To be clear, all the data on the drive you have Windows installed on will be deleted during a clean install so be sure to backup important files if you're able to. Obviously, make sure you've made every attempt possible to fix the d3d11.dll error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one before you take on a clean install.
13. Troubleshoot for an unknown hardware problem if any d3d11.dll errors persist.
    A clean install of Windows is a fresh start on the software-side of the troubleshooting. So unfortunately, if that didn't work, your DLL problem must be hardware related.

Applies To

The d3d11.dll error message could apply to any program or system that might utilize the file on any of Microsoft's operating systems including Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.

Still Having D3d11.dll Issues?

See Get More Help for information about contacting me on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more. Be sure to let me know the exact d3d11.dll error message that you're seeing and what steps, if any, you've already taken to fix the problem.