How to Fix D3d11.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

D3d11.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the d3d11 DLL file, a file contained in the DirectX software collection.

In some cases, d3d11.dll error messages could indicate a registry problem, a malware issue like a virus infection, or even a hardware failure. However, since DirectX is utilized by most Windows-based games and advanced graphics programs, errors usually show up only when using these programs.

D3d11.dll Errors

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

• 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.

Noting at what point your error shows up is an important piece of information that will be helpful during troubleshooting. It could appear while using or installing certain programs or video games, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation.

How to Fix D3d11.dll Errors

Here are several tips we recommend. Follow the steps in the order they're presented so you can complete the easier-to-solve suggestions first.

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 this, but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you might be able to recover it with a free file recovery program. Just make sure it was working properly before you deleted it, else you might undelete a corrupted or malicious file.

   Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete this step, or any of the following steps, if you're unable to access Windows normally due to the error.

2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Chances are, upgrading will fix the error d3d11.dll not found.

   The same DirectX installation program works with all versions of Windows and will replace any missing DirectX file.

   Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX without updating the version number or letter, so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.

3. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the error you're receiving, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application DVD or CD (it might be called dxsetup or something similar). Usually, if a game or ​another program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will include a copy of it on the installation disc.

   Sometimes, though not often, the version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available online.

4. Scan your entire computer for viruses and other malware. Some DLL errors could be related to some kind of malware infection on your computer that has damaged the 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.

5. Execute the sfc /scannow command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the d3d11.dll file.

   Fortunately, the file is provided by Microsoft in at least some versions of Windows, so the System File Checker tool (the sfc command) should restore it.

6. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, and System File Checker didn't help, System Restore should solve the problem.

7. Reinstall the program that uses the d3d11.dll file. If the 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.

8. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to the DLL file. 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.

   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.

9. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if d3d11.dll errors began after updating a particular hardware device's driver.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Use a free registry cleaner to repair d3d11.dll related issues in the registry. A registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid d3d11.dll registry entries that might be causing the DLL error.

    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. We'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.

13. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. We'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.

14. Perform a clean install of Windows. This 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.

    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 back up important files if you're able to. Obviously, make sure you've made every attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one before you take on a clean install.

15. 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.

Need More Help?

If you don't want to fix this issue 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.