How to Fix D3d9.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

D3d9.dll issues are caused in one way or another by a problem with Microsoft DirectX. This file is one of many contained in the DirectX software collection. Since DirectX is utilized by most Windows-based games and advanced graphics programs, d3d9 DLL errors usually show up only when using these programs.

D3d9.dll Error Messages

There are several ways these errors can show up on your computer, such as:

• The file d3d9.dll is missing
• D3d9.DLL Not Found
• File d3d9.dll not found
• D3d9.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this.

The error message could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX, most commonly video games, but it could also appear when another software program is started.

How to Fix D3d9.dll Errors

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

1. Restart your computer if you haven't already. The error might be a fluke and a simple restart could clear it up completely.

2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Chances are, upgrading to the latest version of DirectX will fix the d3d9.dll not found error.

   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 CD or DVD. Usually, if a game or other 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. Execute the sfc/scannow command to scan your computer. If a file that this DLL file relies on is corrupted, System File Checker might be able to replace it and fix the error.

5. Uninstall and then reinstall the game or software program. Something might have happened to the program files that work with d3d9.dll and a reinstall could do the trick.

   Using a software uninstaller tool can help make sure that all the installation files and registry data is removed. The standard uninstall method might not delete everything that needs to be deleted, which could cause other problems during the reinstallation.

6. Restore the d3d9.dll file from the latest DirectX software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve the error, try extracting the file individually from the DirectX downloadable package.

   Where you put the extracted d3d9.dll file depends on the application that needs it. If the error tells you the specific folder where d3d9.dll is missing from, copy the file there.

   However, since most programs probably look for this file in C:\Windows\system32\, copy it there if you're not explicitly told where to put it. Some DirectX installations might use C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ instead.

7. Turn off Windows compatibility mode on the app's executable file (the EXE file you use to open the program or game).

8. Update the drivers for your video card. While it's not the most common solution, in some situations, updating the drivers for the video card in your computer could correct this DirectX issue.

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.