How to Fix Dsetup.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

Unlike many other DLL errors which can have complicated causes and fixes, dsetup.dll issues are caused in one way or another by a single issue—some kind of problem with Microsoft DirectX.

The dsetup.dll file is one of many files contained in the DirectX software collection. Since DirectX is utilized by most Windows-based games and advanced graphics programs, dsetup.dll errors usually show up only when using these programs.

Dsetup.dll Errors

There are several different ways that dsetup.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common ways that you might see dsetup.dll errors.

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

The error message could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX, but it's most commonly seen in video games. You might see this error when the game is first started but it could also display after a game is loaded but right before the game begins.

Tree of Savior is one example of a game that's been known to generate dsetup.dll errors, but there are probably others, too.

This error message could apply to any program or system that might utilize the file on any of Microsoft's operating systems, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.

How to Fix Dsetup.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're presented here:

1. Restore dsetup.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" dsetup.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it.

   If you suspect that you've accidentally deleted dsetup.dll but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover the file with a free data 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. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Chances are, upgrading to the latest version will fix the dsetup.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. The same DirectX installation program works with all versions of Windows and will replace any missing DirectX file.

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 another program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will include a copy of DirectX on the installation disc.

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

4. Reinstall the program that uses the dsetup.dll file. If the DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.

5. If you see the dsetup.dll error in a Steam game, go into the game's installation directory and delete all the XML files in the "release" folder. After that, verify the integrity of the game files.

   Also in there, look for two DLL files and copy them into the release/patch/DirectX/ folder, and then open the game from the /release/patch/ folder.

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

7. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some dsetup.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It's even possible that the error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.

8. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the dsetup.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, System Restore could solve the problem.

9. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to dsetup.dll. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file dsetup.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.

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.