How to Fix Gpsvc.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

If System File Checker doesn't repair the file and fix the error, try System Restore

Gpsvc.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of gpsvc.dll, a DLL fileassociated with the Group Policy Client in Windows. 

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

The gpsvc.dll 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 10Windows 8Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP, and Windows 2000.

Common Gpsvc.dll Errors

gpsvc DLL error message in Windows

There are several ways gpsvc.dll error messages might be phrased depending on the cause of the problem, such as:

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

These 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 gpsvc.dll error shows up is an important piece of information that will be helpful during troubleshooting.

How to Fix Gpsvc.dll Errors

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

Do not download gpsvc.dll from one of those "DLL download" sites. There are many reasons why downloading a DLL file like that is a bad idea. If you need a copy of this file, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

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

    If you suspect this, but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover the file with a free file 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. Scan your entire computer for viruses and other malware. Some gpsvc.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 gpsvc.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 gpsvc.dll file.

    Fortunately, this DLL file is provided by Microsoft in at least some versions of Windows, so System File Checker (the sfc command) should restore it to its proper location in the System32 folder.

    This is the most likely solution to a missing or not found gpsvc.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 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.

  5. Reinstall the program that uses the gpsvc.dll file. If the 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 gpsvc.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 gpsvc.dll. If, for example, you're receiving a "The file gpsvc.dll is missing" error when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card.

    The gpsvc.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 gpsvc.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 gpsvc.dll file could be included in one of those updates.

  9. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual gpsvc.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 gpsvc.dll related issues in the registry. A free registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid gpsvc.dll registry entries that might be causing the DLL error.

    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. They're included here just in case it turns out to be helpful, in which case you could avoid more difficult testing and last-resort options below.

  11. 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 gpsvc.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 installation of Windows. This will erase everything and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the gpsvc.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 this step, so be sure to back up important files if you're able to. Make every attempt possible to fix the gpsvc.dll error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one before you take on a clean installation.

  13. Troubleshoot for an unknown hardware problem if any gpsvc.dll errors persist.

    A clean Windows installation is a fresh start on the software-side of the troubleshooting. Unfortunately, if that didn't work, your DLL problem must be hardware related.

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.

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