How to Fix Mshtml.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

Mshtml.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the mshtml DLL file (Microsoft HTML Viewer). In some cases, these errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

Mshtml.dll Errors

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

• Mshtml.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because mshtml.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
• Cannot find [PATH]\mshtml.dll
• The file mshtml.dll is missing.
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: mshtml.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.
• Faulting application name: iexplore.exe...Faulting module name: MSHTML.dll
• mshtml.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error

These error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs or when you're first logging into Windows.

The DLL error may appear when using a program, either when loading pages or when doing other things like printing. Sometimes, web pages simply don't open normally, and the error isn't shown every time. Other scenarios where this file is used may see the error, too, like in relation to ActiveX controls or Microsoft Visual Basic.

The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.

How to Fix Mshtml.dll Errors

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

1. Restore mshtml.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" mshtml.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.

   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. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some mshtml.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 the error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.

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

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

   Make sure all the program is removed. This includes any registry data. However, instead of manually deleting that information, which can be a tedious and dangerous task, we highly recommend using a software uninstaller that can clean up the program's residual files. IObit Uninstaller is one example.

   Try your best to complete this step. Reinstalling the program that provides the file, if possible, is a likely solution to this DLL error.

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

   This DLL file may or may not be related to video cards—this was just an example. The key here is to pay close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.

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

7. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the mshtml.dll file. Since this file is provided by Microsoft, System File Checker should restore it.

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 mshtml.dll file could be included in one of those updates.
   

   Some users have fixed this DLL error after installing the KB4565479 update, but this will install on its own if you complete all the available updates shown in the Windows Update utility.

9. 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 easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause mshtml.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.

10. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual mshtml.dll file troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.

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

    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. The option is included here as a "last resort" attempt before the destructive step coming up next.

12. Perform a clean installation of Windows. This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the mshtml.dll error, this should be your next course of action.

    All the information on your hard drive will be erased during a clean install. Make sure you've made the best attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.

13. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any mshtml.dll errors persist. After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only 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.