How to Fix 'The program can't start because dxgi.dll is missing from your computer'
Dxgi.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file, developed by Microsoft. It is usually found in the Windows operating system. It contains a collection of procedures, and driver functions, which are applied by Windows. When this file is missing, the program can't start. There are many reasons why this happens. Some of them include Windows registry problems, malware, faulty programs, etc. Encountering this issue is likely to result in some programs being unable to start at all. Needless to say, this is not an issue that can be easily ignored.
There are multiple ways to try and fix this problem. Some of the popular solutions include:
Table of Contents
Update DirectX
DirectX is an essential component of Microsoft Windows. It receives regular updates, improving its functionality and optimizing its performance. If you are lacking the latest version, or you have simply not updated in a while, then this error could occur. Thankfully, the fix is a quick one – head to the Microsoft DirectX Website to download and install the latest version.
Update the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
This is a software package that many users have not heard of or installed manually. This is because it is typically part of Windows Updates or comes with software that requires it by default. The C++ Redistributable contains a set of files, libraries, and other components that help certain apps run. If your version is out-of-date, this could cause the 'dxgi.dll is missing' error. The latest available versions of the Microsoft C++ Redistributable are available at the Microsoft Visual C Downloads website.
Use DISM and SFC Scans
If the updates do not fix anything, then it is likely that there is an issue with your Windows install, or with certain components. This is fixable by running the Windows System File Checker and Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tools. These two scans can help identify and fix a wide range of Windows issues. To use them, open the Command Prompt as an administrator, and then execute these commands:
- sfc /scannow
- dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth