How to fix dxgi.dll was not found or missing in Windows?

What causes How to fix dxgi.dll was not found or missing in Windows?

Corrupted system files
Accidental deletion of dxgi.dll
Issues from messed-up updates
Problems during installation processes
Multiple programs accessing the same DLL

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Hello. When I try to open any Microsoft Office application I receive the "C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\dxgi.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error." message. What should I do?

Some people have encountered the "dxgi.dll was not found or missing" error in Windows. Users describe that the message shows up when they try to launch Office programs such as Word, Excel, etc. This can be very frustrating as it prevents people from performing important tasks.

If you see this error, it means a crucial system file that apps need to run is missing. DLL (Dynamic-Link Library)[ref en-1] errors usually pop up after messed-up updates or installation processes. These files include code and data that can be accessed by multiple programs simultaneously, which explains why users may get the same error when trying to open more than one program.

It is also possible that dxgi.dll was deleted accidentally. In that case, most likely the only solution would be to reinstall Windows. In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix the dxgi.dll was not found or missing error in Windows. However, manual troubleshooting can be a lengthy process.

To avoid it, you can use a maintenance tool like [d1]. It can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

How to fix dxgi dll was not found or missing in windows

Method 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

Reboot your system
If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 2. Repair the Affected Program

Go to Settings and then click on Apps
Then go to Apps and Features
Find the application that is affected by the error
Click on it then choose Advanced options or Modify

Click on the Repair button
Check if the issue is resolved

Method 3. Reinstall the Affected Program

Go to Apps & Features
Find the program that causes the error in the list
Click on it and press Uninstall

Now you can install it again and check if the issue disappeared

Method 4. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++

Go to Settings, then click on Apps & Features
Find Microsoft Visual C++ in the list
Click on it and press Uninstall
Restart your PC
Download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ from the official Microsoft website

Method 5. Use System Restore

System Restore can roll back the system back to a previous point when the error was not present. Use this utility and choose a restore point before the error started appearing.

Search for Control Panel in your taskbar
Change the view mode to Large icons
Click on Recovery, then Open System Restore

If prompted, enter your user password
Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the wizard to complete the restoration
Restart your computer

Method 6. Perform a Repair Install

Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 10 Installation Media
Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC

Select your USB drive
Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive
Click Finish
On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer
Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe
Accept the license terms on the next screen
Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept
Click Install, and the upgrade should start

Bottom line

To fix the 'dxgi.dll was not found or missing' error, you can repair corrupted system files using Command Prompt, repair the affected application through the Settings menu, or reinstall the program. If these methods do not resolve the issue, consider using a maintenance tool or reinstalling Windows.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I encounter the dxgi.dll missing error when launching a game on Windows 10?

You can try reinstalling the game or application that is showing the error, as this may restore the missing dxgi.dll file. Additionally, updating your graphics drivers can help resolve the issue on Windows 10.

How can I manually restore the dxgi.dll file in Windows 11?

You can download the dxgi.dll file from a reputable DLL website and place it in the game's installation folder or the Windows System32 directory. However, ensure you perform a virus scan on the downloaded file to avoid malware.

Is there a way to repair the dxgi.dll error without downloading new files on Windows 10?

Yes, you can run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing 'sfc /scannow', which will scan for and repair missing or corrupted system files, including dxgi.dll.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Sarah Chen

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Threat detection Security hardening Data protection Vulnerability assessment

Sarah Chen is a cybersecurity analyst focused on protecting Windows systems from emerging threats and preventing data breaches. She covers security hardening, vulnerability assessments, and post-infection cleanup for home and small business users. Sarah translates complex security concepts into practical hardening steps — firewall configuration, exploit mitigations, secure boot settings, and defence-in-depth practices that meaningfully reduce attack surface. She stays current with the threat landscape and contributes security advisories to the uGetFix news section when new vulnerabilities affect Windows users.

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