How to fix
MSIMG32.dll is missing or not found error
on Windows

Hello. When I try to open certain applications in Windows I receive the "MSIMG32.dll is missing" or "MSIMG32.dll is not found" errors. How do I fix this?

The "MSIMG32.dll is missing or not found" error in Windows is a frequent problem that can impair the operating system's smooth operation. The Microsoft Graphical Device Interface (GDI), which is in charge of rendering graphical elements like lines, boxes, text, and other essential components of the user interface in Windows, is made up in large part of MSIMG32.dll. There are a number of problems that can arise when this dynamic link library (DLL) file is either missing or corrupted, which may have an impact on users in different ways.

The degraded graphical user interface (GUI) experience is one of the error's most obvious side effects. Certain visuals, icons, or interface components may not load, appear distorted, or simply not render correctly for users. This can affect Windows' overall visual appeal and usability, which can make navigating and using the system challenging and irritating.

In addition to the aesthetic issues, applications that rely on GDI functions may perform poorly if MSIMG32.dll is missing or incorrect. The inability to use GDI functionalities offered by this DLL may cause crashes, problems, or decreased performance in software that extensively relies on graphics, like as games or design applications.

Several things, including unintentional file deletion, virus infections, improper software installations, or system file corruption, might result in the "MSIMG32.dll is missing or not found" problem. It's a serious issue because it prevents the Windows operating system from running smoothly and may interfere with daily activities.

Users have a few solutions at their disposal to fix this problem. They can try to repair the corrupted or missing MSIMG32.dll file from a backup, reinstall the software or update the drivers[ref en-1] that might be the issue, run System File Checker (SFC) to scan and fix corrupted system files, etc.

In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix MSIMG32.dll is missing or not found error in Windows. You can also run a system repair tool like [d1] that 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.

Solution 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

Solution 2. Install Windows Updates

• Click Start and select Settings.
• Go to the Windows Update section.
• Click Check for updates and wait.

• Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates.
• Reboot your system.

Solution 3. Scan for Malware

It is possible that a malware infection may be the cause of "MSIMG32.dll is missing" or "not found" error in Windows. It is important to run a comprehensive security scan to rule out this possibility and ensure that the computer is not infected. This can help to prevent further issues with the Windows operating system and ensure that it is functioning properly.

If you have access to a security scanner, or if your organization pays for one, you can use it to scan your entire system to check for a virus infection. Otherwise, you can use Windows Defender to scan your system:

• Click on the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type Microsoft Defender in the search bar and click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to open the application.
• Click on the Virus & threat protection option in the left-hand menu.
• Click on the Quick scan or Full scan option, depending on your preference.

• If you choose Quick scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan the most vulnerable and commonly infected areas of your computer.
• If you choose Full scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan your entire computer, including all files, folders, and programs.
• Click on the Scan now button to start the selected scan type and wait for the scan to complete.
• The time it takes will depend on the size of your hard drive and the number of files being scanned.
• Once the scan is complete, you will be informed of any detected threats, and you can choose to quarantine or remove them.
• If no threats are found, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will inform you that your device is secure.

Solution 4. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of this issue. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using [rev id="DriverFix"], which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• Open Settings.
• Click on Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Click the Check for updates button.
• Click the View optional updates option.
• Click the Driver updates tab.
• Select the driver you want to update.
• Click the Download and install button.

If the View optional updates link is not available after checking for updates, then Windows Update does not have any new drivers or any updates for other products at that particular time.

Solution 5. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.

• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.
• If the issue disappeared in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing it.
• Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one.

Solution 6. Use System Restore

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you have made changes to your system that are causing problems.

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
• Type SystemPropertiesProtection and press Enter.
• Go to the System Protection tab.

• You will see the System Restore… button. Click it to run System Restore.
• Follow the prompts until you can select a restore point.
• Select the one you want (ideally before the issue started occurring) and go ahead with the process.

Solution 7. Repair Install Windows

• Visit Microsoft's official website.
• Choose the desired product language and OS edition for Windows 11.
• Download the Windows 11 ISO file.
• Locate the downloaded ISO file and double-click it.
• In the prompt that appears, click Open.
• Run the setup.exe file.

• When the UAC (User Account Control) dialog box appears, click Yes to continue.
• Click Next to proceed with the installation.
• Accept Microsoft's license terms by clicking Accept.
• Make sure the setup option reads Keep personal files and apps.
• Click Install to begin the Windows 11 repair upgrade.
• Wait patiently for the repair upgrade to complete.