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

Hey, I was wondering if you could help me. I can't access several programs due to pdh.dll missing error. The full message reads "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\pdh.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f." Is any fix available?

Windows is a complex operating system that includes thousands of different components to ensure proper functionality. Background processes, scheduled tasks, services, and other objects are always running on any computer, and they must all function together in all situations.

DLL files are one of the most popular file types seen in Windows; they are file extensions similar to executables and are used to implement code or call up certain pieces as needed by the system or application. DLLs cannot be run directly and frequently rely on hosts for execution. When such a file is missing or destroyed, the associated application, process, or other components will no longer function properly.

pdh.dll is one of the files that might be related to this issue. To be more precise, people might get an error message saying "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\pdh.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error" with codes such as 0xc000012f. Besides not being able to open certain or all apps, people can also experience other issues, such as additional errors or crashes.

pdh.dll is a Windows file that helps programs access and use performance data from the system. It allows applications to monitor and analyze various aspects like CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk activity. This helps in tracking system health, diagnosing issues, and improving performance.

This is why it is important to fix pdh.dll not found or missing error, and all the instructions on how to do that we provide in the section just below this article. Follow each of the steps carefully and you will find at least one method that works for you. Before proceeding, we recommend trying a PC repair application [d1], which is great when dealing with Windows issues such as DLL errors.

Fix 1. Repair corrupted files

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
• Use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  sfc /scannow
• The System File Checker will now scan your system for any corrupted or missing files and try to repair them.
• After the scan is done, copy the following commands and press Enter:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Once the process completes, restart your computer.

Fix 2. Install all Windows updates

Installing the latest updates can fix bugs and replace corrupted system files.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click the Check for updates or Install updates button.
• Wait till all the available updates are installed - make sure optional updates are installed as well.
• Once done, restart your system.

Fix 3. Reinstall the app related to pdh.dll error

A DLL error typically comes with the name of the application that failed to launch. As such, you can try to reinstall the app itself. However, if the error shows up when opening many apps, skip this step.

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
• Scroll down and find the application in question.
• Right-click and select Uninstall.
• Follow on-screen instructions and finalize the process.
• Restart your PC and reinstall the program.

Fix 4. Re-register pdh.dll file

Re-registering the file can resolve issues caused by improper registration.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  regsvr32 /u pdh.dll
  regsvr32 pdh.dll
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart the system.

Fix 5. Scan for malware

You have the option to use any trustworthy third-party security software, or you can utilize Microsoft Safety Scanner, downloadable from the official website. Another option is to perform an Offline scan using Windows Defender:

• Type Windows Security in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
• Select Virus & threat protection.
• Pick Scan options.
• Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now
• Your computer will immediately reboot and begin a deep scan.

Fix 6. Perform a System Restore

System Restore can revert your system to a state before the error occurred.

• Type in Create a Restore point in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Go to the System Protection tab and pick System restore.
• Click Next.
• Click Show more restore points (if available).
• Pick the time before the problem occurred and click Next.
• Follow the prompts to finish the process.

Fix 7. Run Check Disk

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type in the following command and press Enter after:
  chkdsk c: /f
  (Note: use chkdsk c: /f /r /x command if you use SSD as your primary partition).
• If you receive an error, type in Y, close down Command Prompt and restart your computer.
• After a restart, Windows will begin to scan your disk. After your system boots back up, you can find the results in the Event Viewer.

Fix 8. Update device drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause system errors. If you would rather save time, we recommend using an automatic driver updater [rev id="DriverFix"].

• Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.
• Find and expand the categories related to the hardware (for example, graphics, network, chipset, etc.)
• Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
• Select Search for updated drivers and follow the prompts.
• Repeat for other categories.
• Restart your computer.

Fix 9. Repair Windows installation

If you still can't fix pdh.dll error using the previous methods, you can always repair-install Windows.

Create Windows ISO

• Download Windows 11 Installation media from the official Microsoft website. [Windows 10 version]
• Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to launch it.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Accept license terms.
• Select Language and Edition (make sure it matches the one you have currently installed) or simply mark the Use the recommended options for this PC and click Next).
• Select the ISO file and click Next.
• Pick the location for your ISO file and wait till all the needed files are downloaded, then click Finish.

Repair-install Windows

• Go to the location of your ISO file, right-click, and select Mount.
• Run the setup.exe file.
• You will be asked whether you want to update Windows to the latest version - pick Not right now and click Next.
• Accept Terms and Windows will make several checks to ensure everything is fine.
• Click Change what to keep.
• Here, you have several options: Keep your files and apps, Keep files only, or Keep nothing - choose what suits you the best. Click Next.
• Finally, click Install to begin the installation process.