How to fix
Secur32.dll error
on Windows

Hello. When I try to launch certain apps in Windows, I get the "Windows system32 secur32.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or contains an error" message. What should I do?

Windows users frequently get the "Windows system32 secur32.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or contains an error" error message. The secur32.dll dynamic link library (DLL)[ref en-1] file, created by Microsoft, is the source of this problem. Windows and different apps employ the procedures and driver functions found in DLL files to carry out particular duties. This file's corruption or other issues can have a number of negative repercussions on users and their systems.

One of the main ways that this problem might have an impact on users is by stopping them from running particular programs or carrying out particular operations on their Windows operating system. Errors in secur32.dll might cause the system to become unstable because it is essential for handling specific functions. Applications that rely on this DLL may experience crashes, freezes, or unusual behavior as a result of this instability. Additionally, users may have trouble accessing network resources, connecting into their accounts, or authenticating with security protocols.

Additionally, users may find the secur32.dll error message to be rather annoying. Productivity may suffer, particularly if the impacted applications are necessary for their regular tasks or work. Less tech-savvy customers may also be perplexed and worried by the error message because it suggests a serious problem with their machine.

Users often need to carry out troubleshooting procedures to fix or replace the corrupted secur32.dll file in order to resolve this issue. Restoring the file from a backup, fixing system files with Windows System File Checker (sfc), or reinstalling the DLL-dependent application are all potential solutions. In some cases, reinstalling Windows is necessary.

In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix secur32.dll 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. 

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. Check Disk

• Open the Command Prompt and click on the Run as administrator.
• Then, type this command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

• Close the Command Prompt.

Method 3. 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.

Method 4. Scan for Malware

It is possible that a malware infection may be the cause of secur32.dll 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.

Method 5. 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.

Method 6. 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.