Alex Ruben
How To Fix the “Entry Point Not Found” DLL Error on Windows 11/7
Dealing with the “Entry Point Not Found” error can be a huge pain because it usually pops up when you try to run certain apps, and suddenly they just won’t start. Usually, it’s because some DLL files are missing or got corrupted, but not always clear what’s causing it. Sometimes, just updating or repairing system files helps. The good news is, you don’t need to reinstall Windows or go crazy. Two pretty straightforward fixes typically do the trick: installing the right Visual C++ Redistributable package and running a System File Checker scan. Both help patch up missing or broken components that throw these errors. Follow along to get everything back in shape without too much fuss.
How to Fix the Entry Point Not Found DLL Error in Windows
Method 1: Installing the Correct Visual C++ Redistributable
This usually fixes errors caused by missing runtime components that apps depend on — especially if the error started after a system update or recent software install. It’s kind of weird, but a lot of times the app just can’t find the DLL it needs because it wasn’t installed or got broken.
- Head over to the official Microsoft page for Visual C++ Redistributable packages. Search for “Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable” or whatever version your app requests, as some apps are quite specific.
- Once there, pick the version that matches your system:
vcredist_x64.exefor 64-bit Windows 10/11 or Windows 7.vcredist_x86.exefor 32-bit Windows.
- Download the right installer, then double-click the file after it finishes downloading.
- Follow the prompts, accept the license, and hit Install. On some setups, this fails the first time, or prompts for reboot—kind of annoying but usual for these runtime updates.
- After installation, restart the machine. Sometimes, the DLL error disappears immediately after this, but not always on the first try.
Method 2: Running System File Checker (SFC) to Repair System Files
If the DLL error persists even after installing the redistributable, it’s time for a more thorough check. The System File Checker (SFC) scans Windows files and repairs any that are corrupted or missing — which can cause DLL errors to pop up out of nowhere. Not sure why it works, but it’s kind of surprising how many system issues are fixed just by running this.
- Open the start menu, click on the search bar or press Windows + S.
- Type
cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and go for Run as administrator. You need admin rights for SFC to do its thing. - In the black window, type:
sfc /scannowand hit Enter.
- Now, sit back and wait. This can take some time, especially if your system is a bit cluttered. Don’t close it halfway.
- Once it’s done, it tells you if it fixed anything. Better yet, just restart afterward—sometimes the fix isn’t clear until a reboot.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Heads up — these fixes aren’t silver bullets, but they usually fix most DLL weirdness. Make sure Windows stays up-to-date with Windows Update (under Settings > Update & Security) because compatibility issues crop up when outdated. Also, keep an eye on updates for Visual C++ redistributables — they get patched and improved regularly. If these errors keep coming back, it might be worth creating a system restore point before making big changes, just in case something goes sideways. Keep backups of your important stuff, folks — system errors have a knack for causing data loss, even if it’s not intentional.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of that pesky “Entry Point Not Found” error usually comes down to making sure all the runtime files are in order. Installing the right Visual C++ package and running the SFC scan together generally do the trick. If you still see errors afterward, it’s worth digging into specific DLL files or even checking if your system needs a deeper clean or reinstallation of certain apps. But hey, for most folks, these steps will bring back functional apps without too much hassle. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid hours of frustration.
Summary
- Download and install the correct Visual C++ Redistributable for your system.
- Run
sfc /scannowin an admin command prompt to fix any system file issues. - Restart and check if the error is gone.
- Keep Windows and software up-to-date.
- Backup important files regularly in case things go sideways.