Fix CI.dll Missing, Corrupt or Blue Screen Errors – Complete Guide

2024/10/04

The ci.dll file, associated with the Code Integrity Module, is an essential system file within the Windows operating system. If you find that ci.dll is missing, corrupted, or cannot be located, it could lead to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error on Windows!

This file was developed by Microsoft and operates effectively on a properly functioning PC. Issues with ci.dll are typically triggered by accidental deletion, corrupted system files, malware infections, or conflicts with third-party applications.

Before diving into troubleshooting, try restarting your PC, installing any pending Windows updates, and check the Recycle Bin to restore the DLL if it was deleted inadvertently. For many users, this simple step will resolve the ci.dll error.

What should I do if ci.dll is missing or causing a BSOD?

1. Utilize a DLL repair tool

The fastest method for fixing ci.dll errors on Windows is to employ a reputable DLL repair tool!

These tools are user-friendly. Just allow the tool to perform a scan, identify any corrupt or missing DLL files, and replace them with fresh copies from its database.

2. Add ci.dll manually

On the affected computer, navigate to the DLL’s directory to check for its presence. On a functional PC, ci.dll is located in: C:\Windows\System32

If the DLL is absent, you can copy ci.dll from an external flash drive from another PC and then place it into the System32 folder on the problematic device. After that, simply reboot your computer to resolve any DLL-related issues!

3. Execute the SFC and DISM scans

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, input cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter .
Click Yes in the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
Input the following DISM commands, hitting Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth, and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Next, execute this command to perform the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
Finally, restart your computer and check for improvements.

Since ci.dll is a system file, running both the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans should repair its corrupted state and rectify the Windows blue screen error permanently!

4. Conduct a malware scan on your PC

Press Windows + S to open the Search, type Windows Security in the search box, and click on the correct result.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Click on Scan options.
Select the Full scan option and click on Scan now.
The scanning process will take about 15-45 minutes to complete.

If Windows Security does not identify any threats, I recommend employing a reliable antivirus solution to conduct advanced malware scans on your machine.

Bear in mind that using an unreliable antivirus program or running multiple security solutions concurrently may also create conflicts, leading to the ci.dll failed error. Therefore, it is advisable to use either Windows Security or a single antivirus program!

5. Remove recently installed applications

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the prompt, and press Enter.
Select any recently installed applications from the list, and click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Finally, restart your PC and check for any improvements.

If a quick uninstall doesn’t resolve the issue, consider using a dedicated Windows software uninstaller to clear any residual files, app cache, and Registry entries.

6. Carry out a system restore

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and select the relevant result.
Click the System Restore button.
Select the Choose a different restore point option, followed by Next.
Choose the oldest restore point available and click Next.
Confirm the details, click Finish, and then affirm the system restore process.
After completion, check to see if the ci.dll blue screen issue in Windows 11 is resolved.

7. Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, your last resort should be to reinstall Windows. This action will both reinstall ci.dll and resolve any BSOD issues.

To reinstall Windows 11, connect a flash drive to another PC, visit Microsoft’s official website, download the Media Creation Tool, and utilize it to create a bootable USB. Then, insert the flash drive into the troubled PC, adjust the boot order to prioritize the flash drive, launch the setup, and install Windows.

Once you have reinstalled Windows, ci.dll will be present in the System32 folder!

If blue screen errors continue due to a malfunctioning ci.dll file, consider investigating fixes more pertinent to those specific issues. Here are some helpful links to solutions for various BSODs associated with the DLL: