How to Fix D3DX9_32.dll Missing or Not Found Error: 7 Solutions to Download the File

The d3dx9_32.dll file is an essential part of DirectX, utilized by numerous applications and games to function correctly. When this DLL file becomes corrupted or is missing from its standard directory, users may encounter an error message stating, “The program can’t start because d3dx9_32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.”

Developed by Microsoft, the d3dx9_32.dll file is included in the default Windows installation and can typically be found in the System32 folder.

If you are faced with a missing DLL file, it is advisable to first restart your computer, apply any outstanding Windows updates, and check the Recycle Bin—it’s possible the file was mistakenly deleted!

How can I resolve the d3dx9_32.dll missing error?

1. Obtain a copy of d3dx9_32.dll manually

To quickly resolve the d3dx9_32.dll missing error on Windows 11, consider copying the DLL file into the System32 folder located at C:\Windows\System32.

To do this, find another PC that operates on the same version and architecture (either 32-bit or 64-bit) of Windows. Then, copy the DLL file from its System32 directory to a USB drive, connect that drive to the affected computer, paste the file back into the System32 folder, reboot the machine, and see if that resolves the issue.

2. Download the DirectX End-User Runtime

1. Visit Microsoft’s download page for the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer, and click on the Download button.
   

   

2. Execute the setup you just downloaded and follow the displayed instructions to finish the installation, ensuring that you opt out of any unnecessary additional components.
   

   

In around 60% of cases, installing the DirectX End-User Runtime has successfully resolved the d3dx9_32.dll missing error in games such as Civilization 4.

3. Launch the affected application with administrative rights

1. Right-click the executable file of the affected application and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab and check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
   

   

3. Hit Apply and then OK to save your changes, then restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

4. Execute the affected application in compatibility mode

1. Right-click the application’s launcher and go to Properties.
2. In the Compatibility tab, check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for and pick an earlier version of Windows from the dropdown menu.
   

   

3. Press Apply and OK to commit your adjustments, then restart the computer to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Perform DISM and SFC scans

1. Press Windows + S to launch Search, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes when prompted by the User Account Control (UAC).
3. Enter the following DISM commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth,
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth, and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Then run the SFC scan by executing this command: sfc /scannow
   

   

5. Restart your computer to apply the changes and check for improvements.

Being a Microsoft product, issues with the d3dx9_32.dll file can stem from corrupted system files. This might occur if the d3dx9_32.dll file is not configured correctly in Windows or if it contains an error.

In such scenarios, executing the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans will help replace all faulty files with their respective cached versions!

6. Reinstall the application causing the d3dx9_32.dll error

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate the application in question, select it, and click on Uninstall.
   

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process, then restart your PC.
4. Finally, download and reinstall the application from a trusted source.

Often, issues with the d3dx9_32.dll missing in Windows 10 arise from improper setup of an application or game; reinstalling it usually resolves the problem. If a standard uninstall fails, consider using a reputable uninstallation utility to remove all remnants of the installation!

7. Conduct an in-place upgrade

1. Visit Microsoft’s official site to download the Windows 11 ISO.
   

   

2. Open the ISO file, and click Open on the confirmation prompt.
3. Run the setup.exe file.
   

   

4. When prompted by UAC, click Yes.
5. Proceed by clicking Next.
   

   

6. Review Microsoft’s license agreement and click Accept.
7. Ensure the installer indicates to keep personal files and apps, and then click Install.
   

   

8. Allow the in-place upgrade to finish; it typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes.

If all other methods fail, an in-place upgrade is a viable last resort. This will refresh all system files, including d3dx9_32.dll, while preserving your personal files and applications.

Keep in mind that resolving d3dx9_32.dll errors on Windows is usually straightforward, and in many instances, simply installing the DirectX End-User Runtime will eliminate the issue. If that doesn’t work, the other strategies listed here should help you find a solution.

For users frequently encountering DLL errors, consider employing a reliable DLL repair tool that can automatically fix or replace problematic DLL files!

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to share which method successfully worked for you, please leave a comment below.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.