How to Fix DWMAPI.DLL Missing or Loading Errors

Experiencing errors that mention Dwmapi.dll is missing or unable to load when starting a game or a program? You’re not alone.

Issues with third-party Windows applications or games often occur when they are unable to successfully communicate with the Microsoft Desktop Window Manager API, which involves the Dwmapi.dll file.

Fortunately, I have explored numerous troubleshooting methods that can assist you in rectifying and recovering the missing DLL files. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Dwmapi.dll

Dwmapi.dll serves as a critical system file that manages Windows Aero along with other contemporary Microsoft Store themes. It functions as the API for the Desktop Window Manager and is utilized by third-party apps and games to interact with Windows’ default themes and various visual components.

When you encounter a missing or loading error, it could indicate one of several issues:

• Malware or certain applications may have erased the file.
• A rogue application is keeping the DLL file in use, preventing access by other programs.
• There are 15 other DLL files linked statically to Dwmapi.dll, so one of them might be missing as well.
• The DLL is not compatible with versions earlier than Windows Vista, so if you’re trying to run it on Windows XP or older systems, the program won’t work.

Resolving Dwmapi.dll Missing or Loading Issues

Let’s explore the steps to troubleshoot this problem:

Download Dwmapi.dll from a Trusted Source

A fast and effective solution is to obtain a new copy of the Dwmapi.dll file and place it in the correct directory for the application to find.

1. Navigate to the DLLme website.
2. Download the Dwmapi.dll file.

1. Extract the downloaded file into a folder.

1. Copy the file and paste it into the following system directories in Windows:
   • C:\Windows\System32
   • C:\Windows\SysWOW64

1. For applications that store the DLL file within their directories, paste it into one of these folders:
   • bin
   • lib
   • plugins
   • dll
   • modules
   • extensions
   • shared
   • components
   • external
   • resources
2. If unsure where to place the file, reach out to the software developer for guidance on the correct directory.

If you’re running on Windows XP and still experience an error, it’s likely the application is incompatible. You can, however, attempt to place the DLL in the System32 directory to see if it makes a difference.

Register the DLL File with REGSVR32.EXE

You have the option to manually register the newly added DLL file or force its registration if it is already in System32 or SysWOW64.

1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

1. Type regsvr32 dwmapi.dll into the terminal.
2. Press Enter.
3. You should receive a message stating, “The module was loaded…” .

Conduct a Clean Boot

This technique helps determine if any third-party applications are preventing access to the DLL file. Here’s how to initiate a clean boot on your Windows device:

1. Open the System Configuration dialog by pressing Windows + R and typing msconfig.
2. Head to the Services tab.
3. Check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
4. Click Disable all.

1. Next, navigate to the Startup tab within the same dialog.
2. Click the Task Manager link.
3. Switch to the Startup section of Task Manager.
4. Right-click a startup item and select Disable.
5. Repeat this for all items except essential system utilities, like audio, video driver console, Bluetooth, etc.
6. Close the Task Manager.

1. Return to the Services tab in the System Configuration window.
2. Click Apply and then OK.

1. Finally, restart your PC.

If this process fixes the Dwmapi.dll missing error, then a third-party application, service, or background operation is likely the cause.

To identify the problematic app, open Windows + I and navigate to the Apps section in Windows Settings. Uninstall any recently added software from the Apps & features list on the right.

To restore all essential services, follow the steps you took to perform the clean boot in reverse and reboot the system.

Scan Your System for Malware

Utilize the Microsoft Safety Scanner to detect and eliminate malware that may be disrupting the DLL files. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Microsoft Safety Scanner Download website.
2. Download the version that matches your system, either 32-bit or 64-bit.

1. Press Windows + R and type msinfo32. Hit Enter. Check the System Type line. If it says x64, download the 64-bit version, and vice versa.

1. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the msert.exe file.
2. The Microsoft Safety Scanner will launch.
3. Accept the terms and click Next.
4. Click Next again until you reach the Scan type window.
5. Select Full scan and press Next.

1. Once completed, restart your PC.

Execute the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The SFC scan can automatically repair system files while your PC is connected to the internet. To perform the scan:

1. Access the Power User menu by pressing Windows + X.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
3. In the command line, enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

1. Press Enter.
2. Wait for the SFC scan to finish.

Possible outcomes are:

• No integrity violations found: Everything is fine; no further actions required.
• Integrity violations found: The SFC tool will attempt to repair as many corrupted system files as possible. It will state the total number of issues fixed. If it indicates all files were repaired, no need to run a DISM scan. However, if some files remain unrepaired, proceed to the next section.
• Scan cannot be completed: Run a DISM scan next.

Execute the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) Scan

1. Within the same terminal window, type this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

1. Press Enter.
2. Allow the DISM command to check and fix system file issues.

The potential results include:

• No integrity violations found: All system files are healthy.
• Integrity violations found: The command will use an online image to correct the system files.
• Scan could not be completed: Consider running the DISM scan again.

Set Up a New User Account

For specific game applications, creating a new Windows User Account may help:

1. Open the Windows Settings application.
2. Click on the Accounts section.
3. Go to the Family & other users menu.
4. Select the Add someone else to this PC option on the right side.

1. Click the I don’t have… link in the Microsoft dialog box.

1. On the Create account screen, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

1. Fill in the required information on the fields provided.
2. Click Next.

1. Follow the prompts to finalize the setup of the new account.
2. Restart the PC.
3. Log in with your new account.

Try running the game application using its EXE from the installation directory or through the Steam client.

Conduct a System Restore

Windows generally creates restore points during significant changes made to the system. If you haven’t disabled this feature, you might be able to revert your PC to the last stable condition, which may resolve the error. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start menu and type Restore.
2. Choose the Create a restore point option from the Best match area.

1. The System Properties window will appear.
2. Click on the System Restore button.

1. Click Next in the System Restore dialog.
2. Select a restore point from the available list and click Next.

1. Press the Finish button.

Let the system restore complete; your PC may restart several times during this process.

Reinstall the Game Application

If all else fails, you may need to uninstall the game application that’s unable to launch due to Dwmapi.dll errors.

If you installed it from a DVD or digitally, navigate to Apps, locate the game title under Apps & features, click on it, and select Uninstall.

If purchased via Steam, follow these steps:

1. Open the Steam application.
2. Click on the Library at the top.
3. Find the game you wish to uninstall in the Games section on the left panel.

1. Right-click the game title and choose Uninstall from the menu.
2. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again when prompted.

Steam will begin the process of removing the local files, which might take a few moments.

Once you see the confirmation of uninstallation, return to the Library tab. You should still see the game listed on the left-side panel.

If you right-click it now, it should show the Install option instead.

Backing Up Game App Data

Prior to uninstalling, consider copying your game progress from the save data directory:

Here’s where you can generally find it on your PC:

• Documents Folder:

C:\Users\JohnDoe\Documents\My Games

• AppData Folder:

Local: C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Local\GameName
Roaming: C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Roaming\GameName

• ProgramData Folder:

C:\ProgramData\GameName

• Steam Games:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\123456789\12345

• Epic Games:

C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Local\GameName\Saved\SaveGames

Conclusion

You now have the tools to troubleshoot the Dwmapi.dll missing or loading error on Windows Vista and later versions.

If this guide has been useful to you, please share your success story in the comments. If you have any other effective troubleshooting methods, feel free to share those too!

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