How to Fix Nvcuda.dll Missing or Not Found Error: 7 Effective Solutions

The file nvcuda.dll, created by NVIDIA Corporation, is integral to several applications such as TensorFlow, Octane, LiquidSky, NiceHash, Plex, and Batman Arkham Knight.

Typically, the error indicating that nvcuda.dll is missing occurs primarily with AMD and Intel GPUs since this dynamic link library is specifically an NVIDIA product. However, users with NVIDIA GPUs can also face this issue when the file is accidentally removed—either through manual deletion or following a software update.

Before diving into more complicated solutions, it’s advisable to reboot your computer, disable any third-party antivirus programs, and apply any outstanding Windows updates. These simple steps may resolve your issue!

What should I do if nvcuda.dll is missing or cannot be loaded?

1. Copy nvcuda.dll to the System32 folder manually

If you find that nvcuda.dll is missing, your first option is to manually transfer a copy of the file. You can typically find nvcuda.dll in: C:\Windows\System32

Connect a flash drive to a functioning PC, navigate to the System32 directory, copy the nvcuda.dll file, and then insert the drive into the problematic PC. Transfer the DLL file to the System32 folder, followed by a restart to enact the changes.

2. Execute the program with administrator privileges

1. Right-click the launcher (.exe file) of the program experiencing issues and select Properties.
2. In the Compatibility tab, check the option for Run this program as an administrator.
   

   

3. Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.
4. Restart your computer to see if this resolves the issue.

3. Obtain the NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit

1. Visit the NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit download page, choose your operating system, architecture, and version, and download the exe (local) installer for the CUDA Toolkit.
   

   

2. Run the installation setup and follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
3. After the installation completes, reboot your system to check if the issue with the missing DLL persists.

In the case of encountering this error on an AMD GPU, downloading the CUDA Toolkit could effectively resolve your problem!

4. Reinstall the NVIDIA graphics driver

1. Press Windows + X to access the Power User menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the NVIDIA GPU, and choose Uninstall device.
   

   

3. Ensure to check the box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then click Uninstall.
   

   

4. When completed, reboot your PC, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

If the error regarding the absence of nvcuda.dll continues, consider using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to completely erase the existing driver installation. Afterward, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the same version and install it manually.

5. Update the NVIDIA graphics driver

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl into the field, and hit Enter.
2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card, and select Update driver.
   

   

3. Select Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to find and install the best available version.
   

   

4. After the process completes, restart your system to apply the updates.

If the nvcuda.dll cannot be loaded error is rooted in a glitch within the current NVIDIA driver version, updating the driver should remedy the situation!

6. Add nvcuda.dll to Windows Security exceptions

1. Press Windows + S to open the Search feature, type Windows Security, and select it from the results.
2. Click on Protection history.
   

   

3. Select Quarantined Items from the Filters dropdown. If you see nvcuda.dll in the list, proceed to restore the file.
   

   

4. Return to the main interface and select Virus & threat protection.
5. Find and click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings.
   

   

6. Click on Add or remove exclusions.
7. Next, click on Add an exclusion and select Folder from the list.
   

   

8. Navigate to the directory of the affected software, select it, and click on Select Folder.
9. After this, restart your PC, then try launching the problematic program again to see if the nvcuda.dll file is still an issue.

Third-party and built-in antivirus solutions often mistakenly quarantine non-Microsoft DLLs, so it’s crucial first to restore the nvcuda.dll file and then whitelist it to prevent future deletions!

7. Reinstall the program that is affected

1. To begin, press Windows + R, input appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find the program causing the nvcuda.dll error and click Uninstall.
   

   

3. Follow the prompts to uninstall the application and then restart your PC.
4. Finally, download and install the software again from an official source.

If all else fails, reinstalling the application generating the nvcuda.dll error may be the answer. Ensure you use the default installation settings, as custom configurations might prevent the DLL from being correctly added!

It’s important to realize that as nvcuda.dll is a non-Microsoft dynamic link library, running an SFC scan or reinstalling Windows won’t resolve the problem. Focusing on NVIDIA-specific solutions will yield better results.

If you have any questions or wish to share what methods successfully worked for you, feel free to 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.