Tips to open DLL file

Can't open the DLL file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DLL files as well as a list of programs that support DLL files.

DLL file extension

File Name Dynamic Link Library
File Developer Microsoft
File Category System Files

The DLL file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DLL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DLL file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DLL file?

The .DLL file is a compiled system library. It contains sets of functions used by various programs. A library can be shared between several programs. The .DLL is dynamically linked. Programs will refer to it when the application is started or when it is invoked. The set of functions can also be a logical or device specific controller. You should look for .DLL files in system directories or sometimes in the application directory.

How to open DLL file?

The main problem with Dynamic Link Library is that the DLL file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file DLL to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DLL file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Visual Studio

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Visual Studio application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Visual Studio in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support DLL files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Visual Studio with DLL files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the DLL file still does not use the Microsoft Visual Studio program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the DLL file with the Microsoft Visual Studio application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Visual Studio to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Visual Studio program, it is possible that Dynamic Link Library requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DLL file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the DLL file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our DLL file. Sometimes virus-infected DLL files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DLL files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DLL file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file DLL except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move DLL to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the DLL file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file DLL to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.