How to Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables (.dll Error Fix)

A game that refuses to start and shows a dialog about a missing .dll file is often missing a Microsoft runtime library, not a file from the game itself. Windows ships with modern DirectX, but many PC titles still depend on the Visual C++ Redistributable packages and, for older games, legacy DirectX optional components. Installing or repairing those runtimes fixes a large share of launch failures without reinstalling the game.

Which runtime does your error need?

Visual C++ Redistributable

Most modern PC games are built with Microsoft Visual C++. The redistributable installs the shared libraries those builds expect, including VCRUNTIME140.dll and MSVCP140.dll. A game may need the x64 package, the x86 package, or both, even on a 64-bit version of Windows.

1. 1
   Open the official Microsoft page: Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads.
2. 2
   Under Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022, download X64 and run the installer.
3. 3
   Return to the same page, download X86, and run that installer as well.
4. 4
   When each installer finishes, restart your PC.
5. 5
   Launch the game again and check whether the error is gone.

If Visual C++ is already installed

Corrupted or half-removed redistributables can still trigger DLL errors.

1. 1
   Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Apps & features on older Windows builds).
2. 2
   Search for Microsoft Visual C++ and note every 2015–2022 Redistributable entry for both x64 and x86.
3. 3
   For each matching entry, choose Modify or Repair if offered. If Repair is not available, uninstall that entry, then reinstall it from the Microsoft page above.
4. 4
   Restart and test the game.

Legacy DirectX components

DirectX 11 and 12 are built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Some older titles, however, still call into legacy optional libraries such as D3DX9. Errors mentioning d3dx9_43.dll or similar names mean those optional components are missing, not that your entire DirectX installation is outdated.

1. 1
   Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft Download Center.
2. 2
   Run the downloaded installer and accept the license terms.
3. 3
   Let the installer finish. It adds legacy optional components; it does not downgrade the DirectX version built into Windows.
4. 4
   Restart your PC and launch the game.

Keep DirectX current on Windows

For errors involving core system graphics DLLs (dxgi.dll, d3d11.dll, d3d12.dll), the fix is an up-to-date Windows installation, not a standalone “DirectX 12 download.”

1. 1
   Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. 2
   Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. 3
   Install all pending updates, including optional Advanced options → Optional updates driver or feature items if listed.
4. 4
   Restart when prompted.

To confirm what DirectX version Windows reports, press Win + R, type dxdiag, and open the System tab. The DirectX Version line shows the runtime level your OS exposes to games.

Still seeing a DLL error?

If the named DLL matches the tables above and the official installers did not help:

• Verify game files: a partial install can leave the game looking for libraries that were never deployed with the title.
• Update GPU drivers: some launchers misreport driver or DXGI issues as generic missing-DLL errors.
• Check antivirus: security software occasionally quarantines redistributable installers or game binaries; restore or exclude the game folder, then reinstall the runtimes.

→ How to verify game file integrity (Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox)

→ How to update your GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

→ How to add a game to antivirus exclusions on Windows