Entry Point Not Found Error in Windows: Fixes

The “Entry point not found” error in Windows appears when a program tries to run but cannot locate a required function inside a DLL file. This guide explains what causes it and shows you how to fix it, from restarting your PC to reinstalling the affected software.

What Does “Entry Point Not Found” Mean?

When you launch an application, Windows loads the program’s code along with supporting DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files. Each DLL exposes certain functions, or “entry points,” that programs call to perform specific tasks. If the program expects a function that the DLL doesn’t provide, Windows displays an error like:

• The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library.
• Entry point not found in [DLL name].dll.

This mismatch usually happens because the DLL on your system is an older or newer version than what the program was built against. For example, a game might require a function from d3d9.dll that only exists in a particular Windows update, but your system has an outdated copy.

Common Causes of This Error

Several scenarios lead to this error, and identifying the cause helps you pick the right fix:

• Corrupted or outdated system DLLs – Windows updates sometimes replace DLLs with versions that break older programs.
• Malware or third-party software – Some programs, especially older ones, install their own versions of common DLLs (like msvcr100.dll) that conflict with system files.
• Incomplete installation or uninstallation – A program that didn’t install cleanly may leave behind a DLL that doesn’t match the executable.
• Registry issues – Incorrect file associations or leftover registry entries can point to the wrong DLL path.
• Outdated drivers – Graphics and audio drivers often ship with their own DLLs; a mismatch can cause errors in games or media players.

How to Fix the Entry Point Not Found Error

Work through these steps in order. Most users resolve the issue with step 1 or 2.

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart clears temporary file locks and reloads DLLs. If the error was caused by a transient glitch, this may be all you need.

2. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system files are a leading cause. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all pending updates, then restart. Also update your graphics, audio, and chipset drivers from the manufacturer’s website or via Device Manager.

3. Reinstall the Affected Program

If the error names a specific application, uninstall it completely (using Settings > Apps or Control Panel), then download the latest version from the official source and install it. This ensures the program’s DLLs match its executable.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These built-in tools repair corrupted Windows system files:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd”, right-click, choose Run as administrator).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and restart.

This fixes system DLLs that may have been damaged or replaced incorrectly.

5. Check for Malware

Run a full scan with Windows Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus. Malware can replace DLLs or modify registry entries that cause this error.

6. Manually Re-register the DLL

If the error mentions a specific DLL (e.g., msvcr120.dll), you can try re-registering it:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type regsvr32 [DLL name].dll and press Enter.
3. Restart and try the program again.

Note: This works for COM-registered DLLs, but not all DLLs support re-registration. If it fails, move to the next step.

7. Install the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable

Many “entry point not found” errors stem from missing or outdated Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries. Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio from Microsoft’s official site (both x86 and x64 versions). This is a common fix for games and business software.

8. Restore or Repair Windows

If nothing else works, use System Restore to roll back to a point before the error started. Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and choose a restore point. As a last resort, use the Reset this PC option (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) to reinstall Windows while keeping your files.

Preventing the Error in the Future

• Always install Windows updates promptly, but consider delaying feature updates if you rely on older software.
• Download programs only from official or trusted sources to avoid bundled DLL conflicts.
• Before uninstalling software, close all related processes and use the official uninstaller.
• Keep your drivers updated, especially for graphics and audio.
• Use a reliable antivirus and run periodic scans.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the error persists after all steps, it may indicate a deeper system issue or a conflict that requires expert diagnosis. Consider contacting the software vendor’s support or a professional technician. For system-level corruption that resists SFC and DISM, backing up your data and performing a clean install of Windows is often the most reliable solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the error say “entry point not found” after a Windows update?

Windows updates can replace DLLs with newer versions that break compatibility with older programs. The program expects an old function that no longer exists. Reinstalling the program or updating it to a version compatible with the new Windows build usually fixes this.

Can I just copy a DLL from another computer to fix it?

No. DLLs are often version-specific and linked to system architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit). Copying a DLL from another PC can cause more errors or even system instability. Always use official installers or Windows Update to obtain DLLs.

Is this error dangerous?

Generally no, it’s a software compatibility issue. However, if the error appears randomly or after visiting suspicious sites, it could indicate malware. Run a full antivirus scan to be safe.

Why does the error only happen with one specific game or app?

That app likely relies on a DLL that’s missing or mismatched on your system. Reinstalling the app or installing the required runtime (like Visual C++ or DirectX) usually resolves it. Check the app’s official forums for known issues.

Will resetting Windows delete my files?

Using “Reset this PC” with the option Keep my files preserves your personal files but removes installed applications. This can fix persistent DLL issues while keeping your documents and photos.

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