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Adbwinapi.dll Was Not Found: How to Fix It

Copying the necessary files to the unlock folder should fix this

4 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

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Adbwinapi is one of the important components of the Android Debug Bridge program. While this file works well most time, some users are complaining of an adbwinapi.dll not found error while trying to unlock the bootloader on their phones.

This can be frustrating, as it stops the app from launching. Fortunately, this guide contains quick ways to restore thisDLL file if it is missing on your PC.

What is the use of adbwinapi DLL?

What is the use of adbwinapi DLL?

The adbwinapi.dll file comes with the Android Debug Bridge tool by default. It is consistently used in the process of unlocking most Android smartphones.

Hence, if this importantDLL file is missing on Windows 11as a developer, many of your activities will be stuck.

How can I get adbwinapi.dll back if it is missing?

How can I get adbwinapi.dll back if it is missing?

1. Use a dedicated DLL repair tool

As mentioned, adbwinapi.dll comes with the Android Debug Bridge package by default. So, it is not one of the core Windows DLL files but an important third-party file.

In most cases, issues with third-party DLL files are due to incompatibility with your PC. You can fix this using one of thebest DLL repair tools.

2. Use the Autoruns to remove leftover files

If you are getting the adbwinapi.dll not found or missing error message on startup, it might be because of incomplete removal of the software related to the file. The solution to this is to use Autorun to remove the leftover files.

3. Copy the file to the unlock folder

If you are getting the adbwinapi.dll not found or missing error while trying to unlock your mobile phone, it might be because the unlocked folder does not contain the required files.

You can fix this by copying them from the Android SDK installation folder.

4. Reinstall Android SDK

Sometimes, the adbwinapi.dll not found error message can occur due to a faulty or corrupt Android SDK app. The best way to fix this is to reinstall it from the official source.

5. Perform a system restore

If you still can’t solve the adbwinapi.dll not found error, you might need to restore your PC to a point where everything works well. This will eliminate the changes you might have made to your PC, causing the issue

We have reached the end of this detailed guide on fixing the adbwinapi.dll not found issue. You now have all the required info to fix the issue and only need to follow the steps carefully.

Similarly, if you are dealing with another DLL problem likeZlib1.dll not found, check our detailed guide to fix it.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve the problem in the comments below.

More about the topics:DLL errors

Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers.

He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC users. The quality of his work and providing step-wise tested and proven solutions to PC issues are all that matter to him.

Away from computers, he is either reading or watching football!

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Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

He’s a Computer Engineering graduate who has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers & operating systems.