.DLL is Not A Valid Win32 Application: 5 Ways to Fix it

The DLL might not be compatible with the system architecture

4 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Many of our readers have run into an error.DLL is not a valid Win32 applicationwhen trying to launch a program or install an application.

This indicates that the DLL file is not supported, and as a result, Windows is unable to interpret its contents. Corrupt ormissing DLL errorsare frustrating but can be easily fixed using a few workarounds.

Why do I get the .DLL is Not A Valid Win32 Application error?

The error in question might arise because of one of the following reasons:

Now that we know the probable causes for this error, follow the solutions below to fix it.

How do I fix .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error?

1. Use a DLL fixer

The most prominent reason behind the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error is the incompatibility issues between Windows and the program the DLL is a part of.

Trying to resolve such problems single-handedly is a Gordian knot, especially if you have little understanding of system-related errors.

Hence, it is recommended to use a reliableDLL fixerthat is capable of resolving all sorts of DLL-related errors.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

When the scanning process is complete, reboot your PC and check if the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error persists.

3. Re-register Shell32.dll

Shell32.dll is a crucial system file of the Windows operating system which is executed every time an executable file runs on your computer.

If this .DLL becomes gets unregistered, you are likely to run into the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error every time you attempt to run an application.

4. Run the program in compatibility mode

5. Manually install the compatible DLL

We always discourage our readers from downloading app installers and DLLs from unreliable internet sources, as doing so means exposing yourself to various online threats.

However, you can manually download the DLL file from trusted websites such asDLL Files, having a library of legitimate DLL files.

Hence, you should make sure that you download the correct version of the DLL compatible with your computer. After the download is completed, unzip its contents, paste the DLL into the program installation folder, and try installing the program once again.

These are all the methods that will prove effective in resolving the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error that appears when you launch a program on your PC.

If you didn’t upgrade to the latest OS, here’s our guide onhow to fix missing DLL errors on Windows 10. And rest assured thattroubleshooting Cannot Load Library DevIl.dll erroris simple as well when having the right guidance.

Also, if you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments section below.

.DLL is Not A Valid Win32 Application: 5 Ways to Fix it#

How do I fix .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error?#

1. Use a DLL fixer#

2. Run SFC and DISM scans#

3. Re-register Shell32.dll#

4. Run the program in compatibility mode#

5. Manually install the compatible DLL#