Share this article

Improve this guide

Shlwapi.dll Missing or Not Found: How to Fix It

Perform a System Restore to reinstate the missing DLL file

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

The file name Shlwapi stands for Shell Light-weight Application Programming Interface. It is a critical DLL file required for the proper functioning of the Windows operating system. When things go wrong with your computer, it’s not uncommon for the DLLs to become damaged or corrupted.

As such, Windows may not be able to find the correct versions of these files needed to run programs. Just as you guessed, we’re going to look at various solutions if you find out that shlwapi.dll is missing from your PC.

What is the use of Shlwapi DLL?

Shlwapi is a dynamic-link library (DLL) that enables programs to use some of the features provided by Microsoft Windows. The name Shlwapi stands for Shell API, and it is used by applications that require support for the Windows shell functionality.

Shlwapi.dll is a critical component of the operating system, and it must be present for many applications to work correctly.

Therefore, if it is missing, you must address this issue to preventrandom crashesand instability on your PC.

How do I fix the Shlwapi DLL not found error?

1. Use a DLL-fixer tool

The Shlwapi.dll file is one of the many files required to run programs on a computer. WhenDLL files are missingor corrupted, your computer will not be able to load its programs properly. This can lead to random crashes or evenBSoD errors.

To address this issue, you’ll need aDLL-fixer tool.This software can help you fix a myriad of DLL problems. Even better, since this is a Windows-related DLL file, the fix will be 100%.

It does this by checking your system for the presence or absence of a particular file, and if it finds one, it will download it for you so that you can use it again.

2. Run DISM and SFC scans

3. Scan for viruses

As good as Microsoft’s Windows Defender is, there are better options available. Windows Defender is designed to run alongside third-party antivirus software.

You, therefore, need a tool that is more comprehensive in its features and provides better protection to your system.

There are many good antivirus software available in the market to choose from, but our top pick has to be ESET NOD32. It is a powerful antivirus software that provides top-notch protection against viruses and other malware.

⇒Get ESET NOD32

4. Download the DLL file manually

If you’re experiencing this issue on your computer, you may be able to fix it by downloading the appropriate DLL file from a trusted website and installing it manually.

It’s important that you download the correct version of the file for your operating system. If you are using a 32-bit version of Windows, you need to download the 32-bit version of the DLL and vice versa.

Installing an incorrect version may cause problems likeWindows crashesor errors when running certain programs. You should also have areliable antivirusin place in case the file comes bundled with malware.

5. Perform a System Restore

Find out how to navigate a similar issue withmissing DLL files in Windows 10. Hopefully, one of these solutions has resolved the schwapi.dll not found error.

Feel free to leave a comment below for further suggestions or additional solutions.

Shlwapi.dll Missing or Not Found: How to Fix It#

What is the use of Shlwapi DLL?#

How do I fix the Shlwapi DLL not found error?#

1. Use a DLL-fixer tool#

2. Run DISM and SFC scans#

3. Scan for viruses#

4. Download the DLL file manually#

5. Perform a System Restore#