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winmmbase.dll Crashing: How to Fix This Error on Windows 11
Replace the DLL with a healthy copy
5 min. read
Updated onApril 1, 2024
updated onApril 1, 2024
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Key notes
DLL or Dynamic Link Library files are critical to any Windows installation. Multiple applications often share these simultaneously, and issues with one can cause the related program to crash. One such DLL that often throws an error is winmmbase.dll.
In some cases, users found that winmmbase.dll was missing or could not be found. The winmmbase.dll crash error message reads,C:/WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/ winmmbase.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.
So, what is winmmbase.dll? Microsoft developed the file as part of the Base Multimedia Extension API DLL library to support the operating system and the software running on it. Also available as a 32-bit file, it’s considered a Win32 DLL.
Here are the reasons you come across a winmmbase.dll error in Windows 11:
Keep reading to find out how to install winmmbase.dll when it’s missing!
How do I fix winmmbase.dll crashing on Windows 11?
Before we proceed to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Replace the DLL
The winmmbase.dll, a critical component, comes bundled with the default Windows installation. The file size is 170 KB, and the file location is:C:\WINDOWS\System32
So, your primary approach when winmmbase.dll is corrupted or not found should be to replace it.
Get the DLL from another computer running the same architecture of Windows, be that32-bitor64-bit, copy it to a flash drive, and then transfer it to theSystem32folder on the affected PC.
2. Repair the corrupted system files
In case the SFC scan returns,Could not reproject corrupted file ??\C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\winmmbase.dll; source file in store is also corrupted, pair it with theDISM commandsor perform an in-place upgrade as detailed in the last solution.
Repairing corrupted system files can be done easily when using aspecialized repair tool. These tools will scan your system and repair any broken files they encounter.
3. Manually update the audio and Bluetooth drivers
A few users found that their audio and Bluetooth drivers relied on the winmmbase.dll file for functioning. And simply replacing the DLL with a fresh copy didn’t work as system processes were constantly using it, though that’s not always the case.
Here,updating the Bluetooth driversdid the trick. While getting the latest version, make sure to check the manufacturer’s website, download the setup, andmanually install the driver.
When dealing with drivers, it’s always recommended to use specialized software. Such tools will scan your system and identify your missing or out-of-date drivers in no time. Thebest driver updater softwarewill also download and replace the drivers for you.
4. Reinstall the affected application
In some cases, the winmmbase.dll error in Windows appears due to a faulty application and not an issue with the OS. Reinstalling the app should help here.
5. Perform an in-place upgrade
Since winmmbase.dll is a Windows operating system file, an in-place upgrade will help when theDLL is missingor corrupt. When you perform a repair upgrade, all OS files are replaced without affecting the stored data or installed applications. It’s basically like reinstalling Windows.
The winmmbase.dll shouldn’t ideally throw errors, but when it does, things are easy to fix! While some go with the manual methods, we recommend using adedicated DLL repair toolto get things running quickly!
For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:DLL errors,DLL issues,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
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