How to Fix Dsound.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows
How to Fix Dsound.dll Not Found or Missing Errors
A troubleshooting guide for dsound.dll errors
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 27, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Dsound.dll issues are caused in one way or another by an issue with Microsoft DirectX. The dsound.dll file is one of many files contained in the DirectX software collection. Since DirectX is utilized by most Windows-based games and advanced graphics programs, dsound.dll errors usually show up only when using these programs. Any of Microsoft's operating systems since Windows 98 may be affected by dsound.dll and other DirectX issues. This includes Windows 10, 8, etc. Dsound dll Errors
There are several ways that dsound.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common ones: The file dsound.dll is missingDsound.DLL Not FoundFile dsound.dll not foundDsound.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this. The dsound.dll error message could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX, most commonly video games. The error is usually seen when the game or program is started. GTA IV is one example of a game that's been known to throw this error. How to Fix Dsound dll Errors
Do not download the dsound.dll file individually from any "DLL download site." There are a number of reasons why that's never a good idea. If you've already done so, delete it immediately and continue with these steps. Restart your computer if you haven't yet. The dsound.dll error might be a fluke and a simple restart could clear it up completely. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Chances are, upgrading to the latest version will fix the dsound.dll not found error. Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX without updating the version number or letter, so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same. Windows 10, 8, etc. are all supported by this same DirectX installation package and it will install any file needed and supported in that version of Windows. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the dsound.dll error you're receiving, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application CD or DVD. Usually, if a game or other program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will include a copy of it on the installation disc. Sometimes, though not often, the DirectX version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available online. Reinstall the game or software program. Something might have happened to the program files that work with dsound.dll and a reinstall could do the trick. Restore the dsound.dll file from the latest DirectX software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve your error, try extracting the DLL file individually from the DirectX downloadable package. Update the drivers for your video card. While it's not the most common solution, in some situations updating the drivers for the video card in your computer could correct this DirectX issue. Need More Help
If you're not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix D3drm.dll Missing or Not Found Errors Fixing Xapofx1_5.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_41.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_24.dll is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Dx8vb.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directinput.dll Errors How to Fix D3dcompiler_42.dll Missing or Not Found Errors Fix D3dx11_43.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directsound.dll Errors How to Fix D3dx9_38.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix D3d9.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Dsetup.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix D3dx9_34.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_42.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix D3dx9_29.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dcompiler_43.dll Not Found or Missing Errors Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies