How to Fix D3dcompiler_42.dll Missing or Not Found Errors GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows

How to Fix D3dcompiler_42.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

If a PC reboot doesn't fix the error, install DirectX or reinstall the program

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 September 16, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide D3dcompiler_42.dll issues are caused in one way or another by an issue with Microsoft DirectX. The d3dcompiler_42.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, d3dcompiler_42.dll errors usually show up only when using these programs.

D3dcompiler_42 dll Errors

There are several ways that d3dcompiler_42.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are several of the more common error messages you might see: D3dcompiler_42.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this.The file d3dcompiler_42.dll is missingD3dcompiler_42.DLL Not FoundFile d3dcompiler_42.dll not found These error messages could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX, most commonly video games. The d3dcompiler_42 DLL errors appear when the game or other software program is started, and can be seen on any of Microsoft's operating systems.

How to Fix D3dcompiler_42 dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're listed to address the simpler fixes first. Do not download the d3dcompiler_42.dll DLL file individually from any "DLL download site." There are a number of reasons why downloading DLLs from these sites is never a good idea. If you've already done so, remove it from wherever you put it and continue with these steps. Restart your computer if you haven't yet. The d3dcompiler_42.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 of DirectX will fix the DLL not found error. The same DirectX installation program works with all versions of Windows, and will replace any missing DirectX file. 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. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the d3dcompiler_42.dll error, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application DVD or CD. Sometimes the software developers will include a copy of DirectX on the installation disc if their game or program utilizes DirectX. Sometimes, though not often, the version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available from Microsoft. Uninstall the game or software program and then reinstall it again. Something might have happened to the files in the program that work with d3dcompiler_42.dll and a reinstall could do the trick. Restore the d3dcompiler_42.dll file from the latest DirectX software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve your error, try extracting the 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.

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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 Fix D3dx11_43.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directinput.dll Errors How to Fix D3dx9_41.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3drm.dll Missing or Not Found Errors Fixing Xapofx1_5.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Dx8vb.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_24.dll is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_34.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directsound.dll Errors How to Fix Dsetup.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix D3d9.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 D3d11.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_38.dll Not Found or Missing 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