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How To Fix the “Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” Error on Windows

February 13, 2026 7 minuti di lettura Updated: February 13, 2026

Getting a “Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” error while trying to launch a program is kind of annoying, especially if you’re not sure exactly what’s missing or broken. Usually, it’s a DLL file that’s either missing, corrupted, or just out of date. That often happens when system files get messed up or incompatible libraries are being used from different software versions. Sometimes, Windows throws an error telling you exactly which DLL or function is causing the issue, but other times, it’s more of a guesswork game. If the program is part of a game or specific app, it could also be an outdated or broken driver or a conflict with recent updates. The good news is that, with a bit of troubleshooting, most of these errors can be cleared up. It’s kinda satisfying when one fix actually solves the problem—so if you’re tired of seeing that message every time, this list might help get you back up and running without reinstalling everything from scratch. Just be ready for some command line stuff or updating your drivers. Sometimes, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, but hey, here’s what’s worked on a few setups.

How to fix Entry Point Not Found Error

Using DISM Command — Fix Corrupted Windows Image

This helps when the core Windows image itself gets corrupted, which could be making those DLLs inaccessible or broken. If you’ve run SFC /scannow and it couldn’t fix everything, the DISM utility might be the next step. It’s sort of like repairing the Windows foundation.Why it helps: When Windows files are damaged, it can cause strange errors like missing DLL entry points. Running DISM scans and repairs the image, ensuring Windows itself is healthy before troubleshooting app-specific issues.When to use: You see errors about missing DLL functions, especially after Windows updates or failed installs.What to expect: The process might take some time, but it often fixes corrupted system images.Real talk: On some machines, you run DISM, and it just hangs or fails the first time — then you reboot and try again. Worth a shot before messing with system files manually.

  1. Press Win + R, then type cmd. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated command prompt.
  2. Type DISM /online /cleanup-image /CheckHealth and press Enter.

If it reports a healthy image, move on to other fixes because your Windows files are probably fine. If you get a repairable message, then continue with:

  1. In the same command prompt, type DISM /online /cleanup-image /ScanHealth and hit Enter.

If that finds issues, run the final command:

  1. Type DISM /online /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

Make sure your internet is working because it needs to connect to Windows Update to replace damaged files. Sometimes, this takes a while, so be patient.

Scan with System File Checker (SFC)

This is kind of like a quick health check for your Windows files. If your DLL error is because of missing or corrupted system files, this usually points it out and repairs it automatically.Why it helps: SFC scans and replaces broken or missing core Windows DLLs, which might be causing the “Could Not Be Located” message.When to use: After DISM, if Windows reports system files are damaged or if you’re still seeing DLL errors.What to expect: A scan that can take 10–20 minutes; you’ll see messages about repairs if it finds issues.Pro tip: It’s best run after DISM, but on some setups, just running SFC alone might fix things.

  1. Open the correct prompt: Win + R, type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

After the scan, restart if prompted. Usually, this fixes DLL issues or missing entry points.

Reinstall or Repair the Trouble Software

If the error pops up with a specific app or game (like GTA, or a custom launcher), try reinstalling it. Sometimes, files get corrupted or aren’t correctly registered, and reinstalling can replace missing DLLs, reset registry entries, and fix conflicts.Why it helps: Application-specific DLLs and configuration files get replaced fresh, which can resolve these “not found” errors.When to try this: After system repairs didn’t fix the issue, or if the error is tied to a particular program.What to expect: Reinstalling might take a few minutes. Make sure to back up your key settings if possible.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
  2. Find the app, click Uninstall, then follow prompts.
  3. Download the latest version from the official source or reinstall from original media.
  4. Reboot and test.

Re-register Specific DLLs

If the error message points to a particular DLL file, you might try re-registering it. That’s kind of like telling Windows to pay attention to that DLL again. You’ll need to know the full path of that DLL file.Why it helps: Sometimes, DLLs aren’t registered properly, and re-registering them can restore functionality.When to apply: When you see errors mentioning a specific DLL (like `msvcr100.dll` or `api-ms-win` stuff).What to expect: Should take a couple of minutes; be careful with the paths.

  1. Open an elevated command prompt.
  2. Unregister the DLL: regsvr32 /u <full\path\to\file.dll>
  3. Register it again: regsvr32 <full\path\to\file.dll>

Replace <full\path\to\file.dll> with the actual path and filename. If unsure, search for the DLL and copy its location. Just remember, downloading DLLs from random sites is risky, so stick to official sources or extracting from good backups.

Update Visual C++ Redistributables

A lot of DLL errors come down to missing or incompatible runtime libraries. Installing or updating the latest *Visual C++ Redistributable* packages from Microsoft’s official site often fixes these issues. They work behind the scenes for a bunch of programs, and outdated versions can cause entry point errors.Why it helps: It ensures all your programs have the runtime support they need, especially if you get DLL-related errors after system/drivers updates.When to do this: If the error points to a DLL from Visual C++ libraries, or after Windows updates.

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official Visual C++ downloads.
  2. Download both the x86 and x64 versions.
  3. Run the installers, follow instructions, and restart afterwards.

This simple step can fix a lot of DLL missing entry point errors that seem unfixable at first.

Scan for Malware & Viruses

Sometimes, malware or viruses mess with DLL files or system components, leading to errors like this. Running a good, recent scan should be part of the troubleshooting process.Why it helps: Malware can modify, delete, or hide DLLs, making the OS believe they’re missing or broken.When to do this: If other fixes don’t work, or if the error started after suspicious activity or downloads.

  1. Run Windows Defender: open Windows Security, click Virus & threat protection.
  2. Perform a full scan and follow prompts.
  3. Consider using additional tools like Malwarebytes for a second opinion.

Cleaning up malware often clears DLL errors too.

Update Windows & Drivers

Make sure your system and graphics drivers are all up to date. Sometimes, newer apps require the latest OS patches or driver updates to work smoothly, especially with games or graphic-heavy programs.Why it helps: Updates often include fixes for DLL issues, bug patches, and security improvements that can prevent errors.When to try: After all other troubleshooting, or if you recently installed new hardware/software.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
  2. Update your graphics card drivers: Nvidia users can get the latest via Geforce Experience; AMD users can use AMD Software: Adrenaline.

Stuff like this can sometimes be the fix, especially if DLL errors are linked to incompatible graphics API calls.

System Restore

If all else fails and things were working fine before a certain change, restoring to an earlier point might save a lot of grief. It’s like rolling back to a previous stable state.Why it helps: Restores system files, DLLs, and registry settings to a time when everything worked.When to try: After updating Windows or drivers, or if the error appeared out of nowhere.

  1. Press Win + R, type rstrui.exe, hit enter.
  2. Select a restore point where you remember things working fine.
  3. Follow the prompts and restart.

Just a warning: you’ll lose recent system changes, so only do this if you don’t mind rolling back a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I get a “Could Not Be Located” error with GTA 5 modded version?

This often happens because Windows thinks some DLLs are infected or malformed. The fix is to run Windows Security, go to Virus & Threat Protection, then Protection History. Find your GTA5-related entries, then click Allow on the ones flagged, especially the Steam_api64.dll. It’s a weird workaround, but sometimes Windows blocks legit DLLs if they’re misclassified.

How do I fix a “CreateDXGIFactory2” DLL error?

This is related to missing or corrupted dxgi.dll, part of DirectX. Try updating DirectX from Microsoft’s official site, or running dxdiag to see what’s missing. Also, a full Windows update or graphics driver update might fix it. Running DISM and SFC as explained above can also help fix underlying issues in the DirectX setup.

What if I get an error about KERNEL32. DLL in Windows 10?

This is a core Windows system component. If it’s missing or broken, the repair options include running sfc /scannow or repairing Windows with installation media. Because this DLL manages memory and system handles, problems here can lead to serious crashes, so don’t ignore it. Sometimes, a full OS repair or reset is necessary if the file is badly corrupted.

Hopefully, these tips can cover most DLL or entry point headaches. They’re often frustrating, but a combination of system repairs, updates, and reinstalls usually clears them up.