Libcef.dll is missing or not found in Windows 11/10

The DLL file named Libcef.dll is a Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) Dynamic Link Library, which is used by several programs and applications to run on Windows. Since it’s crucial to run applications, if this file is missing from your computer, you may run into an error that says, “The program can’t start because libcef.dll is missing from your computer.” Today, we will see what might’ve caused this DLL file to go missing and how you can download or fix this error if faced with it.

Fix Libcef.dll is missing or not found

There are several file errors pertaining to a missing or dysfunctional Libcel.dll. “Error loading libcef.dll” means that a specific module of the whole component is missing, as does “There was a problem starting libcef.dll.” These kinds of errors are mainly faced when the libcef.dll file is misplaced from its target location, is corrupted or is isolated because of some of the antivirus programs you may have on your computer. You can carry out these two steps to fix this error:

1. Replace and re-register libcef.dll on your computer
2. Exclude the directory from your Antivirus
3. Reinstall the application that is giving this error

1] Replace and re-register libcef.dll on your computer

As the error suggests, the primary reason that be that the ‘libcef’ file has been removed from or corrupted in your computer, in which case you will have to replace the file and register it yourself. Before you begin the process, you’re required to check your system type first i.e., whether yours is a 32-bit or a 64-bit computer. In order to do so:

1. Press the Windows and ‘I’ key combination to open the Windows Settings page
2. Click on the System option and further select About
3. Under Device Specifications will be the System type details, from where you can check if your computer has a 32-bit or a 64-bit operating system

If it’s a 64-bit system, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Open the File Manager using the Windows + ‘E’ key combination
• Enter the following location in the address bar:

C:\Windows\SysWOW64

• Search for a ‘libcef.dll’ file in this location; if you can’t find one, copy and paste one in this directory from a similar computer running the same operating system. You can also download this file via the internet, but you should be wary of viruses while doing so

Read: How to fix Missing DLL files errors on Windows the right way.

Once the file has been pasted in the location, it is time to register it. In order to do so, open an elevated command prompt and type in the following to enter the SysWOW64 folder:

cd C:\Windows\SysWOW64

Then, enter the following command line and press enter:

regsvr32 libcef.dll

The steps that you’re required to follow, in case you have a 32-bit operating system and very similar. Simply check for the libcef.dll file in the ‘C:\Windows\System32’ instead of the aforementioned SysWOW64 folder and while using the Command Prompt, enter the following lines of code, one after the other.

cd C:\Windows\System32

regsvr32 libcef.dll

Once the file registration process in the Command Prompt is complete, restart your computer to make these changes take effect and check if you’re still facing the ‘libcef.dll file is missing error or not.

Read: How to Unregister, Register, Re-register DLL files in Windows

2] Exclude the directory from your Antivirus

It is also possible that your Antivirus software may have prevented the libcef.dll file from being present in its required directory, or pushed it out of there. If that is the case, then you are required to exclude the following directories from the purview of that Antivirus.

1. C:\Windows\SysWOW64
2. C:\Windows\System32
3. C:\Program Files\Steam\bin

You should only put the last directory in the exclusion list if the application you’re facing this libcef.dll error with is Steam.

Read: Windows files and folders you may exclude from Antivirus scans

3] Reinstall the application that is giving this error

If neither of the solutions mentioned above is of any help to you, then you should reinstall the application you are facing this error with.

What causes DLL errors?

Errors with your DLL files are mostly caused by a wrong file being deleted or infected by a virus. While DLL errors are mostly rooted in software issues, they may also be caused by some hardware problems, in which case troubleshooting such an error can be both, more time-consuming and more costly. Some common solutions to DLL errors caused by hardware issues include clearing your CMOS, updating your BIOS, and testing your Hard Drive.

How do I fix the RunDLL error?

A RunDLL error occurs at startup usually when an Antivirus has uninstalled a program without having its registry key or scheduled task removed from your system. Since the application is not present anymore, any time it’s launched or a planned task strike, it crashes and gives this error. In order to fix this error, you can try scanning your computer or deleting the startup entry, either manually or using tools like Autoruns, SterJo Startup Patrol, etc.

We hope you find this guide helpful and will not run into an error pertaining to the libcef.dll file anymore.