This tutorial will tell you how to register or unregister a DLL file using the built-in Regsvr.exe or some freeware Register DLL Tools in Windows 11/10.
The Regsvr32 tool is a command-line utility that can be used for registering and un-registering OLE controls like DLL and ActiveX (OCX) controls in the Windows operating system. If you find that some of your Windows 11/10 functions are not working properly, you may need to register your dll files.
Register dll file
To register a dll or ocx file, open a command prompt as an administrator, type the following and hit Enter:
regsvr32 "path & filename of dll or ocx"
Re-register all dll files
To register ALL dll files, open the directory which is holding all the DLL files. Then open a command prompt in that folder, type the following and hit Enter:
for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1
If you have a file list, use:
for /f %%i in (files.txt) do regsvr32 /s C:\Winnt\System32\%%i
Unregister dll file
To un-register a dll or ocx file, open a command prompt as an administrator, type the following and hit Enter:
regsvr32 /u "path & filename of dll or ocx"
This will register or unregister the dll file.
Register DLL Freeware
If you wish, you can also use third-party freeware to do so easily. There are a few like Rootreg, Register/Unregister OCX/DLL Utility, RegDllView, etc, will let you do the same easily. Emsa Register DLL Tool, unfortunately, is not free anymore.
RegDllView lets you unregister or register DLL files simply by dragging the DLL file from the explorer folder into the RegDllView window. It can also list all the registered DLL, OCX & EXE files.
TIP: What are DLL Orphans? Find out!
This post will help you fix missing DLL file errors on your Windows PC.
Do DLL files need to be registered?
DLL files normally need to be registered to function. COM and ActiveX DLLs, which require registry entries need to be registered. Standard DLLs and .NET class libraries only need to be correctly referenced in your project, with their pathways properly specified for successful integration and use.
How do I remove a DLL file?
To remove a DLL file, open Command Prompt and type del /f DLLname.dll, replacing “DLLname.dll” with the actual file name. Ensure you have administrative privileges, as this allows you to force delete the file even if it is read-only or locked.
Looking to learn more about other files, processes, or file types, or file formats in Windows? Check these links:
GLB files | Windows.edb files | Nvxdsync.exe | Svchost.exe | RuntimeBroker.exe | TrustedInstaller.exe | Desktop.ini file | ShellExperienceHost.exe.
i get an error when i try to register an ocx file
What error? Message? Code?
i get an error when I try to register an actual file for my smbx in system32 this is what it says The module mswinsck.ocx failed to load. Make sure I WAS TOO LAZY TO FILL IN THIS PART The specified module could not be found.
What if the dll registers successfully but my Admin app fails to start and states “The xxx.dll must be registered” ??
On windows 8.1 Pro:
Copy xxx.dll file in c:windowsSystem32 Folder
Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator”
then register following Two files in Windows Registry
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32xxx.dll
hi my friends : arecee924 & MCDONARUDO . My name is Ehsan and i am iranian. in windows 8.1 try this following commands for register OCX files :
1 ) copy the dll file (your ocx file) in this path : c>windows>SysWOW64
2 ) run as administrator cmd.exe and type this command : regsvr32 c:windowsSysWOW64(type your ocx files name)
3) press ENTER
in windows 8.1 try this following commands for register OCX files :
1 ) copy the dll file (your ocx file) in this path : c>windows>SysWOW64
2 ) run as administrator cmd.exe and type this command : regsvr32 c:windowsSysWOW64(type your ocx files name)
3) press ENTER
thanks my dear compatriot
your solution is very Efficient
In win8 l ran the following command ‘C:Windowssystem32>regsvr32 msxml3.dll’ to register dll but the app still prompt an exception (Run-time error ‘339’ componenet ‘TABCTL32.OCX’). any idea?
thank you very much my very kind compatriot ; dear lila
It says it has an error. What am I doing wrong?
Having issue with blank control panel, that hangs. So re register the dll’s vbscript, jscript and mshtml. First two okay but getting error on mshtml.dll. Error message is : The module c:windowssystem32mshtml.dll was loaded but the entry-point DIRegisterServer was not found. Make sure that c:windowssystem32mshtml.dll is a valid Dll or ocx file and then try again.
The pc is windows 8.1
How do I confirm the dll is valid?
How do I fix this issue?
Thank you.
helo, am using windows 8.1.when I rty to install some programs,i will see “this file dose not have a program associated for performing this action.please install a program or if one is already installed create an association in the default program control”
what ocx file i should choose
what dll did u used
Same problem. Did you ever get a solution?
@happyandyk:disqus Want to see the screen shots of the error messages I get when I try to register a DLL in Win 10 home edition? I can give you URLs – I could post them here if the admin has configured Disqus to allow URLs, too.
Post the URLs here.
these are a couple of screenshots
http://imgur.com/a/jI24L
Please recheck the path & name of the DLL and the command/syntax used. Images say that file not found. Else use free tool Emsa Register DLL Tool to register/unregister DLLs easily. Link given in the last para of the post.
Activation code for Emsa Register DLL Tool tool not free anymore unfortunately.
Thanks. Will update post.