The program cannot be started missing comctl32 dll

The gameplay on a computer is one of the most "difficult", the most demanding on the hardware and software components. There are only a couple of other applications that would load the system so much and would be just as demanding on resources in general and free in particular - graphics modeling, as well as "cryptocurrency pharming".

However, on top of that, it is the gameplay that requires the constant availability of libraries directly in the OS itself. Otherwise, some part of the graphic details will simply not be fully drawn or even have the ability to draw. This is critical for individual games. and therefore users may at one not very beautiful moment see a message in front of them with the following content:

"The program cannot start because COMCTL32.dll is missing from the computer. Try reinstalling the program."

What is Comctl32.dll

First of all, it should be said that this file itself is not a program. And therefore it will definitely not be possible to take it and just reinstall it, as reported in the error. Files of type "* .dll" are libraries that are available in Windows OS. They can act as auxiliary components that help programs perform their functions. At the same time, they themselves are not able to carry out full-fledged actions performed.

This can be compared with how a person would do a scientific dissertation. And he would need to make calculations and build a mathematical model for a separate chapter. It is intermediate in the work as a whole. But it is needed as a link. And to understand the process, you would have to take a book off the shelf and see how it is done. That is, in this case, the book is not a dissertation. However, without it, it will not be possible to do all the work completely. We'll have to reinvent the wheel. That is why a file of type * .dll is called a library.

The Comctl32.dll library, like most of its kind, is located in the system folder of the program that requires it to work. In this case, the file is required for routine maintenance of Windows. And it is located in the system directory c: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\:

IMPORTANT: You can check if this file exists in the OS from a simple explorer. This can only be done if you have administrator rights. These rights will be required for the further described actions.

As you can see from the description, the comctl32.dll file is an internal built-in library of user interaction controls.

Troubleshooting comctl32.dll error

The Comctl32.dll library must be located in the c: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ directory. In the event that Windows is 64-bit installed, the same file must be present in C: \\ Windows \\ SysWOW64 without fail. You should see if this file is present.

  1. If it is available, then it can be blocked by either Windows Defender, or Firewall, or any of the antivirus programs that are installed directly on the working computer. In this case, you need to look at why security programs pay such attention to this file at all. It is possible that the file has been replaced by a third-party program that seeks to cause harm.
  2. If the file is not in one of the directories, then you should find it and copy it to the specified locations. It's over, you can find the file on the Internet. However, don't trust all resources. Because they can spread viruses.

The best thing to do in both cases is to do the following (in order of importance from first to last and as you progress from main to last attempts):

  1. Check your OS. Some games even have a "DirectX 11 or higher" requirement. And it can be installed only on Windows 7, in the most extreme case - Windows Vista SP2. OSes like Windows XP will definitely not work.
  2. Download the latest version of DirectX. And install it. The library file should be replaced with a safe and up-to-date one.
  3. Download the library from the Windows system installation disc. It will be easy to find it along a similar path where it should ultimately be located (except that the disk will first be the i386 directory, then the path will be the same i386 \\ system32 \\).

After the file has been downloaded, you should register it via regsvr32 in the standard way. And restart your PC

Problem: Windows desktop does not load.

Sometimes the problem of missing a file can appear unexpectedly and completely original. For example, the user will not be able to see their desktop at all. There will be no shortcut or bottom bar. There will simply be a main picture. It will look like this:

In this case, the main file responsible for graphical output and the operation of the explorer.exe multitasking interface simply does not start. In this case, you can try to run it through:

  1. Ctrl + Alt + Del (the keyboard shortcut must be pressed simultaneously).
  2. Task Manager (if it doesn't appear right away.
  3. File -\u003e New Task (Run).
  4. Type explorer.exe and click Run.

You can almost certainly continue working. In automatic mode, loading is not performed due to the absence of the comctl32.dll file. The call to it is made even before loading the main modules that ensure the operation of the OS. However, when forced to start, not all functions are required. And therefore, when performing such a sequence of actions, one of the following will almost certainly happen:

  1. The familiar desktop will load. Only it will have somewhat limited functionality. In the sense that program shortcuts will not run.
  2. An explorer window will open. In this case, the usual desktop will not appear. But it will be possible to work. And you can try to fix the problem as described above.

In one case per thousand, it may turn out that explorer.exe does not want to start, citing an error. Then, in general, you should remember a few things:

  1. The OS is badly damaged. And maybe you should either check your hard drive for damage and viruses on a third-party PC.
  2. Try to reinstall the OS. It is recommended that you format the entire hard disk.
  3. You can work if there is any file manager (for example, Total Commander). If it's not there, then it's worth downloading it. And open the browser from the same command line through the "Browse" function. All programs are located in the C: \\ Program Files or C: \\ Program Files (x86) directory

What to do if Windows does not boot at all

Sometimes the critical system logonui.exe will not load. In this case, the same error of the absence of the comctl32.dll file will appear. The very informational content of the error can be completely different.

In this case, the following steps can help:

  1. Select OS boot type with F8 and try to boot into Safe Mode.
  2. When choosing the type of OS boot, select "Boot the last working OS"
  3. Disconnect the HDD and connect it to another PC with a similar OS and copy the library file to the desired path. In this case, you should check the HDD immediately for errors. It is best to do a full check. And also just in case for viruses.
  4. Try to restore the OS using the installation disc.

In any case, from those described, a simple inexperienced user is unlikely to be able to do everything himself without the ability to cause irreparable harm to the OS. And in this case, it is required to do either with the help of an experienced specialist, or having reference materials from the Internet (if there is a desire to learn everything at once). Or you just need to immediately contact a specialist.

The comctl32.dll error pops up when launching some applications. This issue is especially common in Bioshock. Comctl32.dll is an error Windows 7, 8, 10, but it can be found even on XP. The problem occurs because the comctl32.dll library was not found. It is included in the Common Control Library package and has been part of the Windows system since the time of the fourth Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, the errors associated with this file still prevent many users from living.

Problem reasons:

  • Program activities
  • Antivirus
  • Old versions of drivers and libraries

Programs often modify system libraries during installation. The new application may modify or damage comctl32.dll. It is not uncommon for pirate games to delete important files, which leads to numerous errors. To avoid this, try to use licensed software. However, even the official versions of the games give the comctl32.dll error. After all, if any application changes the dll file, then the problem will appear in all programs that use it. Antivirus programs can interfere with dynamic link libraries. If the file remains in place, then it can be added to the exceptions, sometimes it helps. The problem with the comctl32.dll library may appear if you have old versions of drivers and system libraries.

How to fix comctl32.dll error? The easiest way is to download the missing file and integrate it into the system. Downloading comctl32.dll free is very easy. You don't have to search for it for a long time, the current version of the library is on our portal. It needs to be thrown into System32 in the Windows folder if you have a 32-bit system. For Windows x64, locate the SysWOW64 folder. When the file is in place, it should be registered in the operating system registry. After that, restart your computer and check the problematic application.

For the full functioning of the Windows operating system, dynamic libraries with the dll file extension are used in its work. If, when starting the application, the system detects that some file necessary for operation is missing, you will not be able to use the product. One such important component is the comctl32.dll file. If it is absent, the system generates an error accompanied by one of the following texts:

  • The sequence number was not found in the comctl32.dll library.
  • The program cannot be started because COMCTL32.dll is missing from the computer. Try reinstalling the program.
  • The application has failed to start because comctl32.dll was not found.
  • The comctl32.dll file was not found.

The most common error occurs when trying to run games or programs that require a discrete video card for their work. The most commonly affected users are those who usually use cracked versions of software or repacks instead of the original images. Moreover, the probability of its appearance does not depend in any way on which version of Windows you have installed. It can be encountered by both the owners of the latest Windows 10, and the already considered outdated XP.

If an error occurs during the operation of your computer caused by the absence of the comctl32.dll file, and you do not know what to do, we suggest that you read our detailed instructions. We will look at all the possible ways that you can fix the problem you are experiencing.

Possible solutions for the missing comctl32.dll file

Method 1. Checking the system for viruses

The easiest way to get a virus into your operating system is to download a program or game from an untrustworthy site. It often happens that unscrupulous developers and repack builders arrange malicious files in their product that can infect systemically important components, for example, the comctl32.dll dynamic library. Especially often users with little experience sin with this, but experienced users are also not immune from this. Have you ever noticed that after installing a program, a bunch of unnecessary software was installed in your appendage? Very often it is also viral. How to make sure that the antivirus does not recognize it as an infected file with malicious code?

  • Open the main window of the antivirus, go to the event log and check if there are any entries in it mentioning the discovery of the comctl32.dll file. Most often, if a file does not pose a critical threat, it is quarantined, that is, it remains on the hard disk, but the program or game cannot use it as a worker. Try to recover the file if you find that it has been recognized as a virus. In order not to run into the same rake in the future, in the settings add the file or folder of the program, or the game to the exceptions.
  • Use one of the popular free virus scanners to check your system for malicious files. We recommend DrWeb CureIT or AdwCleaner. They do an excellent job with the functions assigned to them, and in addition to detecting infected files, they can cure them.

When the comctl32.dll file cannot be restored, you will have to use one of the following methods. One of them should definitely help.

Method 2. Restoring the operating system

In order to be able to return to the working configuration in the event of any malfunctions, the developers of Windows have provided the function of creating backups and automatic recovery. In Windows 7 and 8, this function was activated by default, so in case of some more or less serious problems, you could reboot and select the restore function. In newer releases of the operating system, Microsoft has disabled this feature by default, so this method may not work in every case. How can you restore your operating system?

No data loss. Option 1.

  1. Go to Start - Control Panel - System - Advanced System Settings - System Protection - Restore.
  2. When the system reboots, you will be presented with a list of restore points with the date and time they were taken.
  3. Select the one you need and follow the further instructions.

No data loss. Option 2.

  1. Click Start - Control Panel - Recovery - Run System Restore.
  2. If the feature was previously activated, you will be offered several restore points.
  3. Select the one you need and follow the further instructions.

With data loss.

If you have Windows 10 installed on your laptop or computer, you can very easily reset the settings to the factory settings using the standard operating system method. To do this, you need:

  1. Go to Settings (Win + I, or Start - Settings) - Update and Security - Recovery - Reset your computer to its original state.
  2. Choose whether you want to keep the custom files or you can delete everything.
  3. Wait for Windows to finish cleaning and reinstalling. The existing files will be used, so you will not need an installation disc or flash drive.

Users of older versions of the system can use proprietary recovery utilities provided by the hardware developers.

Method 3. Reinstalling a broken program

Very often the comctl32.dll file is missing due to a problem with the application itself. The most common victims are low-quality repacks, when inexperienced authors forget to include important dynamic libraries in the installation file for full work. What you can try? Just reinstall the application or game, it is best to download a different assembly or use another site. Perhaps then the error will not be repeated.

Method 4. Cleaning the Windows registry

When actively installing and uninstalling software, the Windows registry gets very dirty. In this regard, files located in the system partition may simply not be recognized. You just need to clean the system registry with the help of special software, of which there are a lot on the Internet, most of which are completely free. Some of the more popular registry cleaner apps include CCleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner Free, Reg Organizer, Vit Registry Fix Free, Auslogics Registry Cleaner, Avira RegistryCleaner. They are very easy to use and you can figure them out without any problems.

Method 5. Reinstall or update DirectX and drivers

Also, a fairly likely reason for the absence of the comctl32.dll file is an outdated version of the DirectX library or graphics driver. What is a graphics driver, you probably know, with the help of which various software for Windows are created, in particular, computer games.

Usually the DirectX package is built into the game installation file and you do not need to search and install it additionally. But if it so happens that it is not installed on your computer, you can very easily and completely free download it from the official Microsoft website at the link (www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/Download/confirmation.aspx?id\u003d35), and then install like a normal program.

Updating drivers for a video card

It also does not hurt to update or reinstall the drivers for the video card. This can be done in one of the following ways.

  1. Automatic installation via Device Manager. Go to Start - Control Panel - Device Manager. In the Video Adapter section, you will see your GPU. If the driver is already installed, the manufacturer and model of the device will be displayed. Right-click, then select Update Driver - Search automatically for updated drivers. If the system detects that the driver needs an update, it will be downloaded and automatically installed.
  2. Manual installation. To do this, you will need to find out the manufacturer and model of the video card in order to go to the site and download the required driver version. Information can be displayed in Device Manager, provided that the drivers are already installed, in the user manual, and can also be found on the laptop or computer manufacturer's page on the Internet. Go to the video card manufacturer's website, and on the driver download page, select your model, as well as the version of the operating system you are using. After downloading, install the driver as a normal program. All actions will be performed automatically.
  3. Manual installation via Device Manager. In some situations, the driver may not be installed, especially users of AMD video cards often complain about this problem. For such an installation, unpack the downloaded driver, usually it is unpacked automatically, after which the installer starts installing the system drivers. You need to wait for the unpacking to finish and then cancel the installation. The next step for you is to go to the Device Manager, why you need to find your video card, right-click and select Update driver - Search for drivers on this computer, then in the window that opens, specify the folder with the unpacked driver, click Next and wait, while the driver is installed, then restart Windows.

Method 6. Scanning system files

Another rather effective option is to run a command on the command line to scan system files. What to do for this?

Enter "command line" in the search bar, run it as administrator. Then copy and paste the sfc / scannow command from here. The scan of the system partition will start automatically, and if necessary, you will be prompted to fix something. Most likely you will need an installation disc or USB flash drive.

Method 7. Manual file installation

In some cases, this method can help, but we still do not recommend using it due to a possible mismatch of the version of the comctl32.dll file with the version of the DirectX package installed. However, if you decide to use it, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the page (www.dll.ru/files/comctl32-dll.html) and select from the general list the file suitable for your operating system version.
  2. Download and unpack the archive with the file.
  3. Move it to the system folder, depending on the bitness of your Windows:
  1. When asked for permission to modify files in the system folder, click "Allow".
  2. Try restarting the game or program.

Other possible ways

If you notice that none of the tested options worked for you and the error of missing the comctl32.dll file has not been fixed, use one of the following recommendations.

  • Try to transfer the dynamic link library from another computer that has the same version of Windows installed. The file is located in the following folders:

32 bits - C: \\ Windows \\ System32,

64 bits - C: \\ Windows \\ SysWOW64.

  • Keep your Windows operating version up to date through Update Center. Very often there are updates that can improve computer performance.
  • Reinstall Windows using the original installation image.

Conclusion

Did you manage to fix the problem? If yes, then write in the comments which method suits you.

Errors with the Comctl32.dll library are relatively common. Usually the error looks like this:

But the text can be different, for example, "Component X was not found in the COMCTL32.dll library" No matter how the error looks, the problem always has the same source: the Comctl32.dll file is missing or damaged.

Cause of the error

Most often, this error is the result of virus programs. They can either delete the library from the computer, or simply infect it by forcing the antivirus to quarantine the file. Sometimes the error is not related to the system at all, but to the game or program, when launched, such an error pops up. It happens that the file is in place, but it is critically outdated, like other libraries. Finally, it is very rare that the problem is related to a damaged hard disk.

Is there a problem with the app?

First, you need to find out for sure if the error is caused by the application itself being launched, which generates this error. For example, if you have Windows XP, then some games may not start, crashing with this error. Check the system requirements for the game, read about it on the forums. Perhaps this is a typical problem in the game, and a specific method of solving it is required. Finally try reinstalling this game or app.

If the Comctl32.dll error appears when launching different applications, this item is, of course, irrelevant and you can skip it.

Trash and quarantine

Check your antivirus trash and quarantine. Sometimes the file is there. Just restore it and try running the application again.

Virus check

Whatever antivirus you have, there will always be a virus that can slip through unnoticed. Therefore, download some third-party anti-virus scanner, for example, Dr.Web Cureit. You can find it on the official website: http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit. Install and run. Agree to disinfect all infected files found. Try running the application. The error may go away.

System Restore

If you are configured to create restore points on a regular basis, try rolling your system back to the last point where everything was still working.

Updating Libraries and Drivers

Update the libraries through Windows Update, agreeing to install any possible updates found. Next, you need to update the drivers. You can do it yourself or use special programs. For example DriverMax. You can download it on the official website: http://www.drivermax.com/download.htm. The free version allows you to update all drivers, only you have to install them manually and one by one. Be sure to download the latest version of DirectX and install it. If the update doesn't work, go to the next step.

Cleaning the registry

Sometimes, if there is an error in the Comctl32.dll library, cleaning the registry helps. Download some program for this, for example, CCleaner or Glary Utilities, clean the registry as many times as necessary to stop finding errors and try again to run the application causing the error.

Restore system files via the command line

If none of the above tips helped, all that remains is to somehow restore this file. The safest and most correct way is to do it using system methods via the command line.

Press the Win + R keys and in the window that appears, enter "cmd", click "OK".

At the command prompt, enter "sfc / scannow" and press Enter.

Wait for the end of the check. During this process, you may need a Windows installation disc. Well, or an installation flash drive.

Copy the library from another computer

If you have another Windows computer similar to yours at hand, you can try to copy the required library to yourself. For Windows x32, the location of this file is C: \\ Windows \\ System32.

On Windows x64, the file is located in the C: \\ Windows \\ SysWOW64 folder

Copy the file to a flash drive and place it in the appropriate folder on your computer. This often helps.

Download the library online

This is the worst way, the most unreliable and potentially dangerous for the computer. Be sure to create a restore point before placing the downloaded file in the system folder. Be sure to check it with an antivirus. Try to download the library from a site you already know and trust. If anything goes wrong, roll your system back to the restore point you created.

Checking the hard drive

Perhaps it so happened that the damaged sectors of the hard disk just happened to be in the place where the Comctl32.dll file is stored. Download a hard drive checker like Victoria. And carry out a full scan of the system drive, be sure to check the box next to the word "Remap" or "Redirection" in the Russian version. You can also do this through the command line by entering "chkdsk C: / F / R":

You need to press "y", agreeing with the check at the next system reboot and restart the computer.

If all else fails

Most likely, one of the methods given above will help you eliminate the error with Comctl32.dll on Windows 7. If not, the only way to somehow remove it is to reinstall the system.

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