How to Resolve the "D3dcompiler_43.dll Not Found" Error [Updated for 2024]

Problems with Microsoft DirectX can lead to D3dcompiler_43.dll errors. This file is part of the DirectX software package, which includes several components. By the way, before you dive in, you should know how to unzip files on Windows, as many downloads come in compressed format. Since most Windows-based games and high-end graphics programs use DirectX, issues with this file typically crop up when running those types of applications.

So, what should you do if you face the error “d3dcompiler_43.dll is missing”, or “d3dcompiler_43.dll was not found” when your games or graphics apps crash? Read on to find out.

What is D3dcompiler_43.dll?

D3dcompiler_43.dll is a dynamic link library file that forms part of Microsoft's DirectX technology. It serves to facilitate programming and rendering tasks associated with DirectX, which is a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) designed to assist developers in creating games and other high-performance multimedia applications on Microsoft platforms. This file, d3dcompiler_43.dll, is usually situated in the System32 folder on a Windows-based computer.

How to Resolve the "D3dcompiler_43.dll Not Found" Error?

Any program that utilizes DirectX, such as MonoGame or Autodesk 3ds Max, might encounter the d3dcompiler_43.dll error. If you come across the "d3dcompiler_43.dll is missing" error, you can try the following solutions:

1. Solution 1: Download d3dcompiler_43.dll and Copy it to the System Directory
2. Solution 2: Install DirectX End-User Runtime
3. Solution 3: Reinstall the System

Fix 1: Download d3dcompiler_43.dll and Copy It to the System Directory

First, determine the system type of your PC. Right-click on the taskbar and select "System." In the System window, locate the "System type" to identify whether your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. Now, let's explore how to download the d3dcompiler_43.dll file and copy it to the System Directory.

Step 1. Click on this link to open the DLL-files.com page. Scroll down and click on the Download button next to the 64-bit or 32-bit version of the d3dcompiler_43.dll file.

Step 2. The file will save as a ZIP file. You can open this in File Explorer and extract its contents. Open the ZIP file, then click on "Extract To."

Step 3. In the Extraction path and options window, select the Destination path where you wish to save the d3dcompiler_43.dll file, then click "OK."

Step 4. Go to the location where d3dcompiler_43.dll was saved, and copy and paste it into the system directory.

Note: The 64-bit system will place the 64-bit file in the Local Disk (C:) > Windows > System32 folder, and the 32-bit file in the Windows > SysWOW64 folder. For 32-bit systems, put the files in the Windows > System32 folder.

Step 5. Restart your PC.

Step 6. Right-click the "Start" button and select "Windows Terminal" (Admin).

Step 7. Copy and paste the following command into the Windows PowerShell window and press Enter.

regsvr32 d3dcompiler_43.dll

If you don't want to trust a website to download the DLL file, there are alternative methods. You can copy the DLL file from a functioning computer, transfer it to the PC where it's missing, and then register it again.

Solution 2: Use the DirectX End-User Runtime

If you don't want to use someone else's PC or a website, another option is to reinstall DirectX on your computer, which should replace and register any missing DLL library files.

The following method to resolve the error involves installing the DirectX End-User Runtime. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1. Go to the Microsoft Download Center to download the DirectX End-User Runtime.

Step 2. Click on the downloaded DirectX file, click on the "I accept the agreement" radio button, and press the Next button.

Step 3. If you do not want the Bing Bar browser toolbar, uncheck the Install the Bing Bar check box, and then click Next to install the DirectX components. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the download.

Since Microsoft DirectX encompasses d3dcompiler_43.dll, updating or re-installing DirectX might rectify the missing d3dcompiler 43.dll error. If needed, the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer can replace outdated DirectX versions and restore lost DX files.

Solution 3: Reinstall the System

Yup, you can fix Windows on your computer by using the "Reset this PC" feature in Windows Settings. This should help with that "D3dcompiler_43.dll not found" error. Resetting your PC is a handy way to sort things out when your machine ain't starting right, acting up, or having app troubles. Here's how you can do it without losing any data:

Step 1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Click on "System" from the left panel, scroll down, and select the "Recovery" option from the right side.

Step 2. Click on the "Reset this PC" button.

Step 3. Click the "Keep my files" option on the Reset this PC window.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall your system.

Translating into English: To revert to Windows, you'll need to create new user accounts and reinstall programs. Bear in mind that this should be your last option, i.e., when nothing else works. Ensure that you have backups of all your important files.

Related reading: How to Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Data [4 Methods]

Conclusion

Hence, if d3dcompiler 43.dll is missing or damaged, you won't be able to run numerous Windows programs and applications. It is a vital part of DirectX. If d3dcompiler_43.dll is accidentally removed, if the DirectX files are outdated, or if there is a general corruption issue, applications and programs might exhibit unusual behavior when attempting to launch them.

You can attempt the suggested solutions from the article, such as downloading the d3dcompiler_43.dll file and copying it to the System Directory, installing the DirectX End-User Runtime, or reinstalling the system. Choose the method that best fits your situation to resolve the error. I hope this article proves helpful!