What are DLL Files and Where are They Located in Windows 10?

If you're wondering what a DLL file is, it's a file that contains code for performing certain operations, which multiple programs share to carry out the specific tasks that the DLL file is designed to perform.

In this article, you'll learn where DLL files are stored in Windows 10 and the benefits they provide.

What is a DLL file?

A DLL is an acronym for Dynamic Link Library, which contains data and code that can be used by multiple programs. For example, the functionality related to dialog boxes is handled by Comdlg32.DLL. Any program can use the facilities in this DLL to implement an “Open” dialog.

Unlike .exe files, DLL files cannot be opened directly. DLL files only run when called by other running code. While some DLL files may have the .exe file extension, most DLL files have their own .dll file extension.

Advantages of DLL files:

• Less memory usage: Multiple programs can share the same DLL while performing certain operations, reducing memory consumption.
• A DLL can be modified to support features that were not initially supported. For instance, if you try to connect a monitor that doesn't work properly due to a driver issue, you could modify the monitor driver DLL to support that particular display.
• Different programs, written in various programming languages, can utilize the same DLL as long as they need to perform identical operations.
• When functions within a DLL change, applications using those functions do not need to be recompiled or relinked.

Read more: How to Fix RunDll Error at Startup [Step by Step Tutorial]

Where are the DLL files located in Windows 10?

DLL files are an essential part of Windows 10, and knowing where to find them can help resolve issues. In this section, we'll show you how to locate DLL files in Windows 10.

Click the magnifying glass icon, then search for “File Explorer.”

Now click on “This PC” in the left-hand pane.

Double-click “Local Disk (C:)” to open it.

Open the “Windows” folder.

Inside the “Windows” folder, find the “System32” folder.

And inside System32, there are many subfolders.

Within each of these subfolders, you will find the .dll files along with .exe files and other types of files.

Back in the System32 folder, without going into any subfolders, scroll down and you'll find more DLL files, as well as others with different extensions.

The bottom line?

DLL files are one of the main components that allow a computer to run smoothly and efficiently without putting a strain on its resources.

It reduces the strain on RAM, because many applications can share the same DLL files to perform similar operations.

Moreover, if a device isn't responding or functioning as it should, you can modify a DLL file to fix the issue causing the error, even if the component meets the specifications after troubleshooting. If you want to learn how to repair missing or corrupted DLL files, read this article: How to Fix Missing or Corrupted DLL Files Using System File Checker.