‘D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL Is Missing’ Error? Try These Solutions

Windows users are encountering crashing issues in games and graphics programs, with some resolving the problem through a simple computer restart. However, others are faced with the error message “The program can’t start because D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL is missing from your computer.”

As with other Windows issues, this error is quite frustrating. Not only will it keep games and programs from running properly, it might also affect the overall system performance.

However, it’s nothing to be worried about because this error can be fixed. But before we teach you how to do that, allow us to teach you what a DLL file.

What is a DLL File?

DLL, or Dynamic Link Libraries, is a file type that contains sets of instructions that programs call upon to execute functions. Multiple programs can call upon one DLL file simultaneously or randomly to share the same functions.

Unlike EXE files, DLL files cannot be run simply by clicking. They should be called upon by other commands or codes that are already running. Since there are many frequently used DLL files on a Windows system, they tend to trigger the appearance of various error messages.

The D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file is one of the most notorious DLL files today that are giving Microsoft users a headache. Let’s break it down for you.

What is a D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL?

D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL is a file that comes with the Microsoft DirectX software. It is usually called upon by programs that rely on graphics, such as computer games. If something is wrong with this file, users may often encounter the following error messages:

• DLL Not Found
• The file D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL is missing.
• DLL file not found. Reinstalling might help fix this.

There are two main reasons why D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL errors appear. First is when Windows cannot find the DLL file required to run the program. Second is when the DLL file is corrupted.

So how do you fix these errors?

How to Fix D3dcompiler_43.dll Errors

If you get a D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL error, the solutions below should help you fix it.

Solution #1: Run an SFC Scan.

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that is designed to repair missing or corrupted system files. You can use it to fix any DLL error, such as D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL.

Follow the instructions below to perform a quick SFC scan:

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. In the command line, input the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command and hit Enter.
4. Next, input the sfc /scannow command and hit Return to start the scan.
5. You will know that the SFC scan is complete because the Command Prompt will display a message telling you that Windows Resource Protection has repaired files. Once you see that message, restart your computer.

Solution #2: Update the Microsoft DirectX Software.

The D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file is a part of the Microsoft DirectX software. Thus, it’s possible that updating the software itself can fix the error.

To update Microsoft DirectX and restore corrupted or missing DLL files, you will need to use DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the installer:

1. Open your favorite browser and visit the official download page of DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
2. Click the Download button.
3. You will be redirected to a new page with a few optional software recommendations. Uncheck the boxes if you don’t need them.
4. Click the DirectX End-User Run Web Installer button to download and save the installer.
5. Double-click on the installer file to open the DirectX Setup Wizard.
6. Tick the I accept the agreement option and hit Next.
7. Untick the Install the Bing Bar option if you don’t need it and hit Next.
8. Follow the on-screen prompts and wait for the update process to finish.

Solution #3: Reinstall the Faulty Program.

Take note of the specific program or game that returns the D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL error. You might need to reinstall it to resolve the issue.

Reinstalling a faulty program will replace all its files, including the registry entries and DLLs. However, be careful when doing so because it will cause you to lose your saved game files. It is best that you back up your game saves first before doing the uninstall.

To uninstall and reinstall a faulty program, follow these steps:

1. Open Run using the Win + R keys.
2. In the text field, input appwiz.cpl and hit OK.
3. Next, in the new window that pops up, find the name of the faulty program you want to uninstall. Click on it.
4. If you see a Repair option, click on it. But if there isn’t any, hit the Uninstall button.
5. You will then be prompted to verify your action. Press Yes.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Once your computer has rebooted, install the program again. Simply double-click on its installer file and follow the on-screen prompts. Be sure to install the most recent version of the program.

Solution #4: Recover the Missing D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL File.

If the D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file has been deleted, you can easily recover it in the Recycle Bin. Simply open Recycle Bin and search for the file. Right-click on it and select Restore. The file should be back where it’s supposed to be.

But if the deleted D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file is no longer in the Recycle Bin, you may try to recover it using third-party recovery software. There are many file recovery programs and apps out there that can help recover a deleted DLL file for you. Auslogics File Recovery is one.

Solution #5: Download a New D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL File.

If the D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file is missing, your best option is to download a new one. Although there are many online sites where you can download a new D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file, we suggest you practice caution as there are many threats out there waiting for their chance to attack.

For a detailed guide on how to download a new D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file, follow these steps:

1. Find the D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file that is compatible with your Windows version and click the Download button next to it.
2. The new file will save as a ZIP. Extract it by right-clicking on it and selecting the Extract All option.
3. Choose a path for the files to be extracted and hit Extract.
4. Next, transfer the D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file to the System 32 folder.
5. In some cases, you will have to register the new DLL file. To do that, right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
6. In the command line, input the regsvr32 d3dcompiler_42.dll command. Hit Return.
7. Restart your computer.

Solution #6: Clean Out Junk System Files.

Sometimes, errors randomly pop up because of junk files that have piled up over time. This only means that getting rid of them might also solve your D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file-related errors.

To clear out junk system files, you can manually check all your system files and folders. But if you find the process too time-consuming, use a third-party Windows cleaning tool. In just a few clicks, all the junk files hiding in your system can be located and deleted.

Wrapping Up

There are many ways to solve D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL file-related errors. It’s up to you which one you’d like to try first. But if you’ve done everything you could and the errors persist, we suggest you see a Windows expert. Let him diagnose the problem and suggest a solution that will work best for you.

Did any of the solutions above solve your D3DCOMPILER_43.DLL problem? Let us know what worked for you below!