How to Fix Kernel32.dll Not Found Errors in Windows 10/11?

Missing or corrupt DLL files can lead to common errors in Windows. These files are essential for running processes and applications, and their absence can cause incomplete loading of programs and prompt error messages.

One DLL file that is frequently plagued by error messages is Kernel32.dll.

What is Kernel32.dll?

The Kernel32.dll is a Windows dynamic link library file that is required in handling input/output process, interrupts, process creation, synchronization, and memory management. It is usually used when dealing with Windows-based APIs and applications.

When Windows boots, this file is automatically loaded into a protected memory space to keep other programs from using the same space in running processes. If this file becomes corrupt or missing, it is likely that users encounter the Kernel32.dll not found error message.

In the next section, we will share possible fixes that you can try to successfully resolve errors associated with this file.

What is the Kernel32.dll Not Found Error in Windows 10/11?

Before anything else, what is the error message all about?

The Kernel32.dll error message may show on a user’s screen at random. That means it may surface when Windows boots, when an application is opened, when an app is up and running, when a program is closed, or just about any time you are using your Windows device.

There are many error messages associated with the Kernel32.dll file. Here are some of the most common that you may encounter:

• Iexplore caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
• Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
• Error in Kernel32.dll
• Commgr32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
• Failed to get proc address for GetLogicalProcessorInformation (KERNEL32.DLL)
• [PROGRAM NAME] has caused an error in Kernel32.dll
• This application has failed to start because Kernel32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix the problem.

Now, you may ask, “what causes the Kernel32.dll error in Windows 10/11 to appear?” The truth is that the causes of the above errors vary. However, in most cases, a corrupt or missing Kernel32.dll file is the culprit.

9 Ways to Resolve the Kernel32.dll Not Found Error in Windows 10/11

If you come across any error associated with the Kernel32.dll file in Windows 10/11, try our suggested fixes below.

Fix #1: Reboot your PC

It is possible that the Kernel32.dll Not Found error that you are seeing is only a glitch. You may try restarting your Windows 10/11 device and check if that helps.

Fix #2: Reinstall the problematic program or app

If rebooting your PC does not work, try reinstalling the program or application that’s causing the error. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Go to Apps and click Apps and Features.
3. Select the app that you want to uninstall.
4. Click the Uninstall button.
5. Wait for the app to be completely removed from your system.
6. Once done, reinstall it again by downloading the installer from the program’s official website.

Fix #3: Update your Windows 10/11 device

An outdated Windows 10 version may also trigger the Kernel32.dll error to appear. So, make it a habit to check for any updates and install them as soon as possible.

Should you wish to update your Windows 10/11 device manually, do the following:

1. Click the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Select Update and Security.
3. Navigate to the Windows Update tab.
4. Hit the Check for Updates If an update is available, it should be downloaded automatically.

Fix #4: Run an SFC scan

As mentioned, Kernel32.dll errors may surface when the Kernel32.dll file becomes corrupt or missing. To fix missing or corrupt files, you can use the Windows System File Checker utility. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu.
2. Enter cmd into the Cortana search field.
3. Right-click on the most relevant search result.
4. Select Run as Administrator.
5. If prompted, provide your password.
6. Once the Command Prompt window loads, enter the sfc /scannow
7. Hit Enter.
8. Once the scan is complete, check if the error message still shows.

Fix #5: Repair the Thumbs.db file

There are instances when the Kernel32.dll error shows because of a corrupted thumbs.db file. If that is the case, repair the file by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows + E keys to launch File Explorer.
2. Open the folder that you think contains the corrupted file.
3. Go to the file location. Once you find it, right-click on it and select Delete.
4. If you cannot delete it, you may have to change your folder view by selecting View, and then choosing either Details, List, Icons, or Tiles.
5. Now, recreate the file by selecting View and then clicking Thumbnails from the folder’s menu.

Fix #6: Run a malware scan

There are malware entities that may damage DLL files and cause DLL-related error messages to show. To get rid of these threats, we suggest that you run a complete system scan using Windows Defender or any legit third-party antivirus solution.

Fix #7: Update your device drivers

When the error message appears while trying to print a document through your printer, try to update your printer’s device driver. Such is the case when you encounter the error while playing your favorite song via an external speaker.

If you suspect that some of your device drivers need to be updated but you just don’t know where to begin, you may use a third-party device driver updater tool. In just a few clicks, you can get all your device drivers updated without having to worry about compatibility issues.

Fix #8: Use the CHKDSK utility

If your hard drive’s file integrity is compromised, you may also encounter DLL-related errors. For this, you may use the built-in CHKDSK utility of Windows 10/11 to scan and resolve file system errors.

Here’s how to use the CHKDSK utility:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows + X keys and then selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Into the command line, input CHKDSK followed by the name of the disk you want to check. For instance, if you want to check your C drive, enter CHKDSK C and hit Run.

Fix #9: Resolve any hardware issues

If all else fails, take your computer to a Windows technician. It is possible that you are experiencing a hardware issue with your hard drive, that is why you are seeing the error message. The technician may have to replace your hard drive and perform an installation of Windows 10/11 to fix the problem.

Wrapping Up

Fixing DLL-related issues may seem complicated, especially for those without a solid technical background. However, we made sure to create this article in such a way that can be followed even by newbies. Should you encounter the Kernel32.dll Not Found error in Windows 10/11, just refer to this article as your guide and you should be good to go.

How did you find the fixes above? Which one worked for your case? Let us know in the comments.