Step-by-Step Solution: Correcting Issues When You Can’t Find WinHTTP.DLL

This file is associated with Microsoft Windows HTTP Services. WinHTTP is used by server applications that communicate with HTTPservers . You can read more about how it’s used onMicrosoft’s About WinHTTP page .

The winhttp.dll error message could apply to any program or system that might utilize the file on any of Microsoft’s operating systems , includingWindows 11 ,Windows 10 ,Windows 8 , Windows 7 , Windows Vista , Windows XP , and Windows 2000.

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How to Fix Winhttp.dll Errors

Do not download winhttp.dll from a “DLL download” website. There are manyreasons why downloading a DLL file is a bad idea . If you need a copy of this file, it’s best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of the following steps if you’re unable to access Windows normally due to the error.

1. Restore winhttp.dll from the Recycle Bin . The easiest possible cause of a “missing” winhttp.dll file is that you’ve mistakenly deleted it.
   If you suspect this, but you’ve already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover winhttp.dll with afree file recovery program .
   Undeleting winhttp.dll is a smart idea only if you’re confident you’ve deleted the file yourself and that it was working properly before you did that.
2. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system . Some winhttp.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It’s even possible the error you’re seeing is related to a hostile program that’s masquerading as the file.
3. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes . If you suspect the error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration,System Restore could solve the problem.
4. Reinstall the program that uses the winhttp.dll file . If the DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file.
   Try your best to complete this step. Reinstalling the program that provides this DLL file, if possible, is a likely solution to this error.
5. Update the drivers for hardware devices that might be related to this file. If, for example, you’re receiving a “The file winhttp.dll is missing” error when you play a 3D video game, try updating thedrivers for yourvideo card .
   The winhttp.dll file may or may not be related to video cards—this was just an example. The key here is to pay very close attention to the context of the error and troubleshoot accordingly.
6. Roll back a driver to a previously installed version if these errors began after updating a particular hardware device’s driver.
7. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the winhttp.dll file. Since this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, theSystem File Checker tool should restore it.
8. Install any available Windows updates . Manyservice packs and otherpatches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The winhttp.dll file could be included in one of those updates.
9. Test your memory and thentest your hard drive . We’ve left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer’smemory andhard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause winhttp.dll errors as they fail.
   If the hardware fails any of your tests,replace the memory orreplace the hard drive as soon as possible.
10. Repair your installation of Windows . If the individual troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.
11. Use a freeregistry cleaner to repair issues in the registry. A registry cleaner program may be able to help by removing invalid winhttp.dllregistry entries that might be causing the DLL error.
    We rarely recommend the use of registry cleaners. We’ve included the option here as a “last resort” attempt before the destructive step coming up next.
12. Perform a clean installation of Windows . This erases everything from thehard drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the error, this should be your next course of action.
    All the information on your hard drive will be erased during a clean install. Make sure you’ve made the best attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.
13. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any winhttp.dll errors persist. After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

Need More Help?

If you’re not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.

Causes of Winhttp.dll Errors

Winhttp.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the winhttp DLL file . In some cases, these errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

There are several ways these errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common winhttp.dll errors messages:

• Winhttp.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because winhttp.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
• Cannot find [PATH]\winhttp.dll
• The file winhttp.dll is missing.
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: winhttp.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

These error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation. The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.

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