Zerrows.com - Some Windows users may experience the system error Crypt32.dll was not found, or Crypt32.dll is missing when using or installing certain programs on their Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even while Windows installation. This article will provide the most suitable solution for this problem.
Some of the main causes for this error include an unregistered Crypt32.dll file, registry problems, virus or malware infection, and also due to hardware failure. It is also known that problems with the media player update can cause some variants of this error.
Below are some known variants or examples of errors.
Crypt32.dll Not Found.
This application failed to start because crypt32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
Cannot find [PATH]\crypt32.dll.
The file crypt32.dll is missing.
Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: crypt32.dll. Please install [APP] again.
Regardless of which error variant you encounter, the solutions presented in this article apply to fixing each of these errors.
What is crypt32.dll?
CRYPT32.DLL or known as Microsoft Cryptographic library, is a module that implements many certificates and cryptographic message functions in CryptoAPI. Both the Windows client and the Windows Server operating system ship with this library. However, different versions of this DLL provide other capabilities.
How to fix missing Windows 10 files?
Most of the Windows 10 or Windows 11 users will occasionally and, due to usage, will face issues related to missing or corrupted system files. This problem is no cause for concern. Suppose you are wondering how to fix this missing DLL file problem. In that case, Windows OS provides two main built-in tools, namely System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), which help you perform repairs yourself without losing any data.
Fix System Error Crypt32.dll not found or missing
If you are facing the problem of System Error Crypt32.dll not found or missing, then you can try reinstalling or repairing the application and see if that helps. If that doesn't work for you, try the solutions I've recommended below in no particular order and see if that helps resolve the issue.
Before trying the solutions below, check for available updates and install bits on your Windows device and see if the error reappears. Also, as indicated in the error message (if any), you can try reinstalling the program that triggered this error.
1. Run Full Scan Anti Virus for System
The malware infection may have modified this particular dll file, consequently triggering the Crypt32.dll not found or missing error on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. In this case, you can run a full antivirus scan for systems with Windows Defender or a reputable third-party AntiVirus product. Also, in severe cases, you can run a Windows Defender Offline scan at boot time or use the bootable AntiVirus Rescue Media to restore your system if your computer fails to boot.
Also, as some affected users have reported, check if your antivirus software scans the %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution\ folder as files in that folder can interfere with the scan process and consequently trigger this error. In this case, you can add that folder to the AntiVirus exclusion list. If you are running third-party security software, see the manual on adding excluded folders/files from an AntiVirus scan.
2. Run SFC and DISM scan
This solution requires that you run an SFC scan and see if it helps. If not, then you can run a DISM scan or try the next solution.
3. Restore Crypt32.dll File
If you accidentally deleted the crypt32.dll file from your system, then you can try and recover the file from the Recycle Bin. You can also retrieve this file by logging into another Windows computer that was recently updated, navigating to the C:\Windows\System32\ folder and copying the crypt32.dll file to a USB, then pasting the file to the same location on the problematic PC.
4. Re-register the DLL file
This solution requires you to re-register the crypt32.dll file and see if it helps resolve this issue on your computer.
5. Reset This PC, Cloud Reset, or Upgrade Repair Windows
If nothing has worked for you so far, then you can try Reset This PC or Cloud Reset to reset every Windows component. You can also try Upgrade Repair using the Media Creation Tool and see if that helps you.
One of the solutions above should work for you!
Hopefully, it will help you fix System Error Crypt32.dll not found or missing on your Windows 10 or Windows 11. Don't forget to leave your comments below to share your thoughts and experiences in following this tutorial. Thank you.