Registering a DLL file - here's how to do it

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are program libraries. The code embedded in the special files is needed by programs. In special cases, when you manually insert or replace a DLL file, you need to register the file so that it can be used again.

How to register a DLL file in Windows

If you want to register a DLL file manually, it works both in Windows 7, 8 and 10 using the Windows command prompt.

1. Paste the DLL file into the target directory. This can be, for example, the Windows folder "C:\Windows\System32" or the installation directory of the program that needs the DLL file.
2. If the file already exists, you can replace it with the new one. However, create a backup copy of the old file before.
3. Before you register the new DLL file, first restart the computer once.
4. Then open the Start menu and type "cmd". Right-click on the search result and select "Run as administrator" to invoke the command prompt.
5. Now enter the command "regsvr32" followed by the file path and the file name of the DLL file. Example: C:\Windows\System32\Filename.dll. If the file is stored in a different directory, you must adjust the file path accordingly.
6. Confirm the entry with the Enter key.

The new DLL file is now registered in the system and can be used. If there are problems due to the exchange, replace the new file again with the saved old file and register it again.