Ws2_32.dll is Missing: 3 Ways to Restore it

Restoring your system can help you with this error

Fix

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by Milan Stanojevic 

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ws2_32.dll

If ws2_32.dll is missing, you won’t be able to run certain applications on your PC, but in today’s guide, we’re going to show you how to fix this problem.

What is the ws2_32.dll?

This file is associated with Winsock API and it allows applications to connect and communicate over the Internet.

How to fix missing ws2_32.dll?

1. Use System Restore

  1. Press Windwos key + R and type rstrui. Press Enter.
    rstrui command run window
  2. Follow the instructions on the screen and select an earlier restore point.
    restore point
  3. Wait for the process to finish.

2. Run the disk scan

  1. Press the Windows key + X and choose Terminal (Admin).
    terminal admin windows 11
  2. Run chckdsk C: /r
    run chkdsk
  3. Wait for the scan to finish.
  4. Additionally, run the sfc /scannow
    sfc scan

The first command will try to repair damaged files on your drive, while the second one will repair your installation.

3. Manually copy the file

  1. On another PC, locate ws2_32.dll. It should be located in C:\Windows\System32
  2. Copy the file to the System32 directory on the affected PC.
  3. Check if the problem is resolved.

Keep in mind that downloading DLL files from third-party websites might not be safe, so avoid doing that.

These methods should help you if the ws2_32.dll is missing. If nothing else works, you might have to factory reset Windows 11 if this error is constantly giving you trouble.

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and we already wrote about missing wsock32.dll in our earlier guides, so don’t miss it.

More about the topics: DLL errors, DLL issues

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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