FIX: Google Chrome unable to load elf.dll

Matthew Adams
by Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
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Google Chrome dll issues
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Sometimes Google Chrome might not start due to DLL (Dynamic Link Library) errors. One of Chrome’s most common DLL error messages states:

The program can’t start because chrome_elf.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

That’s an error message numerous users have posted about on support forums. If the elf.dll error arises when you try to launch Chrome, check out some of the potential resolutions below.

Five potential fixes for Chrome’s elf.dll error

1. Run a System File Checker scan

System File Checker is among the most reliable tools for DLL errors as it can repair corrupted DLL files.

  1. Open Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Enter cmd in the Open box, and click the OK button.
  3. Then input DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth in the Prompt’s window, and press the Return key.
  4. After that, input sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt; and press the Enter key.
    The sfc /scannow command google chrome unable to load dll
  5. If Windows Resource Protection repairs something, restart the desktop or laptop.

Run a third-party DLL fixer

There are plenty of third-party programs out there that promise to fix or replace missing or broken DLLs, and most of them stay true to their word. However, if you are to choose just one, then there’s no way you can go wrong with Restoro.

How to use Restoro to fix missing or broken DLLs

  1. Download here Restoro and install it on your Windows 10 PC
  2. Let Restoro perform a full system scan
  3. When the scan is finished, press Clean Now
    • This is when you will have to activate your license key
    • Before the repair process starts, Restoro will create a restore point of your system in case things go wrong
  4. Restoro will now proceed to fix your DLL-related issue.

Note: While Restoro can be downloaded for free, it has limited functionality until you activate it. That being the case, if you want the full benefit of a great PC repair and optimization tool, you should purchase the full license.

2. Copy elf.dll into Chrome’s Application folder

  1. Click the File Explorer taskbar button.
  2. Open Chrome’s Application folder in File Explorer.
    • The default path for that will be something like this:
    • C: > Program Files (x86) > Google > Chrome > Application.
  3. Then click the folder with the version number title, which will be something like 79.0.3945.130.Chrome's Application folder google chrome unable to load dll
  4. Right-click chrome_elf.dll and select Copy. If you can’t find an elf.dll there, you can get a replacement from DLL-Files.com as outlined in the next resolution.Copy option google chrome unable to load dll
  5. Return to Chrome’s Application folder.
  6. Right-click an empty space within the Application folder and select Paste.
  7. Open Chrome from its Applications folder.

3. Get a new elf.dll from DLL-Files.com

  1. It is generally discouraged to download DLL files from websites, but DLL-Files.com is one source user reviews confirm helps fix missing DLL errors. Open the elf.dll page on DLL-Files.com.
    the elf.dll page google chrome unable to load dll
  2. Click download for the elf.dll file that matches your Chrome version.
    • Also note that you must download a 32 or 64-bit file that matches your 32 or 64-bit Chrome browser.
  3. Double-click the downloaded ZIP for the DLL file.
  4. Click the Extract all button.
    Extract Compressed window google chrome unable to load dll
  5. Click Browse to select a path for the extracted file.
  6. Click the Extract button.
  7. Move the elf.dll from the extracted folder into Chrome’s directory.
    • If that doesn’t fix the issue, move the elf.dll file into either C: > Windows > SysWOW64 (32-bit DLLs) or C: > Windows > System32 (64-bit DLLs).
  8. Restart Windows after moving the DLL.

If you’re tired of using Google Chrome, check out this article for some great browser alternatives

4. Roll back Windows with System Restore

  1. System Restore might also come in handy for fixing the elf.dll error. Right-click Windows 10’s Start button and select Run.
  2. Input rstrui in Run’s Open box, and click the OK option.
  3. Click the Next button to open the restore points list below.System Restore google chrome unable to load dll
  4. Select a restore point that predates the elf.dll error on your desktop or laptop.
    • If you’re not sure, select the earliest restore point.
  5. Click the Scan for affected programs button, which opens the window shown directly below.
    • That window tells you what software will be removed by a selected restore point.The removed programs list google chrome unable to load dll
  6. Click the Next and Finish buttons on the System Restore window.

5. Reinstall Google Chrome

  1. Open Run.
  2. Enter appwiz.cpl in Run, and click the OK option.
    The uninstaller google chrome unable to load dll
  3. Select Chrome in the Programs and Features applet.
  4. Click Uninstall.
  5. Press the Uninstall button on the dialog box.
  6. Restart Windows after uninstalling Google Chrome.
  7. Click Download Chrome on the browser’s page to get the installer for the latest version. Then reinstall the browser.

Those resolutions will probably be enough to fix the elf.dll error for a lot of users. In addition to those, try scanning for malware with Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.

Which of the above procedures worked for you? Leave your answer and any other questions or suggestions in the comments area below.

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