Chrome unable to load elf.dll [Fix]

by Matthew Adams

Windows & Software Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about... Read more

Updated: Jan 29, 2021

Posted: Mar 13, 2020

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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.

How do I fix Chrome’s elf.dll error?

1. Use a third-party dll fixer

A dedicated tool can repair and replace corrupted files on your pc, including those from other software or crucial OS files, thus keeping your system up and running.

You can quickly fix any .dll error by allowing a professional app to search, scan, and if the case, repair the malfunctioning file. Moreover, the program will show also download those missing files for you.

Restoro is a reliable third-party DLL fixer which uses a built-in automated system and an online library full of functional DLLs to replace and repair any files that might be corrupted or damaged on your PC. All you need to do to resolve your PC’s problems is to launch it, and simply follow the on-screen instructions to start the process, as everything else is covered by the software’s automated processes. This is how you can fix registry errors using Restoro:

1. Download and install Restoro.
2. Launch the software.
3. Wait for it to scan your PC for any stability issues and possible malware.
4. Press Start Repair.
5. Restart your PC for all the changes to take effect.

After this process is completed your PC will be as good as new, and you will no longer have to deal with BSoD errors, slow response times, or other similar issues. ⇒ Get Restoro Disclaimer: This program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

2. Run a System File Checker scan

1. Open Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
2. Enter cmd in the Open box, and click the OK button.
3. In the Prompt’s windows, input: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Then, press the Return key.
5. In the Command Prompt, input: sfc /scannow
6. Then press the Enter key.
   
7. If Windows Resource Protection repairs something, restart the desktop or laptop.

System File Checker is among the most reliable tools for DLL errors as it can repair corrupted DLL files, and comes with your Windows OS, which is great.

3. 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.
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.
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.

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

1. Open the elf.dll page on DLL-Files.com.
   
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.
   
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 one of these: C:/Windows/SysWOW64 (32-bit DLLs) C:/Windows/System32 (64-bit DLLs)
8. Restart Windows after moving the DLL.

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.

Tired of using Google Chrome? Check out this article for some awesome alternatives.

5. Roll back Windows with System Restore

1. System Restore might also come in handy for fixing the elf.dll error.
2. Right-click Windows 10’s Start button and select Run.
3. Input rstrui in Run’s Open box, and click the OK option.
4. Click the Next button to open the restore points list below.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Click the Next and Finish buttons on the System Restore window.

6. Reinstall Google Chrome

1. Open Run.
2. Enter appwiz.cpl in Run, and click the OK option.
   
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. Which of the above procedures worked for you? Leave your answer and any other questions or suggestions in the comments area below.