D3dx11_42.dll Not Found: How to Fix it

D3dx11_42.dll is a component of DirectX which is critical especially when playing games. You may be unable to launch or play games if this DLL file is missing.

How do I fix d3dx11_42.dll not found error?

1. Perform DISM and SFC scans

1. Hit the Start Menu icon, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow

2. Reinstall DirectX11

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type dxdiag and click OK to open DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
3. Go to the System tab and check the DirectX Version; it should be DirectX 11.
4. If not, you need to update it; visit the Microsoft official page for DirectX.
5. Select your preferred language and click Download.
6. A file will be downloaded, double-click it, and initiate the installation of DirectX11.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you’re unable to install DirectX on your device, we have ways to go around it.

3. Update video card driver

1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
   
2. Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
3. Now, select Update driver.
   
4. Finally, click Search automatically for drivers and install any available updates.
   

4. Verify game files

1. Press the Windows key, type steam or in the search box, and click Open.
2. Go to Library, right-click the game, then select Properties from the context menu.
3. From the left pane, click Installed files, then click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
4. The scan will start, and all the missing or damaged game files will be replaced with healthy files.

5. Re-register the DLL file

1. Hit the Windows key, type Command Prompt right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   regsvr32 d3dx11_42.dll
3. This command registers the missing DLL file. However, if more than one DLL file is not registered, you can use the following command:
   for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1

6. Download the DLL file manually

1. Visit the DLL-Files website, search d3dx11_42.dll, choose an appropriate option, and click Download.
2. Double-click the downloaded folder to open, locate, and copy the .dll file.
3. Press the Windows + E keys to open the File Explorer.
4. Navigate to the specific game’s folder and paste it there
5. Close your File Explorer and try to launch the game and see if the error persists.

7. Reinstall the game

1. Go to the Windows Search Bar and type in Control Panel.
2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a Program.
   
3. Find the problematic game, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
4. After the game has been successfully uninstalled, install it again.

Also, ensure your OS is up-to-date to resolve any compatibility issues that may be causing the d3dx11_42.dll file not to be found. For any other DirectX errors, we have compiled a comprehensive list to resolve them.

Further, if your device specs allow, we recommend getting DirectX 12 Ultimate for extra features to enhance your gaming experience.

That’s all we had from this article but do let us know if you tried any other solutions not mentioned here but worked for you in the comment section below.