FIX: Dbghelp.dll fatal error in Windows 10

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

March 29, 2020

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What you can do when dbghelp.dll errors occur

1. Restore dbghelp.dll from the Recycle Bin
2. Run a virus/malware scan
3. Use System Restore to undo changes
4. Run System File Checker
5. Run DISM
6. Reinstall the software that uses dbghelp.dll
7. Download the latest DbgHelp.dll version
8. Update your computer
9. Perform A System Recovery

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Various factors could affect the work of your dbghelp.dll file.

In some cases, dbghelp.dll errors could cause some registry problems, also, there’s a chance that you caught a virus or malware, etc.

And in this article you’ll find the most common solutions for this problem, so check it out.

Dbghelp.dll error messages

There are a couple of ways that dbghelp.dll could show up on your computer. Here are some of them:

• Dbghelp.dll Not Found
• This application failed to start because dbghelp.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
• Cannot find [PATH]dbghelp.dll
• The file dbghelp.dll is missing.
• Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: dbghelp.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

How can I fix dbghelp.dll errors?

Solution 1 – Restore dbghelp.dll from the Recycle Bin

This may sound ridiculous to you, but there’s a possibility that you accidentally deleted the file. So it would do no harm if you check if the file is in the Recycle Bin.

If it is, just restore it from the Recycle Bin and your problem is solved. If you cannot find the file, we recommend using a 3rd party software that will find and replace the missing DLL file.

Solution 2 – Run a virus/malware scan

Some errors with dbghelp.dll could be related to a virus or other malicious software on your computer.

So run a virus scan using your antivirus program in order to determine if your system is virus-free.

Solution 3 – Use System Restore to undo changes

If you suspect that dbghelp.dll error was caused by a certain change in your system configuration, you should restore your system using a System Restore feature.

Here’s how you’ll perform a System Restore in Windows 10:

1. Right-click on This PC, and go to Properties
2. On the left side of the window, click on System Protection
3. In the System Properties click on System Restore
4. Choose your restore point and follow further on-screen instructions from the installation wizard

Also, don’t forget to backup your data before you perform a System Restore.

Solution 4 – Run System File Checker

If your DLL file is provided by Microsoft, running the System File Checker will replace the corrupted copy of the dbghelp.dll file with the cached one.

To perform a System File Checker command, follow these instructions:

1. Go to Search, type cmd in the Search box, and then right-click on Command Prompt,
2. Click on Run as administrator. (If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow).
3. At the Command Prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
   sfc /scannow

The sfc /scannow command will scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%System32dllcache.

Solution 5 – Run DISM

DISM is a tool that’s complementary to SFC. Basically, this command scans and restores missing files. Sometimes, when the SFC can’t fix the problem, running DISM could help you.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to Search > type cmd > launch Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type this command > hit Enter
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for the process to complete > restart your PC.

Solution 6 – Reinstall the software that uses dbghelp.dll

If this error occurs when you’re launching a particular program, you can easily fix it by removing and reinstalling the respective tool.

Once you’ve done this, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Solution 7 – Download the latest DbgHelp.dll version

Another quick method to fix this problem is to download the newest DbgHelp.dll version directly from Microsoft’s support page.

Solution 8 – Update your computer

Microsoft regularly releases new updates to improve the OS performance. Once of the ways Microsoft achieves that is by updating DLLs.

If Microsoft detected any major DbgHelp.dll issue, it will definitely include the fix in the latest update.

Solution 9 – Perform A System Recovery

If nothing of the previous pieces of advice helped, then performing a system recovery might return your files to normal.

Don’t worry, performing a system recovery will just refresh your system, without affecting any files. To perform refresh your PC without affecting your files, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start menu
2. Click on PC Settings
3. Go to Update and Recovery, and choose Recovery
4. Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files click on Get Started and follow further on-screen instructions

FAQ: Read more about DLL errors

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been since revamped and updated in March 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in December 2014 and was revamped and updated in November 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.