Smackw32.dll is Missing: How to Get it Back

When you try to install or launch an old game on your Windows 11 device, you might get the smackw32.dll is missing error message.

Most missing DLL files are usually as a result of compatibility issues so the smackw32.dll file missing could indicate that the game is incompatible with your OS.

How do I fix smackw32.dll is missing 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. Download the DLL file manually

1. Visit the DLL-Files website, search smackw.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 through the following path and paste the file: c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\
5. Close your File Explorer and try to launch the program and see if the error persists.

3. Reinstall the program in compatibility mode

1. Click on the Start Menu icon, type Control Panel on the search bar, and click Open.
2. Select Uninstall a Program under Programs.
3. Find the problematic app, click on it, and select Uninstall.
4. Confirm uninstallation in the next pop-up.
5. Install the app again from the official website.
6. Locate the .exe file of the problematic app usually in one of the following paths depending on your version of Windows: C:\Program Files (x86) or C:\Program Files
7. Scroll down until you find the program you’re looking for. 
8. Right-click on the .exe file of the program and select Properties.    
9. Navigate to the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program in Compatibility mode option, and select Windows 8  from the drop-down menu.   
10. Also, check the Run this program as an administrator box and allow the program to finish installing, then check whether the error persists.

4. Run the Program Compatibility troubleshooter

1. Hit the Windows key, type Program Compatibility Checker, and click on Open under Run programs for previous versions of Windows.

   

2. On the Program Compatibility Checker window, click Next.

   

3. From the next window, scroll and select the program. Click Next.

   

4. Click on Troubleshoot program.

   

5. Now select the most suitable option presented under What problems do you notice?
6. Click Next. 

   

7. You might have to repeat the process with different options to see what resolves the error.

5. Install an older version of MS Visual C++ Redistributable

1. Press Windows + S to launch the Run command, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and either hit Enter or click OK to launch the Programs and Features window.
2. Locate and select the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, and click on Uninstall at the top.
3. Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.
4. Again, click Uninstall in the window that appears. Similarly, uninstall the other similar packages as well.
5. Go to Microsoft’s dedicated download page. You will find dedicated download links for Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019 on the highlighted page.
6. Select your desired package then click on install.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the set-up.

If you’re looking for a way to play old games on Windows 11, we have a detailed article on how to go about it. And while you may get a workaround with these old games, keep in mind that your experience may not be as smooth as you expect. The games may keep crashing or lagging.

Another option to relive the old memories is to emulate old games and avoid compatibility issues. GamePass also has a nice catalogue of old games if you’re feeling nostalgic so don’t miss out on these options.

That’s all we had for this article but for any additional thoughts, we welcome you to share them in the comment section below.