SqmApi.dll is Missing in Windows: 7 Ways to Download the DLL
Manually replacing the DLL worked for most
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The sqmapi.dll file, developed by Microsoft for the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), is a critical file in Windows. When sqmapi.dll is missing or corrupt, Windows updates may fail to install and critical functions will stop working.
The error message reads C:\Program Files\Windows Portable Devices\SqmApi.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error, or The program can’t start because sqmapi.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the PC, install all pending Windows updates, and disable any third-party antivirus solution. For most, these basic checks should do the trick!
What can I do when sqmapi.dll is missing, corrupted, or not found?
1. Manually add/replace sqmapi.dll in System32
When sqmapi.dll is not found or the DLL file is corrupted, you can add or replace it in the stored path. The sqmapi.dll location in Windows is: C:\Windows\System32
To add/replace the DLL, go to the System32 folder on another PC running the same architecture and iteration of Windows > copy sqmapi.dll to a USB flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected PC > move the DLL to the System32 folder > restart the computer to apply the changes.
If a corrupted copy of sqmapi.dll exists in the System32 folder, rename it to sqmapi-old.dll, and then add the new one.
2. Use a DLL repair tool
If you frequently face missing DLL errors in Windows, I recommend using a top-rated DLL repair tool. It will automatically scan the PC for missing and corrupt DLLs and replace them with a fresh copy in the correct directory.
Most of these tools provide basic functionality for free and will help fix the sqmapi.dll not found error with ease!
3. Run the affected app with administrator privileges
- Right-click on the affected app’s launcher (.exe file), and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab, and tick the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator.
- Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
- Finally, verify whether the error is fixed.
4. Repair corrupted system files
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Now, run this command for the SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
- Once done, restart the computer to apply the changes.
When corrupted system files are triggering the sqmapi.dll missing error in Windows 11, you must run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans, which will replace all problematic files with their cached copies!
5. Perform a malware scan
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant result.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Scan options.
- Select the Full scan entry and click on Scan now.
- Wait for Windows Security to identify and eliminate active threats. The scan typically takes 10-30 minutes.
6. Reinstall the app throwing the error
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Select the app that is throwing the error and click on Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then reboot the PC.
- Now, download and install the app from the official website.
Several apps come bundled with DLLs that they rely upon for functioning, including sqmapi.dll. So, when there’s a missing DLL error, it could be the improper app installation to blame.
If a quick removal doesn’t work, it’s likely that some of the app’s leftover files or Registry entries are still conflicting with Windows. In this case, I recommend using an effective software uninstaller to wipe all traces of the previous installation!
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
- Go to Microsoft’s official website, select the OS language and edition, and download the Windows 11 ISO.
- Right-click the ISO file, select Mount, and click Open in the confirmation prompt.
- Run the setup.exe file.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Click on Next to proceed.
- Review Microsoft’s license terms and click on Accept.
- Make sure the setup reads, Keep personal files and apps, click Install, and confirm the change.
- Wait for the in-place upgrade to complete. It will take 45-90 minutes.
When nothing else works, the last option is to perform an in-place upgrade, which is akin to reinstalling Windows, but you don’t lose personal files or apps. It helps because sqmapi.dll is developed by Microsoft and is present by default on a new Windows installation.
Before you leave, discover all about DLL errors in Windows and take suitable steps to prevent them from reappearing!
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
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