Winhttp.dll: What is It & How can I Fix the Errors Related to It?

If you have encountered a Winhttp.dll could not be found error, it could be due to a corrupted app, missing system files, or outdated drivers.

The winhttp.dll error message often applies to any app that may use the file on any of Microsoft’s operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, or Windows 2000.

What is Winhttp.dll?

The Winhttp.dll is a Dynamic Link Library associated with Microsoft Windows HTTP services. Server applications that communicate with HTTP servers use this DLL file.

First, ensure you have the latest Windows version installed on your device. Then, navigate to the Recycle Bin to make sure the DLL file is not accidentally deleted, and run a full malware scan using a reliable antivirus tool.

How can I get rid of the Winhttp.dll not found error?

1. Download a DLL fixer tool

If you have another device with the same Windows version, copy the DLL file from this location: C:\WINDOWS\System32, move it to a USB drive, plug it into the affected PC, and paste it into the System32 folder.

However, if you don’t have any other computer or are not comfortable copying it from the device, you can try using a third-party DLL fixer tool. You can download & install the tool to ensure all the DLl files are restored.

NOTE

First, press Windows + R to invoke the Run dialog box. Then, type msconfig and press Enter. Go to Boot, then select Safe Boot and Network from the Boot options. Click Apply, & OK, then choose Restart to save the changes. Now follow all these methods one by one to fix the missing DLL issue.

2. Reinstall the affected app

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. From the left pane, click Apps, and select Installed apps.
3. Go to the affected app, click the three-dot icon, and choose Uninstall from the context menu.
4. Click Uninstall again.
5. Now, download the app from the official website, double-click the executable file to install it, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Re-register the DLL file

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search box, and click Run as administrator from the list of options to launch Command Prompt with elevated rights.
2. Type the following command to re-register the Winhttp.dll and press Enter: regsvr32 Winhttp.dll
3. When prompted, click OK to confirm and restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

Reregistering the Winhttp.dll can help you fix the issue if you already have the file on your computer.

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4. Run SFC & DISM scans

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search box, and select Run as administrator from the list of options to open Command Prompt with administrator rights. 
2. Copy & paste the following command to restore the corrupted system files on your PC, and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete, type the following command to scan the Windows image files for corruption and repair it using the Windows Update, and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Let the command execute successfully, and reboot your PC to save the changes.

5. Update/reinstall the graphics driver

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch the Device Manager app.
3. Locate & expand the Display adapters category. Right-click the graphics driver from the list, and choose Update driver from the context menu. 
4. Click Search automatically for drivers.
5. Windows will now look and install the best driver version. If found, follow the on-screen instructions.

If Windows fails to download the best driver version for your device, you can download the newest version from the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, download and install a third-party driver updater tool to ensure device drivers are updated to the latest version.

If updating the graphics driver didn’t work, try reinstalling it by following these steps:

1. Go to the device driver on the Device Manager app, right-click, and select Uninstall device.

   

2. Go to Action and select Scan for hardware changes from the drop-down menu to reinstall the driver.
   

   

6. Rollback the device driver

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch the Device Manager app.
3. Locate & expand the Display adapters category. Right-click the graphics driver from the list, and choose Properties from the context menu.
4. Go to the Driver tab, and click the Roll Back Driver button.
5. Select the reason and click Yes to confirm.

7. Restore your system settings to a previous version

1. Press the Windows key, type control panel in the search box, and click Open to launch the Control Panel.   
2. Select Large icons for View by, and click Recovery.
3. Click Open System Restore.
4. Select Choose a different restore point on the System Restore window, and click Next to proceed.
5. Before you see the winhttp.dll missing error, select a restore point from the list of available restore points and click Next.
6. Click Finish.

Windows will restart and try to restore the system settings to the selected point. If you see the System Restore did not complete successfully message after the system restarts, we have a detailed guide for you.

8. Download the DLL file manually

NOTE

If you are uncomfortable with any of the methods mentioned above, you can download the file, then copy & paste it to your PC from a trusted third-party website like DLL-FILES, verified and tested by WR experts.

1. Click the DLL-FILES website link to open the Winhttp.dll page. Locate the DLL file that suits your device and click Download.
2. Double-click the downloaded folder to open it, locate and copy the DLL file.
3. Navigate to this path after replacing C with your system drive letter if it is not C for you, and paste the DLL file: C:\WINDOWS\System32
4. Reboot your PC to save the changes.

To conclude, you can fix the Winhttp.dll missing issue by reinstalling or updating the device driver, repairing the system files, reinstalling the affected app, re-registering the DLL file, restoring your system settings to the previous version, or using a DLL fixer tool.

If you often encounter errors or pop-up messages related to missing DLL files, you can check out this guide to learn the reasons for preventing them.

Is there a missing DLL issue due to another DLL file? Here are common ways to recover the DLL file quickly.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the DLL error, please mention them in the comments section below. We are happy to help!