Winhttp.dll error message

There are several different ways that the winhttp.dll error can show up on your computer. Here are some common patterns that you may see winhttp.dll errors:

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

The Winhttp.dll error message may appear while installing some programs, when Windows starts or shut down, or even during Windows installation.

The background winhttp.dll error is an essential piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.

Cause Winhttp.dll error

Winhttp.dll error is caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the DLLwinhttp file.

In some cases, the winhttp.dll error can indicate registry problems, viruses or malware problems, or even a hardware failure.

Don’t want to fix this yourself?

If you are interested in fixing this problem for yourself, continue with the next section.

If not, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? For a complete list of your support options, plus help with things like figuring out repair costs, getting your files, choosing repair services, and a whole lot more.

How to Fix Winhttp.dll Errors

Important: Do not download winhttp.dll from a “download DLL” site. There are many reasons why downloading a DLL file is such a bad idea. If you need a copy of winhttp.dll, it’s best to get it from its original, legitimate source.

Note: Start Windows in Safe Mode to complete any of the following steps if you can’t access Windows, usually due to the winhttp.dll error.

  1. Recover winhttp.dll from Trash. The most likely cause of the missing ” winhttp.dll ” file is that you mistakenly deleted it. If you suspect that you have accidentally deleted winhttp.dll, but you have emptied the Recycle Bin, you can recover winhttp.dll with a free file recovery program.Note: Restoring a deleted copy of WinHTTP.dll with a file recovery program is a smart idea only if you are sure you deleted the file and yourself that it worked properly before. You do it.
  2. Run virus/malware scan on the entire system. Some winhttp.dll errors could be related to a virus or malware infecting your computer that damaged the DLL file. It could even be that the winhttp.dll error you’re seeing is related to a hostile program that is a fake file.
  3. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect the winhttp.dll error was caused by a change to an important file or configuration, a System Restore might resolve the problem.
  4. Reinstall the program using the winhttp.dll file. If the winhttp.dll DLL error occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling the program should replace the file. Necessary: Do your best to complete this step. Reinstalling the program that provided the winhttp.dll file, if possible, is a viable solution to this DLL error.
  5. Update drivers for hardware devices that may be related to winhttp.dll. For example, if you get the error ” winhttp.dll file is missing” when you play a 3D video game, try updating the drivers for your video card. Note: The winhttp.dll file may or may not be related to a video tag – this is just one example. The key here is to pay a lot of attention to the error context and fix it accordingly.
  6. Go back to the driver for a previously installed version if the winhttp.dll error started after updating the specific hardware device driver.
  7. Run the command sfc / scannow System File Checker to replace the lost or damaged copy of the winhttp.dll file. If this DLL file is made available to Microsoft, the System File Checker tool will restore it.
  8. Install any existing Windows updates. Many service packs and other patches replace or update some of the hundreds of Microsoft distributed DLL files on your computer. The winhttp.dll file may be included in one of those updates.
  9. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. I have let most hardware problems go to the last step, but your computer memory and hard drive are easy to check and are the components that can cause winhttp.dll errors when they fail. If the hardware doesn’t do any of your checks, replace the memory, or replace the hard drive.
  10. Repair Windows installation. If the above troubleshooting guide of individual winhttp.dll file fails, performing repair installation or boot repair must restore all Windows DLL files for their working copy.
  11. Use a free registry cleaner to fix winhttp.dll related problems in the registry. A free registry cleaner can help remove invalid winhttp.dll registry entries that could cause DLL errors. Necessary: I rarely recommend the use of detergents. I have included the selection here as a “last resort” attempt ahead of the upcoming destructive step.
  12. Perform a complete Windows installation. A clean install of Windows deletes everything from the hard drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above fix the winhttp.dll error, this will be your next step. Necessary: I rarely recommend the use of detergents. I have included the selection here as a “last resort” attempt ahead of the upcoming destructive step.
  13. Fix a hardware problem if any winhttp.dll errors persist. After a complete Windows installation, your DLL issue might be hardware related only.

Apply for

WinHTTP.dll error message could apply to any program or system can use any file on any of Microsoft’s operating system, including Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.