Open DLL files

  • Full name
    Dynamic Link Library Format
  • Developer
    Microsoft
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a DLL file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a DLL file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your DLL file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is DLL file?

DLL files are so-called dynamic link library files, which are provided under Windows by the operating system or other programs.

More info

They contain program parts, e.g. Functions or data that can be dynamically reloaded and used by programs. Many drivers also use these files.

Many DLL files are available system-wide and are used by numerous programs. This reduces memory usage as different programs can use the same file and functionality.

It is generally not recommended to delete or modify files with the extension dll, as this can endanger the function of programs or even Windows itself. Even duplicate DLL files should not be touched because different versions of the same file may exist. However, existing DLL files in the directory of a program can be deleted during an uninstall.

Information about the DLL file can be obtained via the context menu (right-click).

It can create and modify DLL files with development environments like Microsoft Visual Studio

Programs which can open a DLL file

How to open file with DLL extension?

In order to open a file with DLL extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening DLL file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with DLL files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Visual Studio or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening DLL files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DLL files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DLL files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Visual Studio as the default program for opening DLL files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DLL files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Visual Studio applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Visual Studio has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with DLL files

Sometimes problems with opening DLL files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • DLL files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open DLL files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • DLL file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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