How to Replace Comctl32.dll

By Jamie Ratliff

Dynamic Link Library files are used to store instructions.
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Dynamic link library (DLL) files store code and data that can be shared by multiple programs. The comctl32.dll file stores data for the Windows Common Controls. Windows programs can access the comctl32.dll file and use the data to display a graphical user interface that is consistent with the look and feel of the Windows operating system. If a program tries to access the comctl32.dll file and can't find it, an error message will be displayed stating the file comctl32.dll is missing. The solution is to restore the missing file.

Download the missing comctl32.dll file. Locate a website that offers the comctl32.dll file. You can also use the link in the Resources section.

Unzip the download file if it is a .zip-type file. Right-click on the file and choose "extract" to make the file available in a .dll format.

Install the missing comctl32.dll file in the proper folder on the computer. If the operating system is 64-bit Windows, copy comctl32.dll to the "C:\Windows\SysWOW64" folder. If the operating system is 32-bit Windows, copy comctl32.dll to the "C:\Windows\System32" folder.

Restart the computer by clicking on the "Start" button and selecting the "Restart Computer" option.

Open the computer program that previously displayed the error message stating that the file comctl32.dll was missing. This will verify the program now works properly.

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