How to Fix wmi.dll Missing Error (Solved)

What is wmi.dll?

The wmi.dll file stands for Windows Management Instrumentation Dynamic Link Library. It is a crucial system file responsible for managing and monitoring various hardware and software components on your Windows operating system. This file helps in automating the tasks related to system management, such as event logging, performance data collection, and security auditing.

Why is wmi.dll missing?

There could be several reasons for the wmi.dll file becoming missing on your Windows system. Common causes include accidental deletion due to user actions or malware infection that might have removed or corrupted the file. Other possibilities are system updates gone awry, or a problem with the Windows Installer service.

Step-by-Step Fixes:

Method 1: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

The wmi.dll file is associated with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. To fix the missing wmi.dll error, you can reinstall the related package(s) on your system.

1. Visit the official Microsoft Download Center at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145.
2. Download and run the Visual C++ Redistributable x64 (or x86, depending on your system architecture) installer package.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Method 2: Run SFC /scannow command

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows utility that scans system files and restores corrupted or missing files. Here’s how to run the SFC /scannow command:

1. Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:



sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the system scan to complete. Once it’s done, restart your computer, and check if the wmi.dll error still persists.

Method 3: Update System Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause various system errors, including the wmi.dll missing error. To update your system drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, find the device whose driver needs to be updated and right-click on it.
3. Select “Update Driver” and choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

Repeat this process for all devices whose drivers you want to update.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have covered various methods to fix the wmi.dll missing error in Windows. By reinstalling the related Visual C++ Redistributable packages, running the SFC /scannow command, and updating system drivers, you can resolve the issue effectively.