How to Fix wininet.dll Missing Error (Solved)

What is wininet.dll?

Wininet.dll, short for Windows Internet Dynamic Link Library, is a crucial system file in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It serves as a dynamic link library that provides functions for requesting and receiving data from the internet. This file plays an essential role in various applications that require network connectivity.

Why is wininet.dll missing?

The ‘wininet.dll’ missing error can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Malware or Virus Infection: Malicious software may corrupt or delete the wininet.dll file, leading to the error.
• Accidental Deletion: Sometimes, users might accidentally delete this system file while cleaning up unnecessary files or through a manual uninstallation of an associated application.

Step-by-Step Fixes:

Method 1: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

The wininet.dll file is often associated with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. To resolve the issue, reinstalling this software package might help:

1. Visit the official Microsoft download center at Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
2. Choose the appropriate version of the software for your operating system and click ‘Download’
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the package.

Method 2: Run SFC /scannow command

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in utility in Windows that scans for missing or corrupted system files and attempts to repair them. Running the SFC /scannow command can help fix the wininet.dll error:

4. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (Press Win + X, then select ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’)
5. Type the following command and press Enter: `sfc /scannow`
6. Wait for the scanning process to complete. Once finished, restart your computer.

Method 3: Update System Drivers

Outdated drivers can sometimes lead to issues with system files like wininet.dll. Updating your system drivers may help resolve the problem:

7. Press Win + X, then select ‘Device Manager’ from the menu
8. Expand the categories and locate the device driver causing problems.
9. Right-click on the device and select ‘Update driver.’
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver. If needed, you can also search automatically for updated driver software.

Conclusion

The wininet.dll missing error in Windows can be a frustrating issue, but by following the step-by-step fixes outlined above, you should be able to resolve this problem and get your system back to normal.