How to Fix wlanhlp.dll Missing Error (Solved)

What is wlanhlp.dll?

wlanhlp.dll, short for Wireless Zero Configuration Helper DLL, is a crucial system file in Windows that belongs to the Wireless AutoConfig service. It’s a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file responsible for managing wireless network connections. When this file goes missing, it may cause various issues with your Wi-Fi connectivity.

Why is wlanhlp.dll Missing?

There are several reasons why you might encounter the wlanhlp.dll error in Windows. Common causes include:

• Malware Infections: Malicious software can corrupt or delete important system files, such as wlanhlp.dll.
• Accidental Deletion: You may have accidentally deleted the file during a system clean-up or while trying to remove unwanted programs.

Step-by-Step Fixes:

Method 1: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

The wlanhlp.dll file is associated with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. If the file is missing, reinstalling this package might solve the issue.

1. Visit the official Microsoft Download Center at: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads
2. Download the appropriate version for your Windows OS and architecture (x64 or x86)
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Visual C++ Redistributable.

Method 2: Run SFC /scannow command

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Running the SFC command with the /scannow switch performs a full scan of all protected system files.

4. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (Press Win + X keys, then select ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’).
5. Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete, which may take several minutes. Follow any on-screen prompts that appear during the process.

Method 3: Update System Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can also cause issues with wlanhlp.dll. Updating your system drivers may resolve the problem.

7. Press Win + X keys, then select ‘Device Manager’ from the list.
8. Expand the ‘Network adapters’ category.
9. Right-click your wireless network adapter and choose ‘Update driver’.
10. Select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ and follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Conclusion

The wlanhlp.dll missing error can be troublesome, but by following the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore your wireless network connectivity on Windows.