Fix: Missing Wldcore.dll Error In Windows 10 & 11

Getting the “Missing Wldcore.dll” error in Windows? In this guide, we'll explain what this error is and how you can get rid of it.

Attempting to start a Windows process, such as Windows Live Mail or any other Windows Live Essentials Application, only to find out you can’t due to the “Missing Wldcore.dll” Error, can be a frustrating experience.

Unfortunately, this happens often to Windows users, and it’s due to a missing or corrupt .dll file that has to be re-acquired or fixed for this problem to go away.

We explain everything about the “missing wldcore.dll” error in this guide, so feel free to keep reading to learn more.

Let’s begin.

Table of ContentsShow

What Is A “.dll” File?

Problem

The file extension “.dll” indicates that a file is a “Dynamic Link Library.” These files comprise libraries with resources that applications require for seamless operation on your computer.

If a programmer writes code that is beneficial but doesn’t perform any tasks independently, yet can be utilized by other apps to enable their functionality, when they compile that code, it emerges as a .dll file, and not a .exe file, as it cannot be executed as a standalone app. So, similar to reusable code that can be accessed by many apps as an extension or a feature, but isn’t an app on its own, like 3D renderers, database engines, and other forms of code that an app can “call” for its advantages.

So, for instance, if program A has to borrow code and data from library A but that library is damaged or absent from the system, program A will be unable to start and you’ll get the “Missing Wldcore.dll” Windows error.

This is why .dll files are extremely important as numerous processes and applications on our computers require them.

The “Missing Wldcore.dll” Windows Error Explained

Fix or Troubleshoot

Now that you know more about “.dll” files, what they’re used for, and how important they are for apps to run properly, or at all, you likely have a much better idea of why the “Missing Wldcore.dll” error appears on your computer.

It’s simple, the apps you’re trying to run require the “Wldcore.dll” library, and your computer doesn’t have it or it’s inaccessible for some reason.

Users reported seeing multiple different messages shown on the error prompt when dealing with this error. Some of the ones we know are:

  • Wldcore.dll cannot be found
  • The wldcore.dll file is missing
  • Cannot find C:WindowsSystem32wldcore.dll
  • Cannot register wldcore.dll
  • Wldcore.dll not found
  • A required component is missing: wldcore.dll
  • Missing wldcore.dll
  • Application failed to start because wldcore.dll was not found

Though it seems daunting at first, this problem is not complicated to understand at all. Here’s what you can do to fix it.

Fix 1: “Fetch” The Missing “.dll” From A Functioning Program

Folder

One of the easiest ways to fix this issue is by “fetching” the wldcore.dll file from one of the folders of the Windows Live apps that share it, then paste it into the folder of the app that cannot launch due to the file missing from its main folder.

Here’s how to do that:

  1. Open the Windows File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to C:Program Files (x86)Windows LiveShared or if you are a 64-bit user, open the “regular” Program Files folder, not the one with the x86 extension to its name, as you may not find the files in the x86 folder (skip this if they’re already there).
  3. In the Shared folder, you’ll see a list of files. Find wldcore.dll and wldlog.dll, select both, then click copy.
  4. Now go back one folder in the address, and you should be in the C:Program Files (x86)Windows Live location. Open the Messenger, Contacts, and Mail folders, then paste the two files you copied in each of these three folders you just opened.

Now, restart your computer and see if the error still shows up upon trying to open one of the Windows Live programs.

Fix 2: Download The “.dll” File From The Internet

Download

If you’re unable to locate the wldcore.dll file in the folder mentioned earlier, you’ll need to obtain it again from the internet.

Fortunately, dll-files is a well-liked website that serves as a database for .dll files, and you can find the wldcore.dll file there and download it for free.

Simply open the website, type in wldcore.dll in the search bar, and initiate the search by pressing Enter on your keyboard. Then, click on the file from the search results list, scroll down and find the latest version, then click Download.

Wait for the download to complete and then unzip the file. Copy and paste the file into the Messenger, Contacts, and Mail folders mentioned in step #4 in the previous section above.

Now, the problem should be fixed, and you should be able to launch the program(s) without receiving the missing wldcore.dll Windows error.

Fix 3: Run The System File Checker (SFC) Tool In The Command Prompt

Command

Sometimes users don’t manage to fix the problem despite reacquiring and re-adding the wldcore.dll file in the adequate folders. In such cases, the System File Checker tool can help fix the problem, and using it is quite straightforward.

The System File Checker can also assist with many other Windows issues connected to absent or defective files. Here’s how to execute it:

  1. Simultaneously press Windows on your keyboard to bring up the Search Box.
  2. Type in Command Prompt, right-click the first result, and choose Run as Administrator to launch an elevated version required for this fix.
    Command Prompt
  3. Once the Command Prompt is open, type in sfc /scannow and press Enter on your keyboard to initiate the command, as shown in the image below.
    Windows cmd sfc :scannow

Wait until the process is complete. You’ll get a confirmation message once it finishes scanning. When the verification and repairs are carried out, restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

For most users, this method solved the problem, so it should work for you too.

Conclusion

That covers everything you should know about fixing the missing wldcore.dll Windows error. Hopefully, the methods listed in this guide will help you restore functionality to the group of Windows Live apps.

Please note that this issue is quite common among Windows users and does not indicate a major problem with your computer or operating system. It is simply caused by a missing .dll file, as explained in this guide.

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Bojan Veselinovikj
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Bojan is a video-game developer and a tech enthusiast. Combining these two passions allow him to keep you informed on everything that's new in this fast-paced digital world.