Fix: The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located Error In Windows 10 & 11

Encountering errors is a normal part of every user’s PC experience, but knowing that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or worrying.

When your computer freezes with an error prompt on the screen, there’s not much else to do besides searching for information about the specific problem.

One of the known Windows errors often troubling users is the “The Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” problem, and we happen to cover it in this guide along with all potential ways to fix it.

Let’s get started.

The Problem Explained

Upon encountering an error, the first questions are what triggered it, how we can prevent it from happening again in the future, and of course, what’s the easiest way to fix it.

When it comes to the “Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” error, the most often cause is the software you attempt launching being unable to locate the DLL library mandatory for its functionality.  

But, this alone can have a few diverse reasons as well, such as the DLL files missing or being corrupt, the software is provided an incorrect path, or simply a bug caused by an unstable software version.

Now, what makes this error frustrating to deal with is the fact that most users don’t know what causes it, and if they have one of the faulty programs set to launch on startup, or even worse, auto-restart, they’ll see the prompt frequently, and the PC may crash.

Luckily, this error is not too challenging to manage if you are acquainted with the accurate procedures. To learn more, refer to the subsequent sections.

Fix 1: Reinstall The App Associated With The Error

Since this is not a “general problem” with your computer, one of the first, easiest, and simplest methods to fix the “Procedure Entry Point Could Not Be Located” Windows error that we recommend is reinstalling the associated app.

At times, it could be a video game or photo-altering software, such as Photoshop, for instance.

Once you reinstall the app, it may “magically” work again the next time you launch it. That is because the files required for the software to run will get reinstalled on your computer, so if they were previously missing or corrupt, now you won’t have that problem anymore.

However, this does not always fix the problem.  

Fix 2: Use The System File Checker

Since corrupt files are one of the primary causes of this error, using the System File Checker feature on Windows is a viable method to fix it.

The Windows SFC, or System File Checker, is responsible for scanning your computer, finding any corrupt files, libraries, and folders, then repairing them so your PC can restore its functionality.

Using the System File Checker is easy, and here’s how you can utilize it to fix the error:

1. Simultaneously press Windows + S buttons on your keyboard to bring the search bar.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar, right-click the first result and choose Run as Administrator to launch an “elevated” version.
   
3. Once the panel shows on your screen, type in the “sfc /scannow” command and press Enter on your keyboard to initiate it, as shown in the image below.
   
4. Wait until the process ends, which may last for a while based on your computer’s performance.

Once the process is complete, you’ll see a confirmation message, as shown in the image below.

The final step is to restart your PC after the process is complete.

This method is showcased in this handy video, so if you prefer a visual depiction more than written instructions, feel free to watch it:

Now, the error should be fixed and it will likely no longer appear.

Fix 3: Register The “.dll” File Anew

This method has a bit more technology involved, but we’ll make it easier for you to understand and complete.

Here’s how to re-register the broken .dll files and potentially fix the error you’re currently facing.

1. Simultaneously press Windows + S on your keyboard to bring the search bar.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar, right-click the first result and choose Run as Administrator to launch an “elevated” version.
   
3. Now, type in regsvr32 DLL, but instead of the “DLL” part, type in the name of the .dll file pointed out in the error prompt.
4. Press Enter to execute the command and then wait until the process completes.

If everything went through as intended, you’ll receive a confirmation message stating that the .dll file you “targeted” with this command has been fixed successfully.

Now, the error should no longer appear while using your PC.

Fix 4: Refer To The Event Viewer For More Info  

This method is used to find the cause of the problem more precisely and “eliminate” it without having to go through a lot of trial and error. It can also help you understand more about the problem and why it keeps occurring on your PC.

Here’s how to use the Event Viewer panel to potentially fix the “procedure entry point could not be located” error.

1. Simultaneously press Windows + X on your keyboard to open the context menu.
2. Choose Event Viewer from the list of options.
3. In the left-side panel, search for Windows Logs and then click on it. Then, choose System.
4. Find the last event recorded before the error prompt “popped up” on your screen. Click it to view more information, and you should see the name of an application or service likely causing the problem.

Now, although this isn’t a “direct solution,” it’s a method that provides you with just enough information to know where to begin when solving this error.

You can use the acquired information to uninstall the problem associated with the error and start from there.

Conclusion

That’s everything you should know about this concerning Windows error, and hopefully, you’ll be able to fix it by applying the methods listed in this guide.

Please be aware that various Windows errors may respond differently to specific fixes, so don’t lose hope if a method that worked for someone else doesn’t work for you. Attempt all the suggested solutions.