The winmm.dll file is a key component of the Windows Multimedia API, responsible for handling audio playback, joystick input, timers, and other multimedia functions. Many games and multimedia applications rely on this file to run properly. If it becomes missing or corrupted, you may encounter errors like: "winmm.dll is missing", "winmm.dll not found", "The program can't start because winmm.dll is missing", "Error loading winmm.dll". These dll errors can prevent games, audio software, or other programs from starting, so resolving the issue quickly is important.
Common Causes of winmm.dll Errors
Accidental deletion of winmm.dll
Corrupted or damaged Windows multimedia components
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers
Malware infection
Incomplete or corrupted game/software installation
Windows update issues
Registry corruption
Understanding the cause helps determine the most effective fix.
Update Windows
Windows updates can replace missing multimedia components:
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Install all available updates
Restart your PC
Repair the winmm.dll File Automatically
If the error persists even after updating DirectX, your system may have deeper issues such as corrupted registry entries or damaged DLL configurations. A repair tool like PcGoGo DLL Fixer can automatically detect and repair missing or broken DLL files—including winmm.dll.
Step 1: Download PcGoGo DLL Fixer
Click the Download button to get the installer
Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions
Step 2: Run a Full System Scan
Open PcGoGo DLL Fixer
Click Scan to detect missing, corrupted, or incorrectly registered DLL files
Step 3: Repair
After scanning, locate winmm.dll in the results
Click Repair Now to restore it
The tool will automatically place the correct version in the proper system directory
Step 4: Restart Your PC
Restart your computer and check if the program runs normally
This solution is helpful when windows update cannot fix deeper DLL problems
Repair System Files (SFC & DISM)
Run SFC
Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator
Enter the command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete
Restart your PC
Run DISM
If SFC does not fix the error:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator again
Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC after completion
These tools repair corrupted system components that may be causing the error.
Reinstall the Affected Game or Software
If the error only appears in one game or application, its files may be incomplete or damaged.
Open Control Panel → Programs and Features
Uninstall the program showing the error
Restart your PC
Reinstall the program from an official source
This ensures all required DLLs are correctly installed.
Scan for Malware
Viruses or malware can delete or corrupt DLL files:
Open Windows Security
Go to Virus & threat protection
Run a Full Scan
Remove any threats
After scanning, run SFC again to ensure the DLL is restored.
Perform a System Restore
If the error began after a system change:
Press Windows + R, type rstrui, press Enter
Select a restore point when your system worked normally
Follow the on-screen instructions
This reverts your PC to a previous state where winmm.dll was intact.
Conclusion
The winmm.dll missing error can disrupt games, multimedia applications, and other programs that rely on Windows multimedia functions. Common causes include accidental deletion, corrupted system or multimedia files, outdated audio drivers, malware, and incomplete software installations. To fix the issue, you can update Windows, repair the DLL automatically with PcGoGo DLL Fixer, run system repair tools like SFC and DISM, reinstall affected software, perform a malware scan, or use System Restore to revert to a working state. Following these steps ensures that winmm.dll is restored and your programs run smoothly again.
