DLL stands for “Dynamic Link Library”, an implementation of the shared library concept in Windows.
A DLL (.dll) file contains a library of functions and other information that can be accessed by a Windows program.
There are several common functions used by programs. For example, many programs such as .exe files allow users to open and save files.
The code for these functions could be added to each program separately. However, a more efficient method is to have a common file (or library) containing these functions to be used by any program that needs them.
That’s what a .dll file – in the above example the COMCTL32.dll file – does. DLL files sit on a Windows machine ready to be used when required.
Note that .dll files can’t be run on their own; they require an executable program.
Here’s a more comprehensive definition from the techterms website:
A DLL (.dll) file contains a library of functions and other information that can be accessed by a Windows program. When a program is launched, links to the necessary .dll files are created. If a static link is created, the .dll files will be in use as long as the program is active. If a dynamic link is created, the .dll files will only be used when needed. Dynamic links help programs use resources, such as memory and hard drive space, more efficiently.
https://techterms.com/definition/dll
It’s possible to check, and fix, DLL errors using WinThruster by Solvusoft.
Examples Of .dll Files
What is steamui.dll? Steamui.dll is a part of the SteamUI Dynamic Link Library developed by Valve Corporation. It is compatible with the Windows operating system. Steamui.dll guarantees …
What is msvcp100.dll? Msvcp100.dll, developed by Microsoft, helps run Visual C++ based games and applications. As such it is an important file as Visual C++ is popular amongst …
What Is MSVCR71.dll? MSVCR71.dll is a dll file that is installed with the Visual C++ Redistributable, like a file we’ve already reviewed on the site: vcruntime140_1.dll msvcr71 …
Vulkan-1.dll is an important part of many high-end games such as those from Roboblox and Electronic Arts. It is almost certainly safe – the main issue …
vcruntime140_1.dll file makes it possible to run many Microsoft programs such as Windows Explorer in older versions of Windows.
ntdll.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file used by Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It is also present in other versions of …
RGSS202E.dll is used in games developed using the RPG Maker software and is usually safe. However, out of date dll files, or files masquerading as …
What Is vcomp140.dll? vcomp140.dll is a DLL file, part of the “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015”, a Microsoft product. Sometimes the error ‘vcomp140.dll Is Missing’ is …
What Is AVChrome.dll? AVChrome.dll is a DLL file associated with the AVG Anti Virus software package. Sometimes the error ‘AVChrome.dll Is Missing’ is received, especially when trying …
What Is Libcef.dll? Libcef.dll is a DLL file associated with the Chromium Embedded Framework. It is used to embed the open-source Chromium web browser into another …
LogiLDA.dll is a DLL file associated with the Logitech Download Assistant, usually downloaded when installing a Logitech piece of hardware, such as a mouse, webcam, …
