DLL File

What are DLL files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DLL file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a DLL file?

DLL files have multiple uses, and Windows Dynamic Link Library is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Windows Dynamic Link Library

DLL files, also called Dynamic Link Libraries, contain a collection of executable functions and information that can be used by various Windows programs. A .DLL file cannot run on its own. Instead, it is loaded and used by a program executable (EXE file), so you should not try to run them on their own.

If you are getting DLL errors, we strongly suggest you check your PC for errors and malware. It could also be that you installed a program that accidentally replaced a newer version of a DLL file with an older one, causing other programs to crash or display DLL errors.

Many programs use DLL files to allow users to extend the program with additional features. These DLL files are often referred to as PlugIns.

How to open DLL files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DLL file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DLL file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: February 24, 2023

All known file formats using extension .DLL

While Windows Dynamic Link Library is a popular type of DLL-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .DLL file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Generic .NET DLL/Assembly

We know that one DLL format is Generic .NET DLL/Assembly. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

OS/2 Dynamic Link Library

We know that one DLL format is OS/2 Dynamic Link Library. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DLL file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.