Summary: Kernel32.dll is a critical Windows component. If it goes missing or corrupted, it can put the system and its data at stake. To fix the error, you can try reinstalling the problematic app, updating Windows, running a virus scan, updating drivers, and other methods shared in this blog. Additionally, keep professional data recovery software handy to prevent potential data loss due to this error.
Kernel32.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file, found in the Windows kernel module. It is loaded into a protected memory during your system boots up. It handles memory management, information and configuration, input/output operations, thread synchronization, and other tasks. Simply put, the Kernel32.DLL file is an important component for your Windows system to run and function correctly.
However, when a Kernel32.dll file goes missing, or corrupted, different error messages may appear on your screen, eventually making the system and its data inaccessible. Worry not! You can fix the error by following the troubleshooting methods, discussed in this blog.
Continue reading to learn more about Kernel32.dll errors and their fixes!
Different Kernel32.dll Error Messages
There are different ways you may receive a kernel32.dll error message on your system screen. Missing Kernel32.dll being the most prominent, here are other common errors:
- SetDefaultDllDirectories could not be located in KERNEL32.dll
- Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.DLL
- Commgr32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
- Mprexe caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
- Msgsrv32 caused an invalid page fault in the module Kernel32.dll
- [PROGRAM NAME] has caused an error in Kernel32.dll
- Failed to get proc address for GetLogicalProcessorInformation (KERNEL32.dll)
These errors may occur at times. For example, when your system boots, a program is open or closed, or even while the program is running.
How to Fix Kernel32.dll Errors?
Irrespective of the variation in the kernel32.dll error messages, you can fix it easily with the following methods.
Method 1 – Scan your PC for Malware Infection
Some computer viruses may imitate a kernel32.dll file and cause damage to your system. Quarantining such a virus can help you sort the issues instantly. To do so, scan your PC with any third-party antivirus program installed on your system like Kaspersky, Norton, etc., Or easier, run Windows Defender Antivirus software to check for any malware infection with the following steps:
- Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I and there, locate Update & Security.
- On selecting Update & Security, you need to choose Windows Security on the left panel.
- Further, select Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll down to Scan options.
- Now, select Full scan > Scan now.
Once the scanning is done, open the program that triggered the kernel32.dll error and see if it is fixed.
Method 2 – Run System File Checker
Since the Kernel32.dll file is an essential part of the Windows system, running the System File Checker (SFC) scan may help fix the related errors. The SFC is a Windows built-in tool to check corruption or damage to the system files and replace them with their correct versions. Thereby, solving multiple such issues. To run an SFC scan, follow the below steps:
- Press Windows + S to open Search. There, type cmd and run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Click Yes when prompted. Next, in the elevated cmd window, type sfc/scannow and hit Enter.
- The process may take some time. Let the scan complete.
- Once done, check the scan results. If there are further instructions, follow them accordingly and complete the process.
- Finally, reboot your system and see if the problem is fixed.
Method 3 – Update Windows
An outdated OS makes your system vulnerable to several online threats and even may cause such DLL errors. Therefore, check for the pending Windows-related patches, or service packs, and install them with the following steps:
- Open Settings (Windows + I) and then follow Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If you see a list of pending updates, click Install now and initiate the updating Windows process.
Once the pending updates are installed, restart your system, and check if the problem is solved.
Method 4 – Remove Buggy Software/App/Program
A kernel32.dll error may also occur when you open or close a certain program, or even while running it. In this case, try uninstalling and reinstalling the application/program to check if the issue gets resolved.
- Go to Windows Settings and follow Apps > Apps & features.
- Locate the app and click Uninstall > Uninstall > Yes to confirm the app removal action.
- Once done, reboot your system and see if the error is fixed.
- Finally, you can install the software from their official website.
Method 5 – Run CHKDSK Command
If the kernel32.dll file is located on the corrupted hard drive, it may eventually be corrupted and lead to several errors. Run the CHKDSK command to scan and repair your drive and check if the error gets resolved.
Note: The CHKDSK command, when runs with /f and /r attributes, locates, and repairs the hard drive issues. It additionally marks the bad sectors on the hard drive and prevents Windows from storing data from those bad sectors. If there’s any data on those bad sectors, it will become inaccessible. So, backup your data before proceeding (if possible).
Scan and Repair Hard Drive Issues to Solve Kerner32.Dll error:
- Open Command Prompt and run it as administrator.
- Choose Yes when prompted and afterward, type chkdsk /f/r D: and hit Enter. (Replace D: with your hard drive letter).
Once done, close the window and restart your system.
Bonus Tip:
If you forgot to take a backup of your data and lost data after running the CHKDSK command, worry not! You can use Stellar Data Recovery Professional, an easy-to-use, yet powerful DIY data recovery software to recover lost data due to deletion, drive formatting, corruption, or even system breakdown.
Method 7 – Perform Clean Windows Installation
The last bet to mitigate this error would be a clean Windows installation. Performing a clean Windows installation will remove the existing Windows OS and install it again from scratch, meaning that all the current Windows-related issues on your PC will be fixed. However, all the programs, files, drivers, etc. will also be removed from the system. Hence, you must have a data backup ready before proceeding with this method.
Conclusion:
Kernel32.dll file, if gets deleted, corrupted, or damaged, it can make your system malfunction, cause issues in running the application, or even make it completely unbootable. However, the error can be solved with the methods mentioned above. You can also use professional data recovery software to recover data from an unbootable or crashed Windows OS.
FAQs
- Is kernel32.dll 64-bit?
The Kernel32. A DLL file is a 32-bit DLL file that is used in Windows OS to handle input/output operations, memory management, synchronization, and process creation.
- Can 64-bit run 32-bit DLL?
If you have a 64-bit Windows, it can’t load a 32-bit Dynamic-link Library (DLL). Similarly, a 32-bit process can’t load a 64-bit DLL file.
- How do I resolve a DLL problem?
Since there are multiple DLL errors, their causes and solutions are also different. You can refer to this guide to learn more about common DLL errors and how to fix them.
