Pdh.dll Not Found or Missing Error: What Causes It & How to Fix

In this post, NewsPivot will explore why the pdh.dll not found or missing error has occurred, what the result of this error will be, and how to fix the pdh.dll missing error effectively. Now, read further and you will see more details.

Why Is Fixing Pdh.dll Missing Error Important?

First of all, you should know what the .dll file is. The .dll (Dynamic Link Library) file, one of the file types in Windows, resembles the file extensions used for executable files. It cannot be executed on its own and typically needs a host to run it. If these files get lost or damaged, the applications, processes, or other stuff they’re connected to will not work properly.

As for phd.dll, also called Windows Performance Data Helper DLL, plays a crucial role in ensuring that Windows programs can run smoothly. Therefore, the loss of the pdh.dll file may affect the proper functioning of related software.

The error message related to pdh.dll can occur in any program or system that uses the files on any Microsoft operating system. You may see the message “This application failed to start because pdh.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”

Apart from app accessibility, the pdh.dll error also means that your computer may have other problems, such as hardware failure, registry problems, or malware issues.

In this case, fixing pdh.dll not found or missing error is a matter of great urgency. Let’s explore how to fix the pdh.dll error together.

How to Fix the Pdh.dll Error?

Use the following introductions to fix the pdh.dll not found or missing error.

Option 1. Use System Restore

System Restore can help you roll Windows back to an earlier date and will undo any changes made to system files. Here’s how to fix the pdh.dll missing error using System Restore.

Step 1: Press Win and R simultaneously to open the Run command.

Step 2: Type rstrui into the box and press Enter to launch System Restore.

Step 3: Click Next and choose a restore point before the error occurs. Then, click Next to continue.

Step 4: Read the introductions carefully and click Finish to perform the restoration.

Afterward, your computer will restart normally and return to its previous time point. Check if the pdh.dll error is fixed.

Option 2. Run System File Checker

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows.

Step 2: Under Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter to start a system check. When finished, the result would be “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them”.

Step 3: Restart your PC and see if the error persists.

Option 3. Scan Computer for Virus/Malware

Step 1: Type Windows Security in the search box and choose the result.

Step 2: In the new window, select Virus & threat protection and choose the Scan options link.

Step 3: Scroll down to choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now to start. Then, your PC will restart at once to perform an in-depth test.

Option 4. Update Drivers

Step 1: Type Device Manager in Windows search and hit the result.

Step 2: Right-click the device that needs to be updated and choose Update driver.

Step 3: Under the popup window, choose Search automatically for drivers, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish the process.

Step 4: Repeat the third step for each category if necessary. Then restart your PC.

Option 5.  Reinstall the Program related to the pdh.dll file

Since the error usually shows the name of the application that fails to start, you can try to reinstall the program associated with the pdh.dll file.

Step 1: Launch Control Panel, find Programs, and click the Uninstall a program link.

Step 2: Navigate to the problematic app and right-click it to choose Uninstall.

Step 3: After uninstalling, restart your computer and reinstall the app.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the five ways above are the most effective ways to fix the pdh.dll not found or missing error. If they do work, then you can access your programs successfully.