Fixing the xinput1_3.dll Missing Error: A Comprehensive Guide

The dreaded “xinput1_3.dll is missing” error is a common headache for PC gamers and users of certain applications that rely on the DirectX input library. This error, often popping up as a frustrating message box, prevents games and programs from launching, leaving you searching for a solution. But fear not, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to understand, diagnose, and ultimately fix this annoying problem. We’ll cover various methods, from simple checks to more advanced troubleshooting techniques, ensuring you get back to your gaming or application use in no time.

Understanding the xinput1_3.dll Error

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand what the xinput1_3.dll file actually is and why its absence causes problems. The xinput1_3.dll is a dynamic link library (DLL) file that is a crucial component of Microsoft’s DirectX API (Application Programming Interface). Specifically, it’s part of the XInput library, which is responsible for handling input from various game controllers, such as Xbox controllers. Many games and some applications rely on this library to correctly interpret and process input from these devices. When the xinput1_3.dll file is missing, corrupt, or not registered correctly, the applications that depend on it will fail to launch, resulting in the error message.

The error message usually manifests in a few common ways:

• “The program can’t start because xinput1_3.dll is missing from your computer.”
• “This application failed to start because xinput1_3.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”
• “xinput1_3.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.”

These messages are indicators that the system can’t locate or use the xinput1_3.dll file, and it needs to be resolved before the software can function correctly.

Common Causes of the xinput1_3.dll Missing Error

Several factors can contribute to the disappearance or corruption of the xinput1_3.dll file. Identifying the root cause can sometimes help pinpoint the most effective solution. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Accidental Deletion: Perhaps the most straightforward reason, the file might have been accidentally deleted by you or a program. This can happen due to user error, or during cleanup operations.
• Antivirus Interference: Antivirus software can sometimes mistakenly flag the xinput1_3.dll file as a threat and quarantine or delete it.
• Corrupted Installation: The file could have become corrupted during the installation of a game, application, or system updates.
• Damaged System Files: Other corrupt system files or conflicts with drivers can also indirectly lead to xinput1_3.dll related errors.
• Outdated DirectX: An old version of DirectX might not include the necessary files or have outdated versions that cause conflicts.
• Improper Game Installation: If you’re experiencing this error specifically with a game, an incomplete or failed installation of the game itself might be the cause.
• Malware Infection: In rare cases, malware can corrupt or delete critical system files, including the xinput1_3.dll.
• Hardware Issues: While less common, underlying hardware issues, particularly related to USB devices or game controllers, could cause issues with input library recognition.

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing the xinput1_3.dll Missing Error

Now that we understand the problem and its potential causes, let’s delve into the solutions. We’ll start with the simpler fixes and progress to more advanced methods if necessary.

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

It might seem too basic, but restarting your computer is always a good first step. A simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be preventing the proper loading of system files.

Steps:

1. Save all your work and close any open applications.
2. Click on the Windows Start button.
3. Select the Power icon.
4. Choose “Restart.”
5. Wait for your computer to fully restart.
6. Try running the application or game that was causing the error.

If restarting doesn’t resolve the problem, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Restore the xinput1_3.dll from the Recycle Bin

If the file was accidentally deleted, it may still be lurking in the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to check:

Steps:

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Search for xinput1_3.dll in the Recycle Bin using the search bar (usually located in the top-right corner of the window).
3. If the file is found, right-click on it.
4. Select “Restore”. This will move the file back to its original location.
5. Try running the application or game again.

If you can’t find the file in the recycle bin, it has either been permanently deleted or was never present in the first place, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that can scan for and restore corrupted or missing system files, including DLLs. Here’s how to use it:

Steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Type “cmd” in the search bar.
3. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”. You’ll need administrator privileges for this tool to function properly.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
5. The scanning process will begin. It may take some time to complete, so be patient.
6. Once the scan is complete, the tool will display whether any errors were found and whether it was able to fix them.
7. Restart your computer after the scan.
8. Try running the application or game again.

If SFC cannot fix the error, you can attempt the DISM command detailed in the next step before moving on to updating DirectX.

Method 4: Use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) Tool

If the System File Checker fails to resolve the issue, you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair the Windows system image. This tool helps fix Windows corruption that SFC might not be able to repair on its own.

Steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Type “cmd” in the search bar.
3. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. The DISM tool will begin scanning and repairing the Windows image. This process can also take some time, so be patient.
6. After DISM is finished, restart your computer.
7. Run the SFC scan again to verify if any further issues are detected by SFC.
8. Try running the application or game again.

Method 5: Install or Reinstall DirectX End-User Runtimes

As mentioned earlier, xinput1_3.dll is a part of the DirectX libraries. If your DirectX installation is outdated or corrupted, reinstalling or updating it can often fix the error. The latest version of DirectX will include all the relevant versions of xinput, including xinput1_3.dll

Steps:

1. Go to the official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer download page. You can easily find this by doing a search for “DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer” on any search engine.
2. Download the DirectX installer. Make sure to download from the official Microsoft website to avoid installing any malicious or corrupted files.
3. Run the downloaded installer file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Try running the application or game again.

Even if you believe you have the latest version of DirectX installed, sometimes reinstalling it can resolve conflicts or corruption of the necessary system files. It’s worth a try, particularly if other solutions haven’t worked.

Method 6: Manually Copy the xinput1_3.dll File (Use with Caution)

This method involves downloading the xinput1_3.dll file from a reliable source and manually placing it in the appropriate folder. However, this method should be approached with caution, as downloading DLL files from untrusted sources can introduce malware or other security risks. Therefore, use this method only as a last resort and make sure you use a trusted source.

Important Note: This method can sometimes lead to incompatibility issues if you don’t download the correct version of the DLL. Only proceed if you are comfortable with the possible risks. Also verify the file using antivirus before you continue.

Steps:

1. Search online for “download xinput1_3.dll”. Be extremely cautious about which website you download from. Only use websites known for providing safe and reliable DLL files. A very good website is DLL-Files.com but always verify that the website you are using is safe and contains the authentic files.
2. Download the xinput1_3.dll file. Make sure that the DLL file version matches your system’s architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Copy the downloaded file.
4. Navigate to the following locations. If the game or application is 32-bit the path is most often C:\Windows\System32 . If it’s 64-bit use C:\Windows\SysWOW64. If you are not sure check with the game or application support or forum for the correct path.
5. Paste the xinput1_3.dll file into that directory.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Try running the application or game again.

Alternative location for Game or Application Specific problems: You can also try copying the xinput1_3.dll file into the game’s or application’s installation directory. This can often resolve errors that stem from a specific software’s incomplete installation. The game installation directory is typically under program files in your main drive where your Operating system is installed.

Method 7: Reinstall the Game or Application

If the xinput1_3.dll error is only affecting a specific game or application, a fresh installation might be the answer. Sometimes, the installation process can be interrupted or fail, resulting in missing or corrupted files. Reinstalling the software will typically replace all the necessary files.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the game or application that is producing the error. You can do this from the “Add or Remove Programs” section within the Control Panel, or through Settings.
2. Locate the installer file or download it from the vendor website.
3. Run the installer to re-install the software.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Try running the game or application again.

Method 8: Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers can sometimes indirectly cause conflicts and errors related to DirectX and its components. Updating your drivers to the latest version may resolve these issues.

Steps:

1. Identify your Graphics Card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD or Intel). You can find this information in the Device Manager under the “Display Adapters” section
2. Go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
3. Navigate to the “Drivers” or “Support” section.
4. Select your graphics card model and your Windows version.
5. Download the latest drivers.
6. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Restart your computer after installation.
8. Try running the game or application again.

Method 9: Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest Windows updates. Microsoft frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements that may resolve issues related to system files and DirectX.

Steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Click on “Settings”.
3. Click on “Update & Security”.
4. Click on “Windows Update”.
5. Click on “Check for updates”. If there are any updates available, install them.
6. Restart your computer after installing updates.
7. Try running the game or application again.

Method 10: Perform a Malware Scan

Although less common, malware can sometimes corrupt or delete system files. It’s important to run a thorough scan of your computer using a reliable antivirus software. If malware is detected, follow the antivirus program’s instructions to remove the threat and repair any damaged files.

Steps:

1. Ensure you have an updated antivirus program installed.
2. Run a full scan of your computer.
3. Follow the instructions provided by your antivirus software to remove or quarantine any detected malware.
4. Restart your computer after the scan.
5. Try running the game or application again.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future xinput1_3.dll Errors

After successfully resolving the error, it’s a good idea to take preventive measures to avoid future occurrences:

• Keep DirectX updated: Regularly check for updates to DirectX using the Microsoft website and keep your OS updated.
• Use a reliable antivirus: Ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date and that it’s configured to protect your system from malware.
• Download software from trusted sources: Download games and applications from the official websites or from reputable distributors.
• Be careful when deleting files: Avoid deleting system files or DLLs unless you know exactly what they do.
• Regularly check for driver updates Regularly check for new GPU and other hardware drivers as it may be a source of conflict.
• Create System restore points: System restore points are useful to return to an earlier working state if something goes wrong when troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The xinput1_3.dll missing error can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be resolved effectively. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify the cause and implement the appropriate fix, allowing you to get back to your games and applications smoothly. Always remember to be cautious when downloading files from the internet, and to back up your system before making significant changes. If, after attempting all these methods, the issue persists, it might be beneficial to consult a professional technician.

Remember to take the necessary precautions and double check each method as you go along to ensure no additional errors are produced. By working logically you will be able to isolate and solve the problem effectively.