How to Fix the ‘xinput1_3.dll is Missing’ Error

The dreaded “xinput1_3.dll is missing” error can halt your gaming session and prevent you from enjoying your favorite titles. This error typically arises when the xinput1_3.dll file, a crucial component of DirectX, is either missing, corrupted, or not properly installed on your Windows system. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue and get you back in the game.

Understanding the ‘xinput1_3.dll is Missing’ Error

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand what causes this error. The xinput1_3.dll file is part of DirectX, a set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allows games and other multimedia applications to interact with your hardware. When a game requires this specific DLL file and cannot find it, the error message appears. Common causes include:

  • Missing or Deleted File: The file might have been accidentally deleted or removed by antivirus software.
  • Corrupted File: The file may be corrupted due to a faulty installation or system errors.
  • Outdated DirectX: An outdated version of DirectX may not include the necessary files.
  • Improper Game Installation: The game installation process might have failed to properly install DirectX components.
  • Conflicting Software: Other software might be interfering with the DLL file.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Error

Here are several methods you can try to fix the “xinput1_3.dll is missing” error. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way down the list.

1. Restart Your Computer

This might seem simple, but restarting your computer is often the first and easiest solution. A reboot can resolve temporary glitches and allow the system to properly load the necessary files.

2. Reinstall the Program Causing the Error

If the error occurs when running a specific game or application, try reinstalling it. This will replace any missing or corrupted files, including the xinput1_3.dll file. Make sure to completely uninstall the program first, then reinstall it.

3. Update DirectX

An outdated version of DirectX is a common cause of this error. To update DirectX:

  1. Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft’s website. Search for “DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer” on your preferred search engine. Be cautious of downloading from untrusted sources.
  2. Run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

4. Manually Copy the xinput1_3.dll File (Use with Caution)

While generally discouraged, you can try manually copying the xinput1_3.dll file. This should be a last resort and done with extreme caution, as downloading DLLs from untrusted sources can be dangerous.

  1. Find the xinput1_3.dll file. Locate the file in a known working location. A safe place to look is often within the DirectX installation folder of a game that you know functions correctly (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\[Game Name]\DirectX). Alternatively, it might be present in C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 on another computer that doesn’t have the error.
  2. Copy the file. Copy the xinput1_3.dll file.
  3. Paste the file. Paste the file into the following directories on the computer with the error:
    • C:\Windows\System32
    • C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (if you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows)
    • The game’s installation directory (where the game’s executable file is located).
  4. Restart your computer.

Important Note: Downloading DLL files from untrusted websites is highly discouraged. These files can be infected with malware. Only use this method if you are absolutely certain of the file’s source.

5. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
  4. Restart your computer.

6. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

Sometimes, the issue stems from missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable packages, which are often required by games. Download and reinstall the latest versions from Microsoft’s website. Search for “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” to find the downloads.

7. Check Your Antivirus Software

In some cases, your antivirus software might be mistakenly identifying the xinput1_3.dll file as a threat and quarantining or deleting it. Check your antivirus software’s quarantine or history logs to see if the file has been flagged. If so, restore the file and add it to the antivirus software’s exception list.

8. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes cause DLL-related errors. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is interfering with the game or the DLL file.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
  3. Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all.”
  4. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
  5. In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
  6. Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and “OK” in the System Configuration window.
  7. Restart your computer.

After the clean boot, try running the game or application that was causing the error. If the error is resolved, you can gradually re-enable the startup items and services to identify the culprit.

Conclusion

The “xinput1_3.dll is missing” error can be frustrating, but by systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to gaming. Remember to exercise caution when downloading DLL files from the internet and always prioritize updating your system and drivers.