Before we get into solutions, let’s clarify what Xinput1_3.dll actually is. Simply put, Xinput1_3.dll is a file that’s part of Microsoft’s DirectX, a set of drivers used by Windows-based systems to manage multimedia tasks, especially gaming and video. The absence or corruption of this file can prevent certain games or programs from functioning properly, which is why you see that frustrating message: “Xinput1_3 dll is missing from your computer.”
Why Does the Error Occur?
There are a few reasons why you might be seeing this message:
- Missing DirectX files: The most common reason for the “Xinput1_3.dll is missing from your computer” error is that DirectX hasn’t been properly installed or some files have gone missing.
- Corrupted DLL: Sometimes, the file is there, but it’s corrupted. This can happen due to system crashes, malware, or improper shutdowns.
- Outdated Drivers: Some programs and games might require an updated version of DirectX or specific drivers to function.
- Accidental Deletion: Sometimes the file might be accidentally deleted by an antivirus program or during system cleanup.
Fixing the Problem: Step-by-Step
Now that we know what’s causing the issue, let’s go over how you can fix it!
1. Reinstall DirectX
The quickest fix for most people is to simply reinstall DirectX. You can download the latest version of DirectX directly from Microsoft’s official website. Once downloaded, run the setup and let it update or reinstall all the necessary files. After that, restart your computer and see if the error goes away.
2. Install the Latest Game or Program Updates
Often, games and programs will bundle DirectX updates within their installation files. If the game or program you’re trying to run is not up-to-date, go ahead and install any available patches or updates. This could easily fix the “Xinput1_3 dll is missing from your computer” issue.
3. Run a System File Checker (SFC Scan)
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just with DirectX but with your Windows system files. Running a System File Checker scan can help repair corrupted or missing system files. Here’s how:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type
sfc /scannowand hit Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete—it could take a while.
- Once it’s done, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Update Your Graphics Card Drivers
Since DirectX is closely tied to your system’s graphics processing, outdated or faulty graphics card drivers could be the culprit behind the “Xinput1_3 dll is missing from your computer” error. Make sure to download the latest drivers for your GPU from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
5. Manually Download the Xinput1_3.dll File
If reinstalling DirectX doesn’t work, you could try manually downloading the Xinput1_3.dll file from a reliable DLL site. But here’s a word of caution: be careful when downloading DLL files from third-party sites, as they can sometimes carry malware. Once you’ve safely downloaded the file, place it in the appropriate directory (usually C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for 64-bit systems). After that, restart your computer, and the error should be resolved.
User Reviews and Insights from the Community
Browsing through forums and user reviews on the subject, it’s clear that reinstalling DirectX is by far the most recommended solution. Many gamers report that simply running the DirectX setup bundled with their game fixed the issue immediately. Others shared that running an SFC scan or manually adding the missing DLL file did the trick.
One user pointed out that even after reinstalling DirectX, the error persisted because they had outdated GPU drivers. Once they updated their drivers, the error was finally resolved. Another person mentioned they had to completely reinstall Windows to get rid of the issue, but that’s a rare case and should be considered a last resort.
How to Avoid the Problem in the Future
To avoid seeing the “Xinput1_3 dll is missing from your computer” error again, make sure to:
- Keep your DirectX up-to-date.
- Regularly update your graphics card drivers.
- Run a virus scan every once in a while to prevent file corruption or deletion by malware.
Keeping your system healthy and well-maintained can save you from headaches like these!
Final Thoughts
The “Xinput1_3 dll is missing from your computer” error can be frustrating, but fortunately, it’s relatively easy to fix. Whether you need to reinstall DirectX, update your drivers, or manually add the missing file, following the steps outlined above should have you back up and running in no time.
Got any other questions or still running into issues? Don’t hesitate to ask—there’s always a fix!
