Fix: libcef.dll is Missing from your Computer

The DLL file “libcef.dll” is Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) Dynamic Link Library and is used by many programs. This DLL file is digitally signed by Valve and is used by Steam and many other applications in their operation.

There are many instances where users come across this error when trying to run various applications on their computer. The cause of this error is most likely the file not being in the target location or the file getting quarantined by your antivirus software.

We have listed all the workarounds involved to solve this problem. Do note that the procedure will be different for a 32-bit system and for 64-bit systems. Perform the following steps in order to determine your system type.

1. Press Windows + S, type “system information” in the dialogue box and open the application.

2. Your system type will be mentioned in front of the field. Determine your system type and follow the solutions accordingly.

Solution 1: Replacing and Registering libcef.dll

In most cases, ’libcef.dll’ is either not present on your computer or it is removed. Once you have determined your system type, you should obtain the DLL file preferably from some other computer. If you cannot obtain it, try using the internet but be careful and only download from authentic and legitimate websites. There are a lot of virus and malware who pose to be some other file but in the end, end up harming your computer.

For 64-bit Systems:

If your operating system is 64-bit, follow this solution. If you don’t have the file already present in the given directory, download it and paste it as explained in the instructions below.

1. Press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer. Navigate to the following file path:

C:\Windows\SysWOW64

1. Now check if the file is already present. If it isn’t, obtain the file from somewhere safe and paste it here.
2. After making sure that the file is in the correct directory, press Windows + S, type “command prompt” in the dialogue box, right-click on the application and select “Run as administrator”.
3. Once at the command prompt, execute the following commands.

cd C:\Windows\SysWOW64

We have changed the current directory of the command prompt. Now we can go ahead registering the file with your operating system. Execute the following command.

regsvr32 libcef.dll

Restart your computer after registering the file and check if you can correctly install the application again.

For 32-bit systems

If you have a 32-bit system, the steps will more or less be the same. Our command and the directory on which we work on will be different.

1. Press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer. Navigate to the following file path:

C:\Windows\System32

2. Now check if the file is already present. If it isn’t, obtain the file from somewhere safe and paste it here.
3. After making sure that the file is in the correct directory, press Windows + S, type “command prompt” in the dialogue box, right-click on the application and select “Run as administrator”.
4. Once at the command prompt, execute the following command:

cd C:\Windows\System32

We have changed the current directory of the command prompt. Now we can go ahead registering the file with your operating system. Execute the following command.

regsvr32 libcef.dll

Restart your computer after registering the file and check if you can correctly install the application again.

Note: If you are running any steam game, you should paste the DLL file to “C:\Program Files\Steam\bin”. The drive will be different if you have installed steam to some other directory. Furthermore, if you receive this error when trying to play some Blizzard game, you can always obtain it from another computer, paste it in the target location and register it accordingly.

Solution 2: Excluding directory from Antivirus Software

There are some cases where your antivirus software blocks the DLL file from being present at the specified directory. Since there are so many antivirus software out there, we cannot list how to exclude a directory for all of them. Google  and exclude the following directories from the antivirus:

C:\Windows\SysWOW64

C:\Windows\System32

C:\Program Files\Steam\bin (You can change the drive if you have steam installed to some other location)

After excluding these from the antivirus software, perform solution 1 again and after registering the file, check if the error message goes away. If you have some other game where the DLL file keeps disappearing after you copy it, try excluding that directory as well.

Note: Do remember to undo the above changes if this doesn’t solve the problem. There are virus and malware which attack these very folders and may put your computer at risk.