How to Fix fmod_event64.dll Missing or Not Found Error?

The fmod_event64.dll file is a 64-bit dynamic link library associated with the FMOD Event System developed by Firelight Technologies. FMOD is a widely used audio engine found in many games and multimedia applications. It powers real-time sound effects, music playback, and dynamic audio events.

When this DLL file is missing or corrupted, games or applications that rely on FMOD may fail to launch or display error messages like:

“The program can’t start because fmod_event64.dll is missing from your computer.”

In some cases, antivirus software may falsely detect and quarantine the fmod_event64.dll file, preventing the app from launching. Another common cause is the absence or outdated state of Visual C++ Redistributables, which are required dependencies.

The DLL might also fail to function if it isn’t properly registered with the system or if a third-party application has modified FMOD-related components

1. Verify and Repair Game Files

One of the most common causes of the fmod_event64.dll missing error is corrupted or incomplete game files. This often happens during interrupted downloads or failed updates. Verifying your game files ensures that all essential files, including dynamic link libraries like fmod_event64.dll, are intact and unmodified. The game launcher checks file integrity and automatically replaces any missing or corrupted files with clean versions from its servers.

If you’re using Steam, follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on the affected game and select Properties.
3. Click the Installed Files tab, then select Verify integrity of game files.
   
4. Wait for the scan to complete. Once finished, restart the game and check if the error is resolved.

If you’re not using Steam, don’t worry—other platforms like the Epic Games Launcher, Ubisoft Connect, and EA App also offer similar repair or verification options. For step-by-step instructions across all major launchers, see our complete guide on how to verify integrity of game files on all platforms.

2. Reinstall the Affected Game or Application

If the missing fmod_event64.dll file is tied to a specific game or application, performing a clean reinstall is often the most reliable and risk-free solution. This process restores all essential files—including the missing DLL—directly from official sources, without the need to download anything from third-party websites that may be unsafe or unverified.

1. Press Win + S, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
   
2. In Programs > Uninstall a program, locate the affected game or app, right‑click it, and choose Uninstall.
   
3. Restart your computer to clear any leftover files.
4. Reinstall the game or application from its original platform (e.g., Steam, Epic Games), then launch it to confirm the error is gone.

3. Manually Add or Replace the DLL File

If reinstalling the game or application doesn’t fix the issue, you can try manually adding the missing fmod_event64.dll file. The safest method is to obtain the file from a trusted source—such as another PC where the game works correctly. If that’s not possible, you may use a third-party DLL repository like dllme.com, which provides a wide collection of DLL files.

If a friend has the correct DLL file, ask them to send it to you through a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive). Once received, place the file directly into the game’s root installation folder (this is usually where the game’s main .exe file is located), replacing the old or missing file.

Important: Always be cautious when downloading DLL files from third-party websites. Make sure the site is reputable and only download files that match your system architecture. When possible, prefer obtaining the file from an official or known source.

1. Download the fmod_event64.dll file according to your system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
   
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP archive and copy the fmod_event64.dll file.
   
3. Navigate to the game’s installation directory and paste the DLL file into it.
4. If prompted, choose to replace the existing file.
   
5. Restart your PC, then launch the game or application to check if the error has been resolved.

4. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Missing or outdated Visual C++ Redistributable packages can prevent the fmod_event64.dll file from working correctly. Many games and multimedia applications rely on these libraries for core functions, including audio rendering.

To avoid any compatibility issues, it’s recommended to reinstall the latest supported versions of both the x86 and x64 Visual C++ Redistributables.

1. Visit the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables download page.
2. Download both the vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe installers.
   
3. Run each installer and select Repair (if already installed) or Install to add them fresh
4. Once installed, restart your PC and check if the game or application now launches without the error.

Note: You may need multiple versions of these redistributables depending on the game engine or application you’re using. Reinstalling all recent versions (2013–2022) ensures maximum compatibility.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Advanced)

If none of the earlier methods work, the issue might be caused by corrupted system files that are interfering with how DLL files are handled or registered. Windows includes built-in tools—SFC and DISM—that can scan for and repair these issues.

1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
2. In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

   This will scan your system for missing or corrupted files and automatically replace them if possible.

3. Wait for the process to complete. Once done, restart your PC.
4. If the issue persists, open Command Prompt as administrator again and run these commands one by one:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth  
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth  
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

5. After all commands complete successfully, restart your computer again and try launching the game or application.

Note: These tools do not affect your personal files, but it’s still recommended to close all applications before running them to avoid any interruptions.

6. Whitelist fmod_event64.dll in Your Antivirus Software

In some cases, your antivirus software may mistakenly identify fmod_event64.dll as a potential threat and automatically quarantine or delete it. This false detection breaks the game’s access to the DLL and leads to a missing or corrupted file error during launch.

To fix this, you should check your antivirus quarantine and manually add the DLL file to the exclusion list. If you’re using Windows Defender (built-in Windows Security), follow these steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
3. Click Virus & threat protection.
   
4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
   
5. Scroll down and click Add or remove exclusions.
   
6. Click Add an exclusion > File.
   
7. Browse to the location of fmod_event64.dll and add it to the exclusion list.
   
8. Restart your PC and launch the game again to check if the error is resolved.

If you’re using third-party antivirus software, open its Quarantine or Threat History section and check whether fmod_event64.dll was mistakenly flagged or removed. If found, restore the file and add it to the antivirus exclusion list to prevent it from being blocked again in the future.

For antivirus options that are reliable and gaming-friendly, see our guide on
5 Best Antivirus for Windows.

We believe the methods outlined above should be enough to restore the missing or corrupted fmod_event64.dll file. If you followed each step correctly, the error should now be resolved and your game or application should launch without issues.