If you see an error message The program can’t start because vulkan-1.dll is missing from your computer, then this will help you fix the problem on your Windows 11/10 PC. Windows throws DLL errors for various reasons, and when it comes to vulkan-1.dll was not found error; it mainly originates while you try to run any Steam or PC game.

The program can’t start because is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix the problem.

What is Vulkan dll?

The vulkan-1.dllfile is a component of Vulkan API which is a cross-platform 3D graphics with a low-overhead. It is also known as Vulkan Loader and it is associated with Vulkan Runtime.

Fix vulkan-1.dll not found or missing error in Windows 11/10

Now that you have prior knowledge of what causes the error message try out the below-mentioned workarounds to eliminate the issue.

1. Restart the PC
2. Download the missing vulkan-1.dll file
3. Re-register the DLL file
4. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package
5. Reinstall the software

Let’s check out all these solutions in detail.

1] Restart the PC

First things first, restarting the PC is one of the best ways to eliminate any error that originates on your system. There can be a temporary bug that is causing the mentioned error. And the best way to get rid of it is to restart your system. Once done, check if the problem is fixed or not. If yes, you are good to go. But in case you are still facing the error message, try out the below-mentioned technical workarounds.

2] Download the missing vulkan-1.dll file

You can also download the missing vulcan-1.dll file from Microsoft servers and install it on your system. You can do so by navigating to the Winbindex service to download the required file from MIcrosoft servers.

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3] Re-register the DLL file

Many users have reported that the associated application was running fine on the older version of Windows but has started to throw the mentioned error on the newer version. Suppose the situation is similar to your case. In that case, you will have to copy the DLL file from one of your other systems and replace it in the proper directory on the latest version of Windows.

To re-register the DLL file, open a command prompt as an administrator, type the following and hit Enter:

regsvr32 "path & filename of dll"

4] Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package

As reported by many users, re downloading the Microsoft C ++ redistributable package has solved the vulkan-1.dll was not found error for them. So, you can also go to the process and check if it makes any difference on your system. To do so, follow the below steps.

1. Press the Windows + I shortcut key to open Settings menu.
2. Navigate to Apps > App & features.
3. Click on the three dots present next to the installed Microsoft Visual C ++ redistributable version.
4. Now, download the latest Microsoft Visual C + + redistributable package by visiting the Microsoft download centre.
5. Once the download this complete, install it on your system.
6. After installation, reboot your Windows PC.

Now, launch the associated application and check if you are still encountering the error message.

5] Reinstall the software

If none of the above-mentioned workarounds helped you solve the problem, the last thing you can try is to reinstall the program that is throwing this error.

You can uninstall the software from the control panel, restart your computer, visit the application’s official download page, and download the setup file.

Now, install the software on your system. This time around, you might get the Repair option while installing the program; you may first opt to go through the process to solve the DLL file issue.

What does Vulkan 1 dll do?

Similar to any other DLL file, Vulkan-1.dll is a critical system file for Windows OS. To be very precise, the vulkan-1.dll is mainly associated with Steam and PC games. The file is also known as Vulkan loader and is related to Vulkan Runtime.

What causes the vulkan-1.dll error?

They can be multiple reasons behind the vulkan-1.dll was not found error message. Anything could trigger the mentioned error message, from damaged registry entries, missing files, corrupted files, to damaged vulkan-1.dll. The problem will also appear if some other software uses the vulkan-1.dll file.

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