How to fix combase.dll missing error in Windows 11 / 10

Microsoft’s Combase.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that contains functions that are used by Windows programs and apps.  Due to some problem in the windows update, this file might go corrupt. Sometimes even due to version mismatch of DLL which is present and requested by the program, we get this error combase.dll missing or combase.dll not found. Let’s see below how we can fix this issue.

Fix 1: Using System File Checker

Windows provides a utility System File Checker that checks problems in files of computers. You can scan the computer with the below commands and heck is there any issue with the combase.dll file.

Step 1: Click on the Windows button and in the search bar type cmd. Select Run as administrator. Click Yes in User Account Control(UAC) popup when prompted.

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Step 2: Type the below command and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

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Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. After completion of the scan check the results. Whether any action is needed by your end check-in results.

Step 4: Reverify if the problem is resolved.

Fix 2: Using DISM (Disk Image Servicing and Management) command tool

You can try to restore the health of the system by cleaning up the windows image. This will replace faulty files and place with fresh ones. This will help to overcome the combase.dll missing issue if the file is faulty.

Step 1: Click on the Windows button and in the search bar type Command Prompt. Select Run as administrator. Click Yes in User Account Control(UAC) popup when prompted.

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Step 2: Type the below command and press Enter.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

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Step 3: Wait for the command execution. If any problem persists it would have been resolved.

Step 4: Now check whether the error is resolved.

Fix 3: Registering the DLL

You can try to re-register the combase.dll and check whether it solves your error.

Step 1: Click on the Windows button and in the search bar type Command Prompt. Select Run as administrator.

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Step 2: Type the below command and press Enter.

regsvr32 combase.dll

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Step 3: Verify whether the problem is resolved.

Fix 4: Update Windows

Sometimes windows update also solves the problem. Try updating windows with the below steps.

Step 1: Press Win + R keys, type ms-settings:windowsupdate, and press Enter.

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Step 2: Click on the Install now button to install the updates if available.

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Step 3: Now recheck the issue.

Fix 5: Reset the PC

If nothing else seems to be working and you’re still getting the combase.dll missing issue, try resetting the computer.

Step 1: Press Win + R keys, type ms-settings:recovery, and press Enter.

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Step 2: Click on the Reset PC button.

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Step 3: In Reset this PC window, choose the option Keep my files and Cloud download for re-installation.

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Step4: After reinstallation, restart the PC and check the issue. It should have been resolved by now.

That’s All! If you know of any other fix for this issue please comment and let us know.  Which fix worked for you, comment and let others know. Thank you for reading.