Missing .dll Errors

When using certain ZBrush features, most commonly ZRemesher, you may receive a Windows error indicating that a required .dll file is missing.

This is not a ZBrush error. It is a Windows system-level issue.

ZBrush relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable components. These are shared runtime libraries provided by Microsoft that many applications depend on. If these components are missing, corrupted, or improperly modified, Windows will prevent applications from launching certain features and may display missing .dll or "side-by-side configuration" errors.

There is nothing wrong with your ZBrush installation. The issue lies within the Windows runtime environment.

Why This Happens

Microsoft provides standardized C++ runtime libraries so developers do not need to rebuild common functionality. However, these shared libraries can become damaged due to:

• Incomplete Windows updates
• Failed software installations
• Third-party software modifying shared files
• System corruption
• Disk errors

Repair Steps

Please try the following steps in order, as they progress from simplest to more advanced.

Note
Because this is a Windows issue and not a Maxon product issue, we cannot guarantee results. If these steps do not resolve the problem, Microsoft Support may be required.

Step 1: Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Download and install the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables directly from Microsoft:

Install both:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64)
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x86)

Even on 64-bit systems, both versions may be required.

After installation completes, restart your computer and test ZBrush again.

Step 2: Remove and Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

If Step 1 does not resolve the issue:

1. Open Control Panel

2. Go to Programs and Features

3. Uninstall all entries labeled "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable"

4. Restart your computer

5. Reinstall the latest 2015–2022 Redistributables (both x64 and x86)

6. Restart again and test ZBrush

Step 3: Run System File Checker

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Type:

sfc /scannow

3. Press Enter and allow the scan to complete

4. Restart your computer and test ZBrush

Step 4: Run DISM Repair

If the issue persists:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Type:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. Press Enter

4. Allow the process to complete fully

5. Restart and test ZBrush

Step 5: Check Windows Update

Ensure Windows is fully updated. Install all pending updates and restart.

Final Step: Windows Reset

If none of the above resolves the issue, the Windows installation itself may be significantly corrupted.

In this case, performing a Windows reset or clean reinstall may be required.

Important
Back up all personal files before performing a system reset, as this process may remove installed programs and data.