File Extension Database

Open DLL File

DLL file extension is used by Microsoft Windows to store Dynamic-Link Library. DLL files contain executable code in "Portable Executable" format. This code can be designed to run on either 16, 32 or 64 bit systems. 16-bit systems are long time obsolete. 64-bit systems are still uncommon while 32-bit systems are mainstream. Attempting to execute or open DLL file and run its code on the wrong type of system will cause a failure.

DLL files usually contain code that is shared by many different applications. A good example would be wsock32.dll that contains code for sending data over the Internet. This DLL is used by browsers, email clients, instant messenger programs etc.

DLL is a binary file. That is why it is impossible to open DLL file and view it using regular text editors. Some useful information could be extracted from DLL file using Dependency Walker which allows to open DLL files and shows dependencies between different DLLs. Also, you can use HEX editors to open DLL file and view its content, but to extract any useful information you should use dumpbin.exe tool.

Another common usage of DLL files are "plugins". Plugins are mini-programs that extend features of other programs. For example, DLL that is responsible for drawing nice psychedelic graphics when you listen to music in your favorite player is a visualization plugin.

Please note that it is common for DLL files to contain trojans and viruses. We strongly recommend having an up-to-date antivirus software running on your PC at all times.

Typical DLL mime types:

application/x-msdownload

Frequently associated Windows objects:

dllfile

How Can I Open DLL File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DLL file is to find a DLL file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DLL file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DLL file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DLL file opener then try to search online for "DLL viewer", "application to open DLL file" or "open DLL file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DLL file

How Can I Open DLL File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DLL file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DLL file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DLL file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DLL file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DLL file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DLL file then try to search for "DLL viewer", "application to open DLL file" or "read DLL file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DLL file

How Can I Open DLL File on Android

If you downloaded a DLL file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DLL file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DLL".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DLL viewer", "DLL file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DLL File on iPhone or iPad

To open DLL File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DLL file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DLL". This way you can find apps which can open DLL files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DLL viewer" or "DLL file" online in your favorite search engine.