As you are well known that each process of Windows is dependent on a DLL file. These files contain data and set functions used by other programs daily.
Sometimes Windows Shell common DLL file may not be responding. For some users, a little dialogue box appears with this message continuously whenever they make any changes in Windows.
What Triggers The Windows Shell Common DLL Error?
The Windows Shell common DLL not responding error occurs if it gets crashed due to some error.
You may encounter this message when you make some alterations in the configuration of your audio devices.
In case the device’s driver is corrupted, it may cause the DLL process to crash.
Sometimes the third-party applications interfere with certain elements of your Operating system and this may trigger the issue as well.
Whatever may be the reason for the Windows shell common DLL not responding error, through this article we will try to find out some feasible remedies to address the issue.
Solution 1: Check Your Audio Device Drivers
In case your audio device drivers are incompatible you may face various types of issues including Windows Shell common DLL is not responding issue.
So, make sure that you have appropriate versions of drivers, and whenever you wish you can download them from your manufacturer’s website and get them installed through your Device Manager.
Here I am describing the process of installation. Please follow the steps thoroughly:
Step 1: Open your Run Dialog Box by pressing the Windows key and R shortcut.
Step 2: Next enter devmgmt.msc in the dialog box and hit the Enter button.
Step 3: This will open your Device Manager. From there double-click on Sound, Video, And Game Controllers.
Step 4: Then search and locate the High Definition Audio and proceed to right-click on it. Now select Update Driver Software from the provided menu.
Step 5: From the displayed options, choose Browse My Computer For Driver Software. Then go to the location where you have downloaded the drivers and select those.
Follow the on-screen instructions properly and then proceed further. In case you face any problem locating the drivers, check the manufacturer’s site and input the model number, and proceed to download the drivers.
If the error persists after you have tried to connect the USB Headphones, insert them into the USB 3.0 drivers to solve the problem.
Solution 2: Disable All Kinds Of Audio Effects Applied
If you have done any kind of audio effects like changing the mode in your equalizer and the drivers are somehow incompatible, then this may raise the Windows Shell common DLL is not responding windows 10 issue.
Sometimes you may have done some changes in the playback and recording devices, and this may also generate the problem.
Check that all the audio effects that have been applied are turned off and disable any feature similar to this.
Solution 3: Run SFC Scan
When Windows Shell common DLL not responding, there may be some corruption in the system files and once you scan it you will be able to fix the problem.
You can take the help of the Command Prompt and by using the SFC utility you can fix the problem.
To execute the process, I am describing the steps below. Please follow these steps to commence the procedure successfully:
Step 1: First of all, run Command Prompt as an administrator and open the SFC utility by pressing Windows Key and X hotkey.
Step 2: Now enter DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and then hit the Enter button. You must do this before initiating the SFC scan.
Step 3: In Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow, and hit the Return Key. Wait till the scan gets completed. It may take thirty minutes to accomplish the entire process.
Step 4: After finishing the scan, give your Windows a fresh restart and check whether the step has repaired the corrupted files.
Solution 4: Make Some Configuration In The Windows
Some computers are configured to restrict all certificates by default.
Windows are heavily dependent on the certificates for verifying the identity of not only the users but also of the devices and the drivers that are installed.
So, sometimes your Operating System cannot verify the identities of the playback or recording devices and you get to encounter the DLL error message.
In this case, we recommend you use Windows PowerShell to configure the Windows to enable it to accept some of the certificates for resolving the annoying issue. Follow the given steps:
Step 1: Go to the Start Menu and type Powershell.
Step 2: Then right-click on the Windows PowerShell and select to run it as an administrator.
Step 3: Enter the following command into Windows PowerShell and next hit the Enter button:
SetExecutionPolicyExecutionPolicy UnrestrictedScope CurrentUser as shown in the picture below:
Step 4: After executing the Command wait for the process to get finished properly then close the window and give your system a fresh restart.
Make sure you check whether the issue is solved after your Computer restarts.
Solution 5: Run a Clean Boot
Sometimes some third-party application interferes with certain elements in your Operating System and gives birth to Windows Shell common DLL is not responding to windows 10 issues.
So, we recommend you run a clean boot for isolating the application or the service that can cause the problem. I am providing you a guideline to commence the task. Follow the steps properly:
Step 1: Log in to our device with an Administrator account and then open Run.
Step 2: Now type msconfig and hit the Enter button to run the command.
Step 3: From the provided options, select Services and locate the Hide all Microsoft Services option. Now uncheck the said option.
Step 4: Now, select the Disable All Option and press OK to enable it.
Step 5: Now, press the Start-up tab and open the Task Manager. Select an application from the given list. Whenever you find any application is enabled, disable the option.
Repeat the same process for all the applications and after you have finished doing so, restart your computer.
Step 6: Now you will find your device in the Clean Boot state and check if this has resolved the issue.
When you find that the problem is fixed, enable the services one by one and verify the service that is generating the error when enabled.
You may reinstall it or keep it disabled once identified.
Solution 6: Reinstall The Synaptics Touchpad Driver
Sometimes the Synaptic Touchpad driver raises the Windows Shell common DLL is not responding to Windows 10 error. For this case, we suggest reinstalling the touchpad driver. Follow the steps provided below to accomplish the task:
Step 1: Open the Run Prompt and input devmgmt.msc in the dialog box. Next hit the Enter Button.
Step 2: Now, double-click on the Mice and Other Pointing Devices.
From the options find and right-click on Synaptics Touchpad driver.
Step 3: Right-click on the driver and hit the Uninstall button.
Now meticulously follow the instructions provided on-screen and complete the uninstallation procedure.
Step 4: Revert to the Device Manager and select the Actions tab. Now choose to Scan for Hardware Changes and proceed with the reinstallation of the driver.
After you are done check for any improvements.
Closing Words
So, I hope by now, you can find out a suitable solution for Windows Shell common DLL error.
If you still have queries related to this issue or any other folder, please communicate in the comments section provided below.
Feel free to shoot us a mail with your ideas or suggestions. We always look forward to hearing back from you.