Guía 2025 para solucionar d3dx9_37.dll not found en Windows 10 y Windows 11

Summary

Is that frustrating ‘d3dx9_37.dll not found’ error halting your favourite game or application on Windows 10 or 11? You’re not alone. This common issue often stems from a missing or corrupted DirectX component, but the good news is it’s usually straightforward to resolve. Our definitive 2025 guide will walk you through the essential steps, from simple preliminary checks to reliable methods like running a System File Checker scan or reinstalling DirectX. Read on to quickly get back to what you were doing.

Method 2: Install/Reinstall Microsoft DirectX

When reinstalling the specific application doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s a clear signal that the d3dx9_37.dll not found error is not a local problem but a system-wide one. This is where Method 2 comes into play: addressing the DirectX runtime environment itself. Unlike a simple application, DirectX is a core Windows component, and its files are protected system-wide resources. The goal here isn’t just to add a single file but to repair or refresh the entire suite of libraries that applications depend on for graphics and multimedia tasks. The most reliable way to reinstall DirectX to fix d3dx9_37.dll is not by hunting for a standalone installer for an old version, but by using the official, web-based installer from Microsoft, which is designed to be smart and non-disruptive.

Microsoft’s DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer is the definitive tool for this job. When you run it, it performs a sophisticated check of your system, comparing the installed versions of hundreds of DirectX files against a known-good catalog. It then downloads and installs only the specific components that are missing, outdated, or corrupted. This means it can safely add back the legacy d3dx9_37.dll file without overwriting newer, critical DirectX 11 or 12 files that your modern OS and other games rely on. It’s a surgical strike, not a blanket reinstall.

Critical Note: Avoid searching for “DirectX 9 full download.” These offline packages are often outdated and can potentially overwrite newer system files with older, less secure versions, creating more compatibility problems than they solve. The web installer is the only method recommended by Microsoft for end-users.

Here is a concise guide to using the web installer effectively:
1. Navigate to the official Microsoft Download Center and search for “DirectX End-User Runtime”.
2. Download the dxwebsetup.exe file. It’s a small web launcher, not the full package.
3. Run the executable. Ensure you accept the license agreement and, when prompted, uncheck the option to install the Bing Bar or any other optional software it may offer.
4. The installer will connect to Microsoft’s servers, analyze your system, and proceed to download and install the necessary files. This may take a few minutes.

This process effectively replenishes the entire DirectX 9 library, providing a clean, official copy of the missing DLL. If this method succeeds, it confirms that the core issue was a gap in your system’s DirectX foundation. However, if the installer runs but the error persists, the corruption might be deeper, affecting protected system files that even the DirectX installer cannot overwrite—which leads us logically to our most powerful system repair tool.

Method 3: Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

If the previous methods have failed, the corruption preventing your application from accessing the d3dx9_37.dll file is likely deep-seated, possibly locked away within Windows’ protected file system. This is where the System File Checker (SFC) scan becomes your most powerful ally. Built directly into Windows, SFC is a command-line utility that scans for and restores corrupted versions of critical system files. It’s the definitive tool for addressing errors that emerge after a problematic Windows update or unexplained system instability, making it a crucial step in a comprehensive d3dx9_37.dll not found fix.

Running an SFC scan is a straightforward process, but it requires administrative privileges to repair protected files. Here is how to execute it:

1. Type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” in your Windows search bar.
2. Right-click the “Command Prompt” result and select “Run as administrator”.
3. In the black window that appears, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. The scan will commence, and the progress will be shown as a percentage. This process can take 10-20 minutes, so be patient and avoid interrupting it.

The utility works by comparing your system files against a cached copy of known-good versions. If it detects an inconsistency—like a corrupted d3dx9_37.dll—it will automatically attempt to replace it with the correct version from the cache. Upon completion, the tool will report its findings. A message stating “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” means your system files are clean. If it finds and fixes corruptions, you will be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the repairs.

A key limitation: The SFC tool relies on a local cache of system files. If this cache itself is damaged, SFC may fail. In such cases, you would need to use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the Windows image that SFC uses, a more advanced procedure.

Successfully running the System File Checker scan addresses the error at its most fundamental level, ensuring the operating system itself provides a stable foundation for your applications. With the core system repairs complete, we can now explore alternative solutions for more specific scenarios.

Conclusion

By following this guide’s systematic approach—from basic troubleshooting to advanced repairs like a System File Checker scan—you can effectively resolve the d3dx9_37.dll not found error. For a lasting solution, we recommend starting with the most relevant method for your situation, such as reinstalling the affected application or DirectX. This ensures you can quickly return to your game or software without further interruption.