plan de reparación para el error de d3dx9_38.dll en Windows 10 y Windows 11

Summary

Facing sudden game crashes or the dreaded “d3dx9_38.dll is missing” error on Windows 10 or 11? You’re not alone. This common DirectX error halts your fun and can be incredibly frustrating. Don’t worry—this isn’t a terminal issue for your PC. Our clear, step-by-step guide is designed for all users, walking you from simple restarts to safe, official fixes. Let’s get your games and applications running smoothly again.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Windows 10/11

With the official dxwebsetup.exe downloaded, the actual repair process is straightforward. However, a smooth installation hinges on a couple of preparatory actions to avoid common snags. First, ensure you are logged into Windows with administrator privileges. This is non-negotiable, as the installer needs to write files to protected system directories. Second, temporarily disable any active antivirus or security suite. While Microsoft’s installer is perfectly safe, overzealous real-time protection can sometimes interrupt the file registration process, leading to a partial or failed installation. You can re-enable it immediately after.

Now, run the dxwebsetup.exe file. You’ll be presented with a license agreement—accept it. The installer will then create a temporary folder (usually on your desktop) and begin downloading the necessary components from Microsoft’s servers. This is where patience is key; the download size varies based on what your system lacks, but it’s typically a few hundred megabytes. Let it run uninterrupted.

During the setup, you might encounter a prompt to install the Bing Bar or other optional software. Uncheck these boxes. Your goal is a clean installation of the DirectX runtime only. The core process is largely automated, but here’s what to expect step-by-step:

1. Launch and License: Run the installer, read and accept the agreement.
2. Folder Creation: It will create a folder like DirectX on your desktop for the extracted files.
3. Extraction & Installation: The files extract, and the actual installation begins automatically. A progress bar will show the status.
4. Completion: You’ll see a “Setup Complete” message. No restart is typically required, but it’s a good practice.

Crucial Tip: If the installer fails or reports an error, note the exact error code. Often, running the installer again solves the issue. Persistence here is more effective than panic.

Once finished, that’s it. The installer has meticulously scanned your system, replenished the missing or corrupted legacy DirectX 9 files—including d3dx9_38.dll—and registered them correctly. Your newer DirectX 11/12 installations remain untouched. Immediately launch your game or application. In the vast majority of cases, this official reinstall of DirectX resolves the error permanently, restoring seamless access to your software. If, against all odds, the problem stubbornly persists, we must consider the final, more hands-on approach.

Manually Downloading and Replacing the d3dx9_38.dll File

Let’s be crystal clear: manually downloading and placing a DLL file is the method of last resort. It’s the digital equivalent of performing open-heart surgery based on a web forum post. The previous section’s official DirectX reinstall is the safe, recommended path that fixes the root cause. However, if you’ve exhausted every other option—restarts, updates, game repairs, and the official runtime installer—and that specific error message still glares back at you, this controlled, meticulous approach exists. It directly addresses the scenario of a single, persistently missing or corrupted d3dx9_38.dll file.

The paramount rule is source integrity. Never, under any circumstances, download DLLs from generic “DLL repository” websites. These are notorious vectors for malware. The only semi-trustworthy source for a standalone file is the official Microsoft DirectX redistributable package itself. You can extract the specific file you need from it. Here’s how to proceed with extreme caution:

1. Download the Standalone Redistributable: Search for the “DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010)” package on Microsoft’s Download Center. This is a large .exe file (like directx_Jun2010_redist.exe) containing all the legacy files.
2. Extract, Don’t Install: Run the downloaded file, but when prompted for an extraction folder, choose a new, empty folder on your desktop (e.g., DXFiles). Cancel the setup process after extraction; we want the files, not to run the installer again.
3. Locate the Correct DLL: Navigate into the extracted folder, then into Jun2010 or similar, and finally into the x86 or x64 subfolder. The d3dx9_38.dll file will be there. The x86 folder is for 32-bit applications (most older games), while x64 is for 64-bit. When in doubt, use the x86 version.
4. Place the File Correctly: Copy the DLL file. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 (for 64-bit Windows) or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows). Paste the file here. Windows will ask for administrator permission—grant it.

Critical Security & System Warning: This method bypasses the standard installation and registration process. The file may be overwritten by a future Windows or application update, causing the error to return. You are also solely responsible for ensuring the file’s version compatibility. A mismatch can cause further instability.

This manual replacement is a precise, surgical fix for a very specific problem when all systemic solutions have failed. It should not be your first, second, or even third choice. But executed correctly from a pristine source, it can act as the final key to unblock a stubborn application. After placing the file, restart your computer one final time to ensure all processes recognize the new library, then attempt to launch your software. This concludes our comprehensive guide, having moved from the simplest reboot to the most granular file-level repair, equipping you to restore your gaming and application experience on Windows 10 and 11.

Conclusion

By following the steps in this guide, you can effectively solve the d3dx9_38.dll is missing error and restore your games and applications. Remember, starting with simple restarts and Windows updates before moving to a safe reinstall of the Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime is the most reliable approach. For ongoing stability, ensure your system and games are kept up to date to prevent similar issues.