The Windows Shell common DLL often malfunctions and prevent the users from working smoothly. They often complain about encountering the Windows Shell common DLL has stopped working error. It occurs if you are using a corrupt, faulty, incorrect or outdated device driver. However, if the system files are corrupt, you can also encounter the same error.
If you are struggling with the same error and do not know the ways to resolve it, do not worry. Go through this article and perform the easy yet effective methods that we have mentioned below.
Ways To Fix The Windows Shell Common DLL Has Stopped Working
If you are struggling with the Windows shell common DLL has stopped working error and do not know the ways to fix it, go through the effective steps given below:
Solution 1: Update Device Drivers
You may also encounter the Windows shell common DLL has stopped working error due to faulty, corrupt or outdated drivers. Hence, upgrading them to their latest drivers will help you to fix the error easily.
Manual Update
To update the drivers manually, you need to first visit the manufacturer’s website and then locate the correct and the latest version of the driver. Furthermore, you need to make sure that the newest driver you are downloading is compatible with your device or not. When the download process ends, install it and then, reboot your system. Now, check if the error resolves.
Update Driver Automatically
Alternatively, you can also update the drivers automatically. To do so, go through the following steps:
1. First, you need to run a full scan on your computer. Scanning will detect the issues with the driver.
2. When the window opens, you receive two options: Update and Update All.
3. Now, if you want to install the driver manually, select the Update option.
4. However, if you want to download and install the latest driver automatically, you need to select the Update All option.
5. The whole process will take a few minutes to finish. Finally, you need to restart your system and then, check if you are still struggling with the error.
Via Device Manager
Along with the other two methods, you can also install the latest driver via the Device Manager. Go through the following steps.
1. First, you need press both the Windows key and R together to invoke the Run dialog box.
2. When the box appears on your computer screen, you need to type the ‘devmgmt.msc.’ command and hit on the Enter key.
3. The Device Manager will then open and then double-click on the USB controllers option and then, select the ‘USB Composite Device’ option to choose the ‘Update Driver Software.’
4. Lastly, click on “Search automatically” option to look for the latest updates and then update the driver software.
5. When the wizard pops up, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Now, reboot your computer and check if you are still encountering the glitch.
Solution 2. Use System File Checker Tool
You can also use the System file checker tool to figure out the missing or corrupted Windows files including the DLLs. Go through the following steps to know the ways to run SFC scan on your PC.
1. First, you need to click on the Start menu and then in the search box, type “cmd”.
2. Now, right-click on the Command Prompt option and then, click on Run as administrator option. You need to click on Yes when you are prompted by the User Account Control.
3. Now, you need to enter the sfc /scannow command in the blank box. Then, hit the Enter button.
4. Now, wait until the process completes. Restart your system and check if the error resolves.
Solution 3. Try Windows PowerShell
However, you can also use the PowerShell to fix the Windows shell common DLL has stopped working error. To implement the process, follow the steps given below:
- Click on the Start menu and then in the search box, you need to type PowerShell.
- Now, you need to right-click on Windows PowerShell and then choose the Run as Administrator option.
- When you are prompted with the User Account Control, click on the Yes option.
- Now, you need to enter the Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser command in the box. Tap the Enter key right after entering it.
5. When the process ends, close all the windows and then reboot your system.
