How to fix the OpenGL32.dll not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error problem

• The article explains how to fix the OpenGL32.dll error in Windows 10, which occurs when the file is missing, corrupted, incompatible, or conflicting with other files or programs.
• The article provides four methods to fix the error, which are: reinstalling the program that uses OpenGL32.dll, updating the graphics drivers, running the SFC and DISM tools, and downloading and replacing the OpenGL32.dll file manually.

If you’re a Windows 10 user who likes to play games or use graphics-intensive applications, you may have encountered an error message that says something like this:

“OpenGL32.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.”

This error can be frustrating and prevent you from enjoying your favorite games or programs. But don’t worry, there are some simple solutions that can help you fix this problem and get back to your normal activities.

In this article, we’ll explain what OpenGL32.dll is, why it causes errors, and how to fix it with four easy methods. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about this issue and provide some tips to prevent it from happening again.

What is OpenGL32.dll?

OpenGL32.dll is a dynamic link library (DLL) file that belongs to the OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) software. OpenGL is a cross-platform API (application programming interface) that allows developers to create 2D and 3D graphics for games, simulations, and other applications.

OpenGL32.dll is one of the core components of OpenGL that enables communication between the software and the graphics hardware (such as the video card or the integrated graphics processor). It contains functions and instructions that allow OpenGL to render graphics on your screen.

Why Does OpenGL32.dll Cause Errors?

There are several reasons why OpenGL32.dll can cause errors on your Windows 10 system. Some of the most common ones are:

• The file is missing, corrupted, or outdated. This can happen due to accidental deletion, malware infection, disk fragmentation, or incompatible updates.
• The file is incompatible with your system or the program that uses it. This can happen due to different versions of Windows, OpenGL, or the program that requires OpenGL32.dll.
• The file is conflicting with other DLL files or programs. This can happen due to registry errors, driver issues, or software bugs.

How to Fix the OpenGL32.dll Problem in Windows 10

Depending on the cause of the error, there are different methods that can help you fix the OpenGL32.dll problem in Windows 10. Here are four of them:

Solution 1: Reinstall the Program That Uses OpenGL32.dll

One of the simplest ways to fix the OpenGL32.dll error is to reinstall the program that triggers it. This can help you replace any missing or corrupted files and ensure compatibility with your system and OpenGL.

To reinstall a program in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.

Step 2: Click on Apps.

Step 3: Find and select the program that causes the error from the list of installed apps.

Step 4: Click on Uninstall and follow the instructions to remove the program from your system.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Step 6: Download and install the latest version of the program from its official website or source.

Step 7: Run the program and check if the error is gone.

Solution 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Another common cause of the OpenGL32.dll error is outdated or faulty graphics drivers. Drivers are software components that allow your system to communicate with your hardware devices. If your drivers are not up to date or compatible with your system and OpenGL, they can cause errors and performance issues.

To update your graphics drivers in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + X keys and select Device Manager from the menu.

Step 2: Expand Display adapters and right-click on your graphics device (such as NVIDIA GeForce or Intel HD Graphics).

Step 3: Select Update driver from the context menu.

Step 4: Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and wait for Windows to find and install the latest driver for your device.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Step 6: Run the program that uses OpenGL32.dll and check if the error is gone.

Alternatively, you can also download and install the latest drivers from your graphics device manufacturer’s website. Make sure you choose the correct model and version for your device and system.

Solution 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Sometimes, the OpenGL32.dll error can be caused by corrupted or missing system files. To fix this, you can use two built-in tools in Windows 10: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

SFC is a tool that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files. DISM is a tool that scans and restores corrupted system image files.

To run SFC and DISM tools in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to open Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter key to start scanning and repairing system files. This may take some time, so be patient and do not interrupt the process.

Step 4: After the scan is complete, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter key to start scanning and restoring system image files. This may also take some time, so be patient and do not interrupt the process.

Step 5: After the scan is complete, restart your computer.

Step 6: Run the program that uses OpenGL32.dll and check if the error is gone.

Solution 4: Download and Replace OpenGL32.dll File

If none of the above methods work, you can try to download and replace the OpenGL32.dll file manually. However, this method is not recommended unless you are an advanced user, as it can cause more problems if done incorrectly.

To download and replace the OpenGL32.dll file manually, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to a reputable website that provides DLL files, such as DLL-files.com.

Step 2: Search for OpenGL32.dll and download the latest version that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 3: Extract the downloaded file to a folder on your desktop.

Step 4: Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.

Step 5: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 folder (or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder if you have a 64-bit system).

Step 6: Find and rename the existing OpenGL32.dll file to OpenGL32.dll.old (or delete it if you have a backup).

Step 7: Copy and paste the new OpenGL32.dll file from your desktop folder to the System32 or SysWOW64 folder.

Register the new OpenGL32.dll file by following these steps:

Step 8: Press Windows + R keys to open Run dialog box.

Step 9: Type regsvr32 OpenGL32.dll and press Enter key.

Step 10: Wait for a confirmation message that says “DllRegisterServer in OpenGL32.dll succeeded.”

Step 11: Restart your computer.

Step 12: Run the program that uses OpenGL32.dll and check if the error is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the OpenGL32.dll problem in Windows 10:

Question: What is OpenGL?

Answer: OpenGL is an open-source API (application programming interface) that allows developers to create 2D and 3D graphics for games, simulations, and other applications. It works across different platforms, such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS, etc.

Question: How do I know if I have OpenGL on my system?

Answer: You can check if you have OpenGL on your system by using a free tool called OpenGL Extensions Viewer. This tool can show you information about your graphics device, driver, and supported OpenGL features.

Question: How do I update OpenGL on my system?

Answer: You cannot update OpenGL directly on your system, as it is not a standalone software. However, you can update your graphics drivers and install the latest version of the program that uses OpenGL. This can help you get the most recent features and improvements of OpenGL.

Question: How do I fix other DLL errors on my system?

Answer: You can fix other DLL errors on your system by using similar methods as described in this article. However, you should always be careful when downloading or replacing DLL files from third-party sources, as they may contain viruses or malware. You should also always backup your system before making any changes.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The author is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this article, nor for any damages or losses arising from its use. The user should always consult a qualified expert before applying any of the techniques or solutions discussed in this article.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand how to fix the OpenGL32.dll problem in Windows 10. By following the methods we’ve outlined, you should be able to resolve this error and enjoy your games or programs that use OpenGL.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!