How to Fix the Missing or Corrupted fmod_event64.dll Error
Trying to run a game or app that uses FMOD audio system? Sometimes, you get hit with that annoying message about fmod_event64.dll missing or not working right. It’s a real pain, especially when you’re eager to get back into the action, but this DLL file kind of acts like the silent supporter behind your audio — if it’s gone or broken, everything falls apart. Not sure why it works, but the error can pop up after interrupted downloads, failed updates, or if your antivirus gets a little overzealous and quarantines it. Luckily, there are some proven ways to fix this, and a few tricks that might just do the job without re-installing the whole game. The main idea here is to either verify and repair the game files, replace that DLL manually if it’s missing, or fix the underlying system issues that could be causing corruption. Each method will help restore the DLL so your game or app can communicate with the audio engine properly again.
1. Verify and Repair Game Files
This is the most common starting point. Corrupted or incomplete game files are often the culprit, especially after downloads or updates get cut off halfway. Checking the integrity of your game files from the launcher can replace damaged files with fresh, working copies. For example, if you’re on Steam:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on the affected game and pick Properties.
- Click the Installed Files tab, then select Verify integrity of game files.(Sometimes labeled as “Verify cache” on other clients)
- Wait for it to go through the scan. Once it’s done, restart the game — if the DLL was the issue, this might fix it.
On non-Steam platforms like Epic, Ubisoft, or EA, they usually have similar file verification options under their game settings or options.Why it helps: Because corrupted files are prime suspects here, verifying replaces hosed files, including that elusive DLL. Have seen it fix the error on first or second try — not foolproof, but worth a shot.When to use: After an update or if you noticed the game crashing unexpectedly.—
2. Reinstall the Game or Application
Sometimes, verifying isn’t enough. If the DLL just refuses to show up or keeps failing, a clean reinstall can nuke any lingering corruption or missing files. Here’s what to do:
- Press Win + S, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Find the game or app, right-click, then choose Uninstall.
- Reboot your PC — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Then, download and install a fresh copy through your platform of choice (Steam, Epic, etc.).
Why it helps: Clean reinstall pulls in the latest files, including the DLL, directly from the official servers, not dodgy third-party sites.When to use: If verification didn’t help or the DLL’s missing entirely.—
3. Manually Restore the DLL File
If reinstalling isn’t fixing it, and you’ve confirmed the file is missing, you can try grabbing the DLL yourself. But be careful—don’t download random DLLs from shady sites. Here’s a rough idea:
- First, get the right DLL file. If you know someone whose game runs fine, ask them to extract fmod_event64.dll from their game directory. Or, use a reputable DLL repository like dllme.com.
- Download the file matching your system architecture (for most folks, it’s 64-bit).
- Place the DLL into your game’s root folder — usually somewhere like C:\Program Files\YourGameFolder — replacing the missing or broken file.
- Restart your PC, then launch the game. Fingers crossed this does the trick.
A tip: Always verify the source when downloading DLLs. Better to trust confirmed sites or versions from working setups. Always prefer this as a last resort if reinstallation doesn’t work.Why it helps: It directly replaces the missing DLL, which is kind of like patching a tiny but critical hole.—
4. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
The DLL probably relies on Microsoft’s Visual C++ libraries. If those are missing or outdated, even a good DLL can fail silently. Here’s what to do:
- Head over to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables download page.
- Download both the vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe files.
- Run each installer: choose Repair if it’s already installed, or Install if not.
- Restart your PC after each install (just to be sure).
Why it helps: It ensures all dependencies are properly installed and up-to-date — especially important if your system has been upgraded or the DLL was installed long ago.When to use: If you get missing DLL errors on multiple programs, not just your game.—
5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Advanced)
Still stuck? It might be your Windows system files that are corrupted or out of whack. Here’s what to do:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: press Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click, then Run as administrator.
- Enter:
sfc /scannow
and press Enter. - Let it scan and repair system files. This can take a few minutes.
- Reboot after it’s done. If no luck, run this next set of commands:
-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot again and try launching the game.
Why it helps: It repairs Windows core files that might be causing issues with your DLLs or system registration.When to use: If all else has failed and you suspect Windows is the problem.—
6. Whitelist the DLL in Antivirus Software
Antivirus programs can get a little overcautious—even flagging legit DLL files as threats. If fmod_event64.dll got quarantined, the game just can’t find it, and errors like “missing DLL” pop up. Here’s how to fix that on Windows Defender:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
- Scroll down and click Add or remove exclusions.
- Choose Add an exclusion > File.
- Browse to where fmod_event64.dll lives (likely in your game folder), then add it.
On third-party antivirus software, look for quarantine or threat logs, restore the DLL if it was wrongly flagged, and add it to the exclusion list so it doesn’t get caught again.Why it helps: Antivirus defenses might think this DLL is suspicious and block it—whitelisting prevents that.—
Wrap-up
That’s a pretty comprehensive set of fixes, and normally, one of these should help get that DLL back in action. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of verifying files, reinstalling a couple of times, or manually adding the DLL if nothing else works. It’s kind of a dance — but with patience, most of these issues are fixable.
- Verify game files (for corrupt installs)
- Reinstall the game or app
- Manually place the DLL from a trusted source
- Update or repair Visual C++ Redistributables
- Run system scans (SFC / DISM)
- Whitelist the DLL in your antivirus
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck fixing that DLL mess!