Fix AdbWinApi.dll is missing or was not found in Windows (12/17/2024 updated)

Описание: Here's how to Fix AdbWinApi.dll is missing or was not found in Windows.

The *"AdbWinApi.dll is missing or was not found"* error typically occurs when trying to use Android development tools, especially when using *ADB (Android Debug Bridge)* or other Android SDK tools on a Windows PC. This error can appear when attempting to run an application like **Android Studio**, **Visual Studio**, or third-party tools that interact with Android devices.

What Causes the "AdbWinApi.dll Missing" Error?

The *AdbWinApi.dll* is part of the Android SDK and is required by tools like *ADB* and *Fastboot* to communicate with Android devices. If this file is missing or damaged, the application may not function properly, leading to the error.

Common causes of the issue:
The Android SDK or ADB installation is corrupted or incomplete.
The *AdbWinApi.dll* file was accidentally deleted or moved.
Conflicts with other software on the system.
Incorrect system path settings or environmental variables.

Solutions to Fix the "AdbWinApi.dll is Missing" Error

#### 1. *Reinstall the Android SDK or ADB*
If *AdbWinApi.dll* is missing, the best way to resolve it is to reinstall the *Android SDK* or **ADB**. This ensures that all necessary files, including `AdbWinApi.dll`, are installed properly.

**Steps**:
Download the latest version of the Android SDK or *ADB* from the official Android Developer website:
[Download Android SDK Platform Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio#...)
If you're using **Android Studio**, you can reinstall it from [here](https://developer.android.com/studio).
*Reinstall ADB Drivers* (if you're using ADB standalone tools):
Open *Device Manager* (right-click Start - Device Manager).
Look for any devices under *"Other devices"* or *"Android Devices"* that might be showing a warning sign.
Right-click and select *Update Driver* or *Uninstall* and then reinstall the Android USB drivers using the latest *SDK* tools.

#### 2. *Manually Download and Place AdbWinApi.dll*
If you're missing **AdbWinApi.dll**, you can manually download the file from a trusted source (avoid downloading DLL files from unknown or unreliable websites, as they might contain malware).

**Steps**:
Download *AdbWinApi.dll* from a reputable source like the official Android developer tools or trusted DLL repositories.
Once downloaded, place the *AdbWinApi.dll* file in the folder where your *ADB* tools are located (usually under `C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\` or your Android Studio directory).

#### 3. *Check System Path and Environment Variables*
If *ADB* or Android tools aren't working because the path to the tools is not correctly set, you may encounter DLL errors.

**Steps**:
Ensure that the *platform-tools* folder (where *adb.exe* and related tools are stored) is added to the **System PATH**:
1. Right-click *This PC* (or **My Computer**) and select **Properties**.
2. Click on *Advanced system settings* and then select the *Environment Variables* button.
3. Under *System Variables**, find the **Path* variable and click **Edit**.
4. Add the path to the *platform-tools* directory (e.g., `C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools`) if it's not already listed.
5. Click *OK* and restart your system.

#### 4. *Run System File Checker (SFC)*
Sometimes missing DLL files can be due to system corruption. Running the *System File Checker (SFC)* tool can help scan and repair corrupted system files.

**Steps**:
Press *Windows Key + X* and choose *Command Prompt (Admin)* or **Windows PowerShell (Admin)**.
In the command prompt, type the following:
```bash
sfc /scannow
```
Press *Enter* and wait for the scan to complete. This may repair corrupted system files that could be causing the issue.

#### 5. *Reinstall USB Drivers (If Using ADB for Android Device)*

If you're using *ADB* to interact with an Android device, missing drivers could also cause issues.

**Steps**:
Go to *Device Manager* (press `Windows Key + X`, then select **Device Manager**).
Locate *Android Device* or *Other Devices* with a yellow exclamation mark.
Right-click and choose **Uninstall Device**.
After uninstalling, disconnect and reconnect the device. Windows will attempt to install the necessary drivers automatically.

#### 6. *Update Android Studio (If Using)*

If you're using *Android Studio**, it's possible that an update may resolve the issue if there's a known bug related to the **AdbWinApi.dll* file.

#### 7. *Use Dependency Walker (Optional)*
You can use a tool like *Dependency Walker* to check for missing or incorrect dependencies for **AdbWinApi.dll**.