Files with dll file extensions can be commonly found as dynamic link libraries for Microsoft Windows systems and apps. These files act as modules with additional runtime routines or data.

There are 4 other file types using
the DLL file extension!

dll icon.dll - Google Chrome theme

empty icon.dll - Virtumonde / Vundo Trojan infected data

dll icon.dll - Microsoft DLL dynamic web page

empty icon.dll - FSociety ransomware affected file

DLL file extension - Dynamic Link Library

What is dll file? How to open dll files?

File extension dll is commonly used for so-called dynamic-link libraries, modules containing data, and other functions that can be linked to another module, such as executables.

Many Windows apps and even Windows use .dll files to store runtime routines. You can find who created any DLL file by right-clicking on the file and choosing Properties and then selecting the Version tab.

DLL format generally has two functions, i.e., exported functions and internal functions. 

  • Exported functions are intended to be called by other modules and from within the DLL where they are defined.
  • Internal functions, however, are typically intended to be called only from within the DLL where they are defined.

Last but not least, some .dll files may also contain program icons.

Various viruses and malicious programs often inject .dll files to infect computers when executed. So always be mindful when executing unknown programs.

MIME types:
application/x-msdownload
application/x-msdos-program

Updated: November 7, 2023

The default software associated to open dll file:

Microsoft Windows icon

Microsoft Corporation logoMicrosoft Windows  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation

A family of operating systems developed by the Microsoft Corp. The first Windows was released in 1985 as a GUI add-on to MS-DOS. MS-DOS based Windows versions were developed to 2000, when was released the last version called Windows ME. Windows based on NT core started in 1993. Windows NT family are developed to these days, the latest version is called Microsoft Windows 11.

Microsoft Windows 10 icon

Microsoft Corporation logoMicrosoft Windows 10  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Windows 10 is operating system for desktop, laptop and tablet computers. Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use, with lots of similarities to Windows 7 including the Start menu.

Windows 10 comes with great built-in apps like Edge, Maps, Photos, Mail & Calendar, Music, Movies & TV. And these apps use OneDrive to back up your information and sync seamlessly across your Windows 10 devices.

Microsoft Visual Studio icon

Microsoft Corporation logoMicrosoft Visual Studio  Multiplatform software

Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) used to create applications for Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile, .NET Framework, Silverlight as well as dynamic websites and web applications. Visual Studio is available for Windows and Mac.

Related articles:

How to extract icons

Change default file extension icon in Windows 7

Help how to open:

You cannot open or access .dll files manually; you would have to decompile them using some IDE before you can access the data.

Some programs can be used to explore .dll files and extract icons, but that's it.

How to convert:

DLL format generally is not suitable to be converted to anything else. However, some dll files contain icons that can be extracted with a suitable program.

Find conversions from dll file:

dll to ico

dll to icon

dll to png

Find converter to dll file type:

icns to dll

ico to dll

jpg to dll

ocx to dll

png to dll

File identification strings:

HEX code: 4D 5A
ASCII code: MZ

List of software applications associated to the .dll file extension

Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open dll file, edit dll file, convert dll file, view dll file, play dll file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).

Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting dll files.

Software that open dll file - Dynamic Link Library

Programs supporting the exension dll on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open dll file action.

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