The error “The specified module could not be found” happening in Windows 11

Anonymous
2021-12-25T04:16:45+00:00

Upgraded one of my desktop PCs to Windows 11. I have a 2nd desktop still running Windows 10

On the Windows 11 desktop the “The specified module could not be found” error occurs. I notice that the error happens when attempting to access a jpeg or mp4

The error can be fixed in cmd window with these commands

C:\Windows\system32>  gpupdate /force

C:\Windows\system32>  sfc /scanfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll

C:\Windows\system32>  sfc /scannow

C:\Windows\system32>  exit

Restart

Unfortunately, the error eventually re-occurs on my Windows 11 desktop.

This error has never occurred on my Windows 10 desktop.

So, I'm beginning to think that this may be a "Windows 11" bug

Anyone else getting this error?

If so, have you found a permanent solution?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-12-28T19:46:33+00:00

    OK thanks

    Did steps 2. and 3.

    So, I'll give it about 2 weeks to see if issue re-occurs

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-12-28T02:19:14+00:00

    jmwatt1234,

    These two steps also provide you with troubleshooting ideas to help you find out the cause of the error. Troubleshooting and fixing the faults one by one helps to avoid the next error.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-12-26T20:06:09+00:00

    Thank you for your quick response

    Does it make sense to do 2. and 3. updates before the error re-occurs? or does it make more sense to do these updates after the error happens again?

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-12-26T09:35:32+00:00

    Hi jmwatt1234,

    Thanks for raising your concern in Microsoft Community.

    It sounds like an error “The specified module could not be found” occured on your Windows 11. This could be caused by various reasons: 1.

    1. Malware attacks.

    Hold down Windows +I key to open Settings > Select Update & Security > In the pop-up window, select Windows Defender in the left pane > Click Open Windows Defender Security Center > Virus & threat protection > Advanced Scan.

    1. Missing or corrupted DLL file
    • Open File Explorer Option > In the pop-up window, go to the View tab and uncheck the option Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) > Click Apply > OK.

    uncheck the option hide protected operating system files

    • Boot your computer into Safe Mode and open Task Manager > In the Processes tab, select the program encountering the specified module could not be found error and choose End Task from the context menu to continue.
    • After that, reboot the program and check whether the problem is solved.
    1. Damaged Windows Registry files.
    • Hold down Windows + R to open Run dialog > Type: regedit in the box and click OK to continue.
    • In the pop-up window, select the following keys and delete them. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce**
    • Restart your PC to check the effect.

    (Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click hereto view the article.)

    Feel free to post back if you need further assistance. And Wishing you a lovely Christmas season and a very Happy New Year!

    Best Regards,

    Lynn Sun | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    * Beware of scammers posting fake support numbers here.

    * Kindly Mark and Vote this reply if it helps, as it will be beneficial to more community members reading here.

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