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0xC0000142ApplicationHigh

Error 0xC0000142 — STATUS_DLL_INIT_FAILED | Application Error Fix

Windows 10Windows 11Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2022

What Does 0xC0000142 Mean?

DLL Initialization Failed. A DLL required by the application failed to initialize properly, preventing the application from starting.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1Corrupted or incompatible DLL file on the system
  2. 2Insufficient memory for the DLL to initialize
  3. 3Conflicting software such as antivirus or DRM interfering with DLL loading
  4. 4Corrupted Windows system files
  5. 5Application attempting to load a DLL compiled for a different architecture (x86 vs x64)

Symptoms

  • ⚠Application crashes at startup with 'DLL initialization failed' dialog
  • ⚠Error 0xC0000142 in Event Viewer under Application log
  • ⚠Multiple applications fail to start after a Windows update
  • ⚠Command Prompt or other system tools fail to launch

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Restart the computer to clear any temporary issues
  2. 2Run 'sfc /scannow' from an elevated Command Prompt
  3. 3Run 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  4. 4Update the application to the latest version

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Perform a clean boot (msconfig > Selective Startup) to isolate conflicting software
  2. 2Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable packages (all versions, x86 and x64)
  3. 3Use Process Monitor to identify which DLL fails to initialize
  4. 4If the issue affects all applications, perform an in-place upgrade repair of Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do multiple apps fail after a Windows update?
A Windows update may replace system DLLs with newer versions that are incompatible with some applications. Try installing pending updates, as Microsoft often releases fixes quickly. Otherwise, uninstall the problematic update via Settings > Update > Update History > Uninstall updates.
What is a clean boot and how does it help?
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential Microsoft services, disabling all third-party startup programs and services. This helps identify if a third-party program is conflicting with the failing application. Use msconfig to configure a clean boot.

Related Error Codes

0xC0000135STATUS_DLL_NOT_FOUND0xC0000139STATUS_ENTRYPOINT_NOT_FOUND0xC0000005STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.