Reparar 2025 el error ucrtbased.dll missing en Windows 10 y 11: guía paso a paso

Summary

That sudden crash when you try to open an application is incredibly frustrating, especially when the error message points to a ucrtbased.dll missing problem. You’re not alone; this common Windows hiccup can stop you in your tracks. But don’t worry—fixing it is simpler than you think. This straightforward, step-by-step guide will walk you through reliable methods, from a quick SFC scannow to a deeper system repair, to resolve the error on both Windows 10 and 11 for good. Let’s get your system running smoothly again.

Method 2: Use the DISM Tool

When the System File Checker (SFC) reports that it found corrupt files but was unable to fix them, you’ve hit a fundamental roadblock. The issue is no longer just a single corrupted file; it’s the very source from which SFC draws its repair instructions—the Windows component store. This is where the DISM repair tool becomes essential. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) operates at a deeper level than SFC. While SFC is the mechanic replacing a faulty part, DISM is the engineer ensuring the entire blueprint and parts inventory are correct. Running DISM is a critical step to resolve the ucrtbased.dll error when SFC fails, as it restores the health of the Windows image that SFC relies on.

The most effective DISM command for this scenario uses Windows Update as a source to download and replace any damaged core system files. Like SFC, it requires an elevated Command Prompt.

To execute a DISM repair, follow these steps precisely:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described in Method 1).
2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. This process will take significantly longer than an SFC scan—anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes or more, depending on your system’s health and internet speed. The progress indicator may pause at 20% or other intervals; this is normal as the tool is working in the background.

It is absolutely critical that your PC is connected to a stable power source and internet connection throughout this operation. An interruption can leave the system in an unstable state.

Interpreting the Results: A successful DISM scan will end with “The operation completed successfully” or “The restore operation completed successfully.” Any other message, especially one referencing a failure, may require more advanced troubleshooting, such as using an installation USB as a repair source.

Once DISM has successfully repaired the component store, you are not finished. You must circle back and run the sfc /scannow command again. With a healthy source now in place, SFC will have the correct “blueprints” to finally replace the corrupted ucrtbased.dll and any other damaged system files.

This one-two punch of DISM followed by SFC is the most robust software-based method to fix system file corruption in Windows. If this process completes successfully but the application still fails, the problem is almost certainly confined to the application’s own installation, logically leading us to the final, targeted solution.

Method 3: Reinstall the Affected Application

If the powerful system-level repairs with SFC and DISM have been completed successfully, yet the specific application still throws the ucrtbased.dll is missing error, the problem has been effectively isolated. This is a strong indicator that the issue is not with your Windows installation itself, but rather with the application’s local installation files or configuration. The most direct and often definitive solution in this scenario is to perform a clean reinstallation of the affected program. This process removes all of the program’s files and settings, providing a fresh start and ensuring that all necessary dependencies, including the correct version of ucrtbased.dll, are properly installed and registered.

A simple uninstall via Windows Settings is often not enough, as it can leave behind residual files and registry entries that may carry over the corruption. For a truly clean slate, follow this more thorough approach:

1. Uninstall the Application: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, locate the problematic program, and select Uninstall.
2. Delete Residual Files: After uninstalling, navigate to the program’s likely installation directories (e.g., C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\) and your user’s AppData folder (type %appdata% in the Windows Run dialog) to manually delete any remaining folders related to the application.
3. Download a Fresh Installer: Always obtain the latest version of the software installer from the official developer’s website. This guarantees you get a clean, uncorrupted package with the most up-to-date dependencies.
4. Reinstall as Administrator: Right-click the new installer file and select “Run as administrator.” This grants the installer the necessary permissions to correctly register DLL files with the system.

Important Consideration: If this error occurs with multiple, unrelated applications after a Windows update, a system-wide repair (like the DISM method) is the correct path. Reinstalling a single app is the solution when the error is confined to one program on an otherwise healthy system.

This method of reinstalling the application to resolve the ucrtbased.dll error is your final, targeted software intervention. It effectively rules out any application-specific corruption. By systematically applying these three core methods—SFC, DISM, and reinstallation—you have addressed the ucrtbased.dll missing error from every logical angle, restoring your system’s stability and getting you back to your work or game.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ve equipped yourself with several reliable strategies, from basic restarts to using the SFC scannow and DISM tools, to effectively resolve the ucrtbased.dll missing error. These steps are designed to systematically restore your system’s health on both Windows 10 and 11. For lasting stability, remember to regularly check for and install Windows updates, as they often contain crucial fixes that prevent such DLL errors from recurring.