- Resolving the “C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvspcap64.dll is either not designed to run on Windows” Error in Windows 10
- What Triggers the “nvspcap64.dll” Error Message?
- How to Permanently Fix the nvspcap64.dll Error
- Solution 1: Update Your Nvidia Drivers
- Solution 2: Reinstall GeForce Experience
- Solution 3: Run SFC and DISM Commands
- Solution 4: Uninstall Problematic Programs
- Solution 5: Restore From a System Restore Point
- Preventing Future “nvspcap64.dll” Errors
- References
Resolving the “C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvspcap64.dll is either not designed to run on Windows” Error in Windows 10
The “C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvspcap64.dll is either not designed to run on Windows” error can be an annoying and persistent issue that prevents certain applications from launching properly on your Windows 10 computer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the underlying causes of this error and walk through the most effective solutions to resolve it for good.
What Triggers the “nvspcap64.dll” Error Message?
This particular error message indicates that a key system file associated with the Nvidia drivers and GeForce Experience software has become damaged or corrupted.
Specifically, nvspcap64.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file utilized by Nvidia components to interface with the Windows OS. If this file is outdated, incorrectly registered, or missing vital dependencies, attempting to open programs that rely on it can trigger the “not designed for Windows” error.
The error will typically pop up repeatedly with a status code of 0xc000012f whenever you try launching affected apps like games or graphics-intensive programs. While the apps may still open after dismissing the dialog boxes, the continual error messages can be extremely distracting and inconvenient.
How to Permanently Fix the nvspcap64.dll Error
To banish the “nvspcap64.dll not designed for Windows” message for good, you’ll need to pinpoint and address the specific cause. Here are the top solutions to resolve this problem:
Solution 1: Update Your Nvidia Drivers
Outdated Nvidia drivers can sometimes trigger this error. Check for driver updates through GeForce Experience or manually download the latest drivers from Nvidia’s website. Be sure to custom install and perform a clean installation when updating. After installing updated drivers, reboot your system and see if the error persists.
Solution 2: Reinstall GeForce Experience
If the error only seems to affect GeForce Experience, try uninstalling and reinstalling the latest version of the software. This can replace any corrupted GeForce files and register components properly with Windows.
Use an uninstaller tool to completely wipe leftover registry entries and folders before reinstalling a fresh copy. Then launch GeForce Experience and check for errors.
Solution 3: Run SFC and DISM Commands
System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are built-in Windows utilities that can scan for and replace corrupt OS files.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following commands:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThis will scan Windows system files and repair any integrity violations it finds. Reboot afterward and see if the dll error has been resolved.
Solution 4: Uninstall Problematic Programs
If the error seems isolated to a particular piece of software, uninstalling and reinstalling the program can often fix dll issues. Make sure to completely wipe associated registry entries and folders when uninstalling.
Then download a fresh installer from the developer’s website and set it up anew. This can replace corrupt files that came with the original installation.
Solution 5: Restore From a System Restore Point
If you can pinpoint when the error first began appearing, rolling back your system to an earlier restore point from before that time may eliminate the problem.
Access System Restore through the Windows Recovery Environment and choose a restore point predating the error. After the restoration completes, reboot and see if nvspcap64.dll loads correctly.
Preventing Future “nvspcap64.dll” Errors
To avoid encountering this issue again in the future, be proactive with system maintenance:
- Keep your Nvidia drivers updated and perform clean installs when upgrading
- Periodically reinstall GeForce Experience to refresh corrupt files
- Run SFC and DISM scans monthly to fix system file problems
- Avoid installing unsupported software or making registry edits that can break dependencies
With vigilant system care, you can prevent the pesky “nvspcap64.dll not designed for Windows” error from ever appearing again!
