Start with this diagnostic checklist
Before changing files, note:
- Which program shows the error: Windows Fax and Scan, Fax Cover Page Editor, or another process.
- Whether it appears when the program starts, after an update, or during a fax or cover-page task.
- Whether
fxscomposeres.dllis missing fromC:WindowsSystem32, or exists but will not load. - Whether Windows is x64, ARM64, or 32-bit.
- Whether the problem affects every Windows account.
- Whether Windows Fax and Scan is installed under Settings > System > Optional features.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesfxscomposeres.dll is a genuine Microsoft Windows component used by Fax Compose, part of the Windows Fax and Scan client. If it is missing or damaged, restore the Windows feature rather than downloading a replacement DLL.
What fxscomposeres.dll belongs to
The name refers to the Fax Compose resource DLL. It supports the Fax Compose interface used by Windows Fax and Scan and Fax Cover Page Editor. It is not a Visual C++ runtime, DirectX file, .NET assembly, printer-driver component, or general-purpose application DLL.
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Microsoft’s historical MS11-024 file inventory identifies Fxscomposeres.dll in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 packages for both x86 and x64 systems. Those historical versions should not be treated as current Windows 10 or Windows 11 versions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The usual historical location is:
C:WindowsSystem32FXSCOMPOSERES.dll
On 64-bit Windows, component layout and redirection can differ. Do not copy a file between System32 and SysWOW64 by guesswork. Windows servicing must provide the copy that matches the installed build, architecture, language, and component state.
#1 Best Overall
- DIAL-UP & FAX SUPPORT: Hardware-based USB 2.0 Fax modem adds data and fax functionality to your computer / laptop via USB without putting additional load on your CPU; For faxing, rural internet access, security systems, POS credit authorization
- VOICE AND CALLER ID SUPPORT: Make and receive phone calls through your desktop / laptop computer; This portable USB modem supports Caller ID functionality and is compatible with most dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) networks
- DATA/FAX MODE SUPPORT: Data: V.92, V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A & Bell 103; Fax: V.17, V.29, V.27, V.21 Ch 2, EIA/TIA 578 Class 1 and T.31 Fax Class 1.0; DTMF support
- TECH SPECS: External 56K Modem; Data Fax; USB Type A; 1 x RJ11 Telephone Jack; 56 Kbps Down, 33.6 Kbps Up Data; 14.4 Kbps Fax V.92; V.44 Compression; Conexant CX93010-21Z; USB Powered; TAA Compliant
- COMPATIBILITY: Drivers available for Windows, Windows Server, macOS (10.9 to 12.x) and Linux (kernel 3.16 and up); Windows Drivers available for download
Fix 1: Reinstall Windows Fax and Scan from Optional features
This is the safest first fix on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows Fax and Scan is delivered as a Feature on Demand and may be installed, damaged, staged incompletely, or absent from the current Windows image.
Remove and add the feature
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Optional features.
- Under Installed features, search for Windows Fax and Scan.
- If it is listed, select it and choose Uninstall.
- Restart Windows.
- Return to Settings > System > Optional features.
- Select View features.
- Search for fax.
- Select Windows Fax and Scan.
- Select Next, then Install or Add.
- Restart again if Windows requests it.
Afterward, open Windows Fax and Scan from the Start menu and repeat the action that previously produced the error. If the application opens without the DLL message, the feature installation restored the component.
Microsoft documents the capability as:
Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
The associated package is documented as:
Microsoft-Windows-Printing-WFS-FoD-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab
Availability varies by Windows release, edition, architecture, language, and servicing source. Windows Fax and Scan is not preinstalled by default after Windows 11 version 22H2, and Microsoft states that it is available only in certain editions and configurations.
If Optional features does not show it
Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator:
- Open Start.
- Search for
cmd. - Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Run:
DISM /Online /Get-Capabilities | findstr /I Fax
If the capability appears, install it with:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
Restart Windows and test the feature again.
If Windows reports that source files cannot be found, retry while connected to Windows Update. If that still fails, use installation media matching the installed Windows release:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0 /Source:G:sourcessxs /LimitAccess
G: is only an example drive letter. Do not use a random ISO or media from another Windows build. A mismatched source can leave the component in a worse servicing state.
Rank #2
- 56K data/fax modem with USB interface, compliant with V.90, and V.42/V.42bis/MNP5 protocols and V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocol.
- Support Auto-Dial, Tone and pulse dialing, Auto answer, Auto retrain.
- Support Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista/Win 7.
- Support Caller ID and distinctive ring detect, Auto format/speed sensing, Data/Fax/Voice call discrimination, Single configuration profile stored in host, call forward/fallback.
- 2 RJ11 Ports, you can set your telephone, fax system. Up to 56K data download, 48K data upload, and 14.4K fax communication.Provide Quick Connect and Modem-on-Hold features.
Fix 2: Repair the Windows component store and protected files
Use this path when Windows Fax and Scan is installed but fxscomposeres.dll is corrupt, missing, or repeatedly fails to load.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Open an elevated Command Prompt and run these commands separately:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for DISM to finish. Then run:
sfc /scannow
Restart Windows after both commands complete.
Microsoft recommends DISM before SFC because DISM repairs the component store that SFC uses as a source for protected system files. A Microsoft SFC record specifically associates FXSCOMPOSERES.dll with the Windows Fax client component and records a file hash mismatch.
Typical SFC results include:
- Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. No protected-file problem was detected.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Restart and test Windows Fax and Scan.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Run DISM first if you did not already, then run SFC again.
The relevant logs are:
C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log
C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log
The servicing identity may appear as Microsoft-Windows-Fax-Client-Applications or FaxServicesClientPackage.
Running DISM and SFC repeatedly without knowing what changed can make troubleshooting slow. Outbyte PC Repair can show what its scan identifies, while repairs through the full version are optional. Windows servicing remains the definitive repair path for this Microsoft component.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFix 3: Restart after pending updates or failed feature changes
A failed update or interrupted Feature on Demand installation can leave the Fax client staged but not fully committed.
- Save your work and restart Windows.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart if requested.
- Retry the Optional features installation.
- Run DISM and SFC again if the DLL error remains.
If DISM reports a pending operation or asks for a restart, do not force another installation immediately. Restart, allow Windows to complete its pending work, and retry the command.
Rank #3
- Performance: Support automatic dialing, tone and pulse dialing, automatic answering, automatic fax sending and receiving. Support caller ID, automatic format/speed sensing, data/fax/voice call, single profile stored on the host, call forward/backward.
- Plug and Play: The USB 2.0 fax modem dial-up adapter is suitable for WIN 98 / 2000 / ME / XP / Vista / CE5.0 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7. No need for any external driver.
- Data/Fax Mode: Comply with V.92, V.90 and V.42, V.42bis / MNP5 protocol. Meets V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocols. For GRIS fax cats can dial the Internet, send and receive faxes, but do not support voice calls.
- Tech Specs: Up to 56k data download, 48k data upload, and 14.4k fax communication. The 56k data/fax modem uses USB 2.0 Type A with a full speed of 56kb/s.
- Compatibility: Standard and expanded AT command set compatibility. Provides fast connection and maintenance function on the modem.
If the failure continues, review:
C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log
C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log
Error details in those logs can show whether the package is unavailable, blocked by the edition, missing from the source, or damaged in the component store.
Fix 4: Check antivirus quarantine and file authenticity
If the file disappeared immediately after an antivirus scan, inspect that product’s quarantine and detection history.
Do not restore the file solely because its name is fxscomposeres.dll. First confirm that the security product considers the detection safe to restore. Then repair the component with Optional features or DISM and SFC.
You can also inspect an existing file:
- Open File Explorer.
- Browse to
C:WindowsSystem32. - Locate
FXSCOMPOSERES.dll. - Right-click it and select Properties.
- Open the Digital Signatures tab, if present.
- Review the signer and signature status.
A valid signature supports authenticity but does not prove that the file matches your current Windows build. If malware or unauthorized replacement is suspected, run Microsoft Defender Offline or another trusted security scan, then repair through Windows servicing.
Fix 5: Rule out a scanner or driver change
fxscomposeres.dll is not a printer or scanner driver, so Device Manager is not the normal repair location. However, a scanner, fax modem, or printing change may have exposed the Windows Fax workflow problem.
Check for driver changes:
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Printers, Print queues, Imaging devices, and Universal Serial Bus controllers as applicable.
- Look for a warning icon.
- Right-click the affected device and select Properties.
- Review the Device status and Driver tabs.
- Use Update driver only with a driver intended for that exact device and Windows architecture.
- Restart and test the fax workflow.
If the hardware started failing after a Windows update, obtain the driver from the device manufacturer or Windows Update. Do not expect a driver update to replace fxscomposeres.dll.
Rank #4
- Dual port built in buzzer, compatible with Windows 10, latest Windows OS installation for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, 32-bit, 64-bit
- Tested on Dell inspiron 3847 Windows 10 home 64-bit -send/receive fax successfully -dial up connection connected to NetZero at 46.6 KBPS
- USB 2.0 plug and play -fast & easy hardware and driver installation - USB powered, no power adapter needed
- Dual RJ-11 phone jack for expansion - dual jack for connecting an additional telephone or answering machine
- Fax compatibility ITU-T- send & receive rates up to 14.4k BPS, mOh - receive phone call during active internet connection
Manually hunting through hardware models and driver versions is error-prone. Outbyte Driver Updater can identify stale drivers in its free scan, while driver installation through the full version is optional. Reinstalling Windows Fax and Scan remains the definitive fix for this DLL.
Do not download or register the DLL manually
Avoid DLL download sites sites offering fxscomposeres.dll. A downloaded copy can contain malware, belong to another Windows build, use the wrong architecture, or omit the servicing metadata Windows needs. It may also hide the real cause, such as an absent Fax and Scan capability or a corrupt component store.
Do not use:
regsvr32 fxscomposeres.dll
regsvr32 is intended for DLLs that provide registration entry points such as DllRegisterServer. fxscomposeres.dll is a Windows resource and component DLL, not a documented COM registration server. Registering it is not a routine repair and may produce a message saying that DllRegisterServer was not found.
Use these official sources instead:
- Settings > System > Optional features
- DISM with
Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0 - Windows Update
- Matching Windows installation media
- Microsoft’s component repair commands
Manual copying is appropriate only as an advanced Windows repair procedure using a known-good file from the same Windows version and architecture. It does not mean downloading the file from a public DLL repository.
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Windows Fax and Scan may be unavailable because of the installed edition, configuration, language, architecture, enterprise policy, or customized Windows image.
Check the Windows edition and build under Settings > System > About. Confirm whether the system is x64 or ARM64, then run:
DISM /Online /Get-Capabilities | findstr /I Fax
If the capability is not listed, the current image may not support it or may not have the required source configured. If it is listed but installation fails, use Windows Update first and then matching installation media.
Best Value
- Dual Interface - USB-C Type-C Type C - USB 2.0
- Windows 11 10 Compatible - Fully Compatible with the latest Windows OS - Driverless Installation for Windows 11 10
- Tested on DELL 3847 Windows 11 - Send/Receive Fax successfully - Dial-Up connection connected to Netzero at 46.6 kbps
- USB-C Type C USB 2.0 Plug and Play - Fast & Easy hardware and driver installation - USB Powered, No power adapter needed
- Dual RJ-11 Phone Jack for Expansion - Dual Jack for connecting an additional Telephone or Answering Machine
For a profile-specific failure, create or test another local Windows account. If Fax and Scan works there, the system DLL is less likely to be the only problem. Repair or migrate the damaged profile rather than replacing the DLL.
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If all servicing methods fail, an in-place Windows repair installation or official Microsoft support is the next escalation. Do not assume System Restore will restore a Feature on Demand package, because its result depends on the restore point and current component state.
If you do not need faxing
If you only need to scan documents, Windows 10 and Windows 11 include the Windows Scan app. Microsoft explains how to install and use a scanner in Windows, which avoids restoring the fax-specific component.
FAQ
Is fxscomposeres.dll a Microsoft file?
Yes. It is associated with Microsoft’s Fax Compose functionality in Windows Fax and Scan and Fax Cover Page Editor.
Where should fxscomposeres.dll be located?
Historical inventories place it in:
C:WindowsSystem32FXSCOMPOSERES.dll
The correct installed copy depends on Windows build, architecture, language, and servicing state.
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Do games or ordinary third-party applications need this DLL?
There is no reliable evidence tying this file to a particular game or ordinary third-party application. A program-specific error may be identifying the Windows Fax component indirectly, but repair Windows Fax and Scan before assuming that a third-party DLL is required.
Should I copy it into System32 or SysWOW64?
No. Blind copying can create architecture and servicing mismatches. Restore the component through Optional features, DISM, Windows Update, or matching installation media.
Does regsvr32 fix this file?
No. It is not an appropriate routine fix because this resource DLL is not documented as a COM registration server.
What if SFC says it cannot repair the file?
Run:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
Then restart and review CBS.log and dism.log if the problem persists.
Quick Recap
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