Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If Windows says “The program can’t start because fxsresm.dll is missing from your computer,” the file is usually a damaged or missing Windows Fax component. The fxsresm.dll error can also appear as “The specified module could not be found,” “Error loading fxsresm.dll,” or “fxsresm.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.”
Which fix applies to you
Use this list to choose the shortest route:
- The error appears when opening Windows Fax and Scan, the Fax service, or a fax printer: repair Windows components, then reinstall Windows Fax and Scan if necessary.
- The file is absent from
C:WindowsSystem32orC:WindowsSysWOW64: run DISM and SFC. Do not download a replacement DLL. - Windows Security shows that the file was quarantined: verify the file path and Microsoft signature before restoring anything.
- The problem began after an update, crash, cleanup operation, or failed Windows repair: repair the component store with DISM, followed by SFC.
- The file was copied from another PC or downloaded manually: remove that replacement and repair Windows using its own component sources.
- Windows Fax and Scan opens, but faxing fails: repair the fax modem or multifunction-printer driver after confirming that the Windows component itself is intact.
- The error remains after all repairs: use a matching Windows installation source, System Restore, or an in-place Windows repair.
What fxsresm.dll is
fxsresm.dll is the genuine Microsoft Fax Resource DLL. It belongs to the Windows Fax Service and Windows Fax and Scan, not to Visual C++, DirectX, .NET, or a particular game.
It is principally a resource library containing fax-related text, dialogs, icons, and other interface resources. The related service executable is fxssvc.exe. Microsoft describes the Fax Service as the Windows component that provides local or shared-network fax capability through desktop applications.
On a normal installation, the file is associated with these locations:
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- 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
%WINDIR%System32fxsresm.dll
%WINDIR%SysWOW64fxsresm.dll
System32 contains native 64-bit system files on 64-bit Windows. SysWOW64 contains 32-bit system components used by 32-bit programs. A 32-bit version belongs in the 32-bit component location, and a 64-bit version belongs in the native system location.
The exact version depends on your Windows release and servicing level. Do not select a file simply because it has the newest-looking version number.
Fix 1: Repair Windows automatically with DISM and SFC
This is the best first fix when fxsresm.dll is missing, corrupted, or produces a “not designed to run on Windows” message.
Microsoft recommends running DISM before SFC because DISM repairs the component source that SFC uses to restore protected Windows files.
1. Install updates and restart
- Press Windows + I.
- Select Windows Update.
- On Windows 11, select Check for updates. On Windows 10, select Check for updates or Check online for updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart the computer, even if Windows does not require an immediate restart.
2. Run DISM
- Open Start.
- Type
Command Prompt. - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes at the User Account Control prompt.
- Run:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait for the operation to finish. It can remain on one percentage for some time.
- Do not close the window until DISM reports that the restore operation completed or gives a clear error.
3. Run System File Checker
In the same administrator Command Prompt, run:
sfc /scannow
Wait until verification reaches 100 percent. Then restart Windows and try opening Windows Fax and Scan or the program that reported the error.
What the result means
- “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” means SFC found no damaged protected files. Continue with the Windows Fax and Scan installation check below.
- “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them” means the repair succeeded. Restart and test again.
- “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them” means the component store or repair source needs further attention. Run DISM again after installing updates, then rerun SFC.
- If DISM fails because it cannot find source files, use the matching installation-source procedure in the advanced recovery section.
Repeating SFC without knowing whether the component store is healthy rarely adds anything. Outbyte PC Repair can show what needs attention before you repeat the same manual scans, while the repair action is completed by the full version. It is optional, and Windows repair remains the correct path when the file belongs to the Fax component.
Fix 2: Install or repair Windows Fax and Scan
A healthy fxsresm.dll file does not prove that Windows Fax and Scan or the Fax Service is installed correctly. On newer Windows releases, Windows Fax and Scan is delivered as an optional Feature on Demand.
Install it through Settings
- Press Windows + I.
- In Windows 11, select System, then Optional features.
- Select View features next to Add an optional feature.
- Search for
fax. - Select Windows Fax and Scan.
- Select Next, then Install.
- Restart Windows after installation completes.
Windows 10 may show the same feature under Settings → Apps → Optional features → Add a feature. The exact Settings layout varies by release.
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- 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.
On Windows 10 version 2004 and later, the capability is named:
Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
Windows 11 version 22H2 and later does not include Windows Fax and Scan preinstalled, so it may need to be added manually.
Install it from an elevated Command Prompt
If the Settings option is missing, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
Restart when the command completes. Then open Start, search for Windows Fax and Scan, and test it.
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If the command reports that the source files cannot be found, the feature may be unavailable because of Windows edition restrictions, organizational policy, language configuration, offline servicing limitations, or a damaged Windows Update source. Repair Windows with DISM first, then retry the feature installation.
Microsoft documents the capability in its Features on Demand reference.
Fix 3: Check Windows Security quarantine
Antivirus software can quarantine a legitimate system file, although a file name alone is not enough to prove that the quarantined item is safe.
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- 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.
- Open Start and select Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Select Protection history.
- Look for an event involving
fxsresm.dll. - Expand the event and record the reported path.
- Restore or allow the file only if it is in the expected Windows component directory and its Microsoft signature can be verified.
Do not restore a file from a game directory, download folder, temporary folder, or unknown application directory merely because its name matches.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMicrosoft notes that Protection History retains events for a limited period, so an older quarantine may no longer be visible. If no event appears, continue with DISM and SFC rather than assuming antivirus software was responsible.
Fix 4: Verify the file path and signature
A legitimate Windows copy should be in a Windows component directory, normally under %WINDIR%System32 or %WINDIR%SysWOW64.
To check the file:
- Press Windows + E.
- Enter
%WINDIR%System32in the address bar. - Search for
fxsresm.dll. - If you use 64-bit Windows, also check
%WINDIR%SysWOW64. - Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Check the Digital Signatures tab if it is available.
- Confirm that the signer is Microsoft and that Windows reports the signature as valid.
A Microsoft signature is strong evidence of authenticity, but the path and surrounding system condition still matter. A file outside the Windows component directories should not be trusted automatically.
Do not manually copy a DLL into System32, SysWOW64, a game folder, or an application folder. A copied file can have the wrong architecture, version, signature, or dependencies and may prevent Windows servicing from repairing the component later.
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Do not use regsvr32 for this file
regsvr32 registers ActiveX controls and other DLLs that implement registration functions such as DllRegisterServer. fxsresm.dll is a resource DLL and generally does not provide that function.
Running this command is therefore not a repair:
regsvr32 fxsresm.dll
If Windows reports that the module loaded but the entry point was not found, that does not mean the file needs a different regsvr32 command. Repair the Windows component instead.
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- 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
Do not install Visual C++, DirectX, or .NET for this error
Those packages do not provide fxsresm.dll. Installing them is not a rational fix unless the error separately names a missing Visual C++, DirectX, or .NET file.
Likewise, a program or game may display the error while it is trying to access Windows fax functionality, but that does not make fxsresm.dll a normal game dependency. Repair the Windows Fax component first.
Fix 5: Repair from a matching Windows source
If DISM reports that repair files cannot be found, use a genuine Windows installation source matching your:
- Windows edition
- Windows release
- Display language
- System architecture
A mismatched source can introduce further servicing problems.
After connecting the correct installation media, run a command similar to this from an administrator Command Prompt:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Replace C:RepairSourceWindows with the actual Windows folder in the matching repair source. When DISM completes, run:
sfc /scannow
Restart and test Windows Fax and Scan again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix 6: Use System Restore or an in-place repair
Use System Restore when the problem began after a clear system change and a suitable restore point exists.
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- 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
- Open Start and search for Create a restore point.
- Open it and select System Restore.
- Choose a restore point from before the error began.
- Review the affected programs and drivers.
- Start the restore and allow Windows to restart.
System Restore changes system files and settings, but it is not a substitute for backing up personal files.
If DISM, SFC, and Feature on Demand installation all fail, perform an in-place Windows repair using genuine installation media that matches the installed edition and language. This preserves personal files and installed applications when the repair path supports that choice, but review the installer screens carefully before proceeding.
Fix 7: Repair fax hardware only after Windows is fixed
If Windows Fax and Scan opens normally but faxing still fails, the remaining problem may be the fax modem, multifunction printer, scanner, connection, or driver.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Modems, Printers, Print queues, and Imaging devices.
- Right-click the relevant device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- If that does not help, select Uninstall device, restart Windows, and install the latest driver from the hardware manufacturer.
- Test the device again in Windows Fax and Scan.
A device driver normally does not make fxsresm.dll disappear. Repair the Windows component before replacing hardware drivers.
When several devices are involved, manually identifying the correct driver versions can take time. Outbyte Driver Updater can scan for outdated drivers and show what needs updating, while the driver installation is completed by the full version. It is optional, and the hardware manufacturer’s driver remains the definitive source.
FAQ
Is fxsresm.dll malware?
The genuine file is a Microsoft Windows system resource DLL. A copy in the expected Windows directory with a valid Microsoft signature is consistent with that role. A same-named file in an unrelated folder should be investigated rather than automatically trusted.
Where should fxsresm.dll be located?
On 64-bit Windows, the native copy belongs under %WINDIR%System32, with a 32-bit counterpart potentially under %WINDIR%SysWOW64. On 32-bit Windows, the relevant system copy is under %WINDIR%System32.
Should I download fxsresm.dll from a DLL website?
No. Loose downloads can contain malware or the wrong Windows version and architecture, and they often leave the damaged component store or missing Fax feature unrepaired. Use Windows Update, DISM, SFC, Optional features, or matching Microsoft installation media.
Why does Windows say the file is not designed to run on Windows?
The file may be corrupt, replaced with the wrong architecture, copied from another Windows release, or accompanied by a damaged dependency. Run DISM and SFC instead of replacing it manually.
What if the file is present but Windows still reports it as missing?
The actual problem may be a damaged dependency, incomplete Windows Fax and Scan installation, or a different executable reporting the error. Check the application named in the error, repair the Fax feature, and review Event Viewer if the problem continues.
What if only fax hardware fails after the DLL repair?
Check the modem or multifunction-printer connection and reinstall its driver through Device Manager or the manufacturer’s official support channel. The hardware issue is separate if Windows Fax and Scan itself now opens normally.
Quick Recap
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