Start with this diagnostic checklist
Before changing anything, record:
- Which program, Settings page, or startup process displays the error
- Whether it appears when Windows starts, when opening Settings, or when launching an app
- The exact wording, such as “was not found,” “could not be loaded,” or “is corrupted”
- The full path shown in the message
- Whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit
- Whether
SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dllexists inC:WindowsSystem32orC:WindowsSysWOW64
systemsettings.deviceencryptionhandlers.dll is a genuine Microsoft Windows component connected with the Device Encryption Setting Handlers portion of Windows Settings. It is not normally a game DLL, Visual C++ file, DirectX component, or ordinary application dependency.
On 64-bit Windows, the normal locations are:
C:WindowsSystem32SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll
C:WindowsSysWOW64SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll
System32 contains the normal 64-bit system-file set. SysWOW64 contains 32-bit system files on 64-bit Windows. The filename, file size, and version can differ between Windows builds, so historical online version listings are not suitable download specifications. Microsoft’s build documentation includes both x86 and x64 copies of this file, confirming that it ships as part of Windows itself. Microsoft’s Windows build file list
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Fix 1: Repair Windows automatically with DISM and SFC
This is the best first fix when the file is missing, corrupted, or cannot be loaded. DISM repairs the Windows component store, and System File Checker then restores protected system files from that repaired store.
Run DISM
- Open Start.
- Type Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes if User Account Control asks for permission.
- Run this command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait for the operation to finish. Do not close the window while it is working.
When DISM completes successfully, run SFC in the same administrator window:
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sfc /scannow
Wait until verification reaches 100 percent, then restart Windows.
Check the result
If SFC reports that it found corrupt files and repaired them, restart and repeat the action that originally produced the error. If the error is gone, the protected Windows file was repaired.
If SFC says it could not repair some files, run DISM again, restart, and run sfc /scannow a second time. If DISM says that source files could not be found, Windows needs a repair source matching the installed edition and build. Microsoft documents the /Source and /LimitAccess options for this situation in its Windows image repair instructions.
Repeating these commands is safer than replacing the DLL manually, but it can be difficult to tell which repair changed the system. Outbyte PC Repair can scan for problems and show what needs attention, while its full version performs the repair; it is optional, and DISM plus SFC remain the appropriate Windows-native steps.
Fix 2: Install pending Windows updates
A failed update or interrupted feature upgrade can leave a Windows component incomplete.
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install every available update.
- Restart when prompted.
- Return to Windows Update and check again until no further updates are offered.
On supported Windows 11 installations, Microsoft also provides a repair reinstall:
- Open Settings.
- Select System > Recovery.
- Find Fix problems using Windows Update.
- Select Reinstall now.
- Follow the prompts and keep the computer connected to power.
This process reinstalls the current Windows version while preserving personal files, applications, and settings. The option is not present on every Windows installation. Microsoft explains the feature in its guide to reinstalling the current version of Windows.
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A missing file does not prove malware, and it does not prove that antivirus caused the problem. However, Windows Security may quarantine a protected file after a false positive or after detecting tampering.
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Select Privacy & security > Windows Security on Windows 11. On Windows 10, select Update & Security > Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Select Protection history.
- Review recent detections.
- Expand a detection and check its full path, threat name, and action.
Only consider restoring an item when the detection refers to the expected Windows directory and the file is verified as a Microsoft-signed Windows component. Do not restore a file merely because its name matches.
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If Windows Security has already removed the file, run DISM and SFC after addressing the detection. Microsoft warns that restoring a quarantined item can cause Defender to detect it again. Follow Microsoft’s Protection History guidance, and run a full scan if the file repeatedly disappears.
Fix 4: Verify the path and Microsoft signature
A genuine copy should normally be in a Windows component directory, not beside a game executable or in a random application folder.
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- Open File Explorer.
- Browse to
C:WindowsSystem32. - Search for
SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll. - If you use 64-bit Windows, also check
C:WindowsSysWOW64. - Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Check the Digital Signatures tab.
- Select the Microsoft signature, choose Details, and confirm that Windows reports the signature as valid.
- Review the Details tab for the product and file information.
A valid Microsoft signature and expected Windows path are strong signs that the file is legitimate. A copy in an application folder, a missing signature, or a signature that Windows cannot verify requires caution. Do not overwrite it with a file found online.
The correct file also depends on the installed Windows architecture and build. Do not choose a copy simply because a website labels it “32-bit” or “64-bit.”
Fix 5: Determine whether this is a stale startup or RunDLL reference
A startup error can persist even when the Windows file is present. In that case, the problem may be an outdated startup command, scheduled task, or RunDLL reference rather than a missing component.
First, copy the complete error text and path. Then:
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- Open Settings.
- Select Apps > Startup.
- Review entries that appeared around the time the error began.
- Disable only an entry you recognize as unnecessary or connected with the error.
- Restart Windows and test again.
You can also inspect Task Scheduler:
- Open Start and type Task Scheduler.
- Open it as an administrator.
- Select Task Scheduler Library.
- Review recently added or suspicious tasks.
- Open a task’s Actions tab before disabling it.
- Do not delete a task unless you know which software created it.
If the DLL exists in the correct directory and has a valid Microsoft signature, do not delete the file to silence a startup message. Find the command that is calling it and repair or remove the obsolete software entry instead.
Fix 6: Do not use Regsvr32 for this problem
regsvr32 is not a general DLL repair command. It registers DLLs that provide a registration entry point such as DllRegisterServer; it does not restore a missing Windows component or repair the component store.
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Do not run either of these commands as a guess:
regsvr32 SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll
regsvr32 C:WindowsSystem32SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll
They may produce an error because this Windows Settings handler is not being repaired through ordinary manual registration. Microsoft documents Regsvr32 as a registration utility, not as a replacement for DISM or SFC.
Fix 7: Check disk and filesystem health
If SFC repairs the file but the same corruption returns, investigate the storage device and filesystem.
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- Open Start, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run:
chkdsk C: /scan
- Follow any instructions Windows provides.
- Check Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes for drive warnings, if available.
- Review Windows Security and your security software for repeated detections.
A recurring problem can indicate filesystem corruption, failing storage, malware, or an update that never completed. Repeatedly copying the DLL will not correct those causes.
Fix 8: Update related drivers only if other hardware symptoms exist
This DLL is a Windows Settings component, not a device driver. Driver work is relevant only when the error began with broader hardware, encryption, storage, firmware, or Device Manager problems.
To check manually:
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand categories related to the affected hardware.
- Right-click a device and select Properties.
- Review the General tab for an error code.
- Open the Driver tab and select Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart if Windows installs an update.
Do not remove a working driver simply because this DLL error appeared. Outbyte Driver Updater can scan for outdated drivers and show which versions need attention, while driver installation is handled by its full version; it is optional, and it will not replace the Windows repair steps for this DLL.
Fix 9: Use System Restore for a recent change
If the error began immediately after an update, driver installation, software change, or system configuration change, System Restore may help when a suitable restore point exists.
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- Open Start and search for Create a restore point.
- Open the result.
- Select System Restore.
- Choose a restore point dated before the problem began.
- Select Scan for affected programs if available.
- Confirm the restore and allow Windows to restart.
System Restore rolls back system files, drivers, and settings. It does not replace personal files. Microsoft describes the process and limitations in its System Restore guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix 10: Perform an in-place repair installation
Use an in-place repair when DISM, SFC, Windows Update repair, and System Restore do not resolve the problem, or when several Windows components are damaged.
Use official Windows installation media that matches the installed edition and architecture. Start setup.exe from inside Windows, then choose the option to keep personal files and applications. Do not boot from the media and choose a clean installation unless you have backed up your data and deliberately intend to erase the existing installation.
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Microsoft’s repair installation instructions explain the available choices. If the repair cannot preserve applications, stop and review the selected option before continuing.
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Random DLL download sites can provide malware, an outdated build, the wrong architecture, or a file whose signature cannot be verified. Even a genuine-looking copy may not match the installed Windows component store, and copying it into an application folder often leaves the underlying corruption untouched.
Use Windows Update, DISM, SFC, official installation media, and Microsoft’s own recovery features instead. Do not use registry cleaners or paid DLL-fixing utilities as a substitute for repairing Windows.
FAQ
Is SystemSettings.DeviceEncryptionHandlers.dll safe?
It is a legitimate Microsoft Windows component when it is located in a normal Windows directory and carries a valid Microsoft signature. Location and signature matter more than the filename alone.
Is this file part of a game?
There is no reliable evidence that a particular game legitimately ships this Windows component. If a game displays the error, repair Windows first and then repair or reinstall the game only if its own files are also damaged.
Should I copy the file into the program folder?
No. This is normally a protected Windows file, not an application-owned DLL. Copying it beside an executable can create version and architecture mismatches.
Do Windows 10 and Windows 11 use the same file?
The filename can remain stable while the version, size, architecture, and servicing package change. Use the copy supplied by the installed Windows build rather than an old version listed elsewhere.
What if the file exists but the error still appears?
Verify the Microsoft signature, check the full path in the error, and inspect startup entries or scheduled tasks. A stale RunDLL reference can produce an error even when the protected file is present.
What information should I provide when asking for help?
Include the Windows 10 or Windows 11 version and build, exact error text, full path shown, when the problem began, whether it occurs at startup or while opening an app, and whether the file exists in System32 or SysWOW64.
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