How To Fix Windows Could Not Load Required File Winsetup.dll May 2026

If you’re installing Windows on an NVMe SSD or a RAID array, the default Windows PE environment may lack the driver to read your disk – causing a cryptic DLL error.

What to do:

If nothing works:

Reboot and try the installation again.

If the SATA settings are correct, or if you are installing Windows 10/11, the error is almost certainly due to a corrupted file on your USB drive or DVD. A single bad sector on a USB stick can cause the winsetup.dll error.

Do not just copy the ISO file to the USB. You must make it bootable. how to fix windows could not load required file winsetup.dll

In 80% of cases, this error means your USB drive or DVD is faulty. Do not skip this step.

Step-by-Step:

Test the new media: Boot from the new USB. If the error disappears, you’re done.

Pro Tip: Try using a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0. Windows Setup sometimes has legacy driver issues with USB 3.0 ports during the initial boot phase.

Before diving into repairs, perform these quick checks. They save hours of troubleshooting. If you’re installing Windows on an NVMe SSD

If the error persists, proceed with the structured fixes below.