Mscoree.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file of the .NET Framework code collection for Windows platforms. When there’s an issue with that DLL file, some users see a “mscoree.dll not found” error message in Windows 11. This error can arise when users try to open software packages that need the mscoree.dll file, such as Corel PaintShop Pro.

Any DLL not found or missing error means Windows can’t access the DLL file specified in its message. As a result, software packages that need the specified file don’t open. These potential fixes might resolve the “mscoree.dll not found” error in Windows 11.

1. Make Sure the .NET Framework Is Enabled

Enabling a disabled .NET Framework version is one of the most widely confirmed resolutions for this issue. Windows 11 can’t access the mscoree.dll file when .NET Framework 3.5 or 4.8 are disabled. You can make sure .NET Framework is enabled in Windows 11 like this:

  1. To bring up the utility for file searching, click the magnifying glass taskbar icon.
  2. Type Turn Windows features on or off in the search box.
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off to open that Control Panel applet.
  4. Select the .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) checkbox if it’s disabled.
    The Windows Features window
  5. Click the Plus button beside .NET Framework 3.5 to select its Windows Communications checkboxes.
  6. Is the .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services checkbox selected? If not, select the .Net Framework 4.8 checkbox as well.
  7. Click the Plus button for the .NET Framework 4.8 box to expand it, and select the ASP.NET 4.8 checkbox.
    The ASP.NET 4.8 checkbox
  8. Select OK to enable the .NET Framework features.
  9. Then select to restart Windows after the .NET Framework features have been installed.

2. Run the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool

The “mscoree.dll not found” error can also be the result of a .NET Framework issue. You can apply repairs to a damaged .NET Framework installation with Microsoft’s .NET Repair Tool. To do so, you’ll need to download and launch that repair utility as follows:

  1. Open the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool download page.
  2. Click the orange Download button on that page.
  3. Press File Explorer's yellow folder taskbar button, and bring up the folder the .NET Framework Repair Tool downloaded in.
  4. Double-click the NetFxRepairTool.exe file to open the repair tool’s window.
  5. Select the I have read and accept the license terms box, and click Next.
  6. Press Next again to apply the changes recommended.
    The NET Framework repair tool
  7. Restart your Windows 11 PC after applying changes.

Still Not Fixed? Try These Other “Mscoree.dll Not Found” Fixes

If neither of the .NET Framework resolutions worked for you, you’ll need to try applying other more general potential missing DLL fixes for the “mscoree.dll not found” error. These methods are general troubleshooting tricks you can apply in the face of a DLL error, even ones that aren't related to Mscoree.dll.

As such, all the potential resolutions in our guide for fixing missing DLL errors will probably get the “mscoree.dll not found” error sorted out on your PC.

Get Rid of the “Mscoree.dll Not Found” Error

It’s likely applying the fixes above and the more general missing DLL resolutions in the linked guide will resolve the “mscoree.dll not found” issue. If they’re not enough to fix it, the error could be due to a hardware-related issue. If this is the case, and you're a bit nervous about digging through your computer's hardware to find the issue, you should consider taking your PC to a reputable repair service or contacting Microsoft support.