Fix the xinput1_3.dll Missing Error (Official 1-Minute Method)
Independent guide — no official affiliation with the platforms mentioned.
Short answer
The xinput1_3.dll error means the game needs the Xbox controller component but legacy DirectX pieces are missing. Install Microsoft's official 'DirectX End-User Runtime' package instead of downloading the DLL. Setup takes about a minute and completes every missing DLL of the d3dx and XInput families at once.
Official source
microsoft.com
xinput1_3.dll bu resmî paketin içinde gelir; tek kurulumla eksik DirectX bileşenleri tamamlanır.
01 — Step-by-step fix
Step-by-step fix
Download the official DirectX End-User Runtime
Go to Microsoft's 'DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer' page (official link at the top of this guide), download dxwebsetup.exe and run it.
Complete the setup
Decline the Bing Bar offer, accept the license and let the components download. Restart the PC when you see the 'Finished' screen.
Even if the installer says a newer version is already installed, running it still adds the missing legacy components.
Launch the game again
After the reboot, run the game. Errors for xinput1_3.dll, xinput1_4.dll and d3dx9_43.dll should all be gone with this single package.
If you use a controller, check the connection
If the error appears when a controller is plugged in, connect the Xbox controller directly to a USB port (no hubs) and let Windows detect it. For Bluetooth, pair the controller and test it in Windows settings.
Still failing? Verify game files
Use 'Verify integrity of game files' on Steam or 'Validate' on Epic to repair copies missing from the game folder.
Tips
- If several old games throw DLL errors, this single install usually fixes all of them.
- If your antivirus blocks dxwebsetup.exe, allow it — the file comes from Microsoft's official server.
- A reboot isn't strictly required after setup, but do close and reopen the game.
02 — Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I copy xinput1_3.dll manually into System32?
Not recommended. DLL sites carry security risks, and xinput1_3.dll alone is rarely enough — most games also need other d3dx DLLs. The official runtime installs all of them, in the right versions and locations.
On 64-bit Windows, should it go to SysWOW64 or System32?
That question only applies if you copy files by hand — which you should avoid. The official package places everything correctly.
Is this package also needed on Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11 ships DirectX 12 but doesn't include the legacy d3dx/XInput components old games require; the official runtime fills that gap.
Links in this guide point to official platform pages. Steps may change with platform updates; check the page date.
03 — Related guides