Pes 2016 Xinput1-3.dll Missing Fix Today

PES 2016 Error Fix: How to Resolve the Missing xinput1-3.dll File

Published by: Tech Game Support Difficulty: Easy Time: 5–10 minutes

One of the most frustrating moments for a PC gamer is settling in for a match, clicking "Play" on Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, and being greeted not by the Konami logo, but by a stark error dialog box:

"The program can't start because xinput1-3.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."

For fans of PES 2016—still considered by many to be the last great "classic" PES before the Fox Engine overhaul settled in—this error can seem like a brick wall. However, the solution is almost always straightforward. This article will explain exactly why this error appears and provide five proven methods to fix it permanently. pes 2016 xinput1-3.dll missing fix

The Fix (3 easy methods)

4. Verified Solutions (in order of effectiveness)

Method 2: Install DirectX via the PES 2016 Redist Folder (Offline Method)

Konami included a copy of the required DirectX installer on the original game disc and digital download. If you are offline or the web installer fails, use this method.

Step-by-step:

1. Navigate to your PES 2016 installation folder.
   • Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Pro Evolution Soccer 2016
   • Other stores: Wherever you installed the game.
2. Open the folder named _CommonRedist.
3. Open the DirectX folder, then the Jun2010 folder (or similar date).
4. Find the file named DXSETUP.exe.
5. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
6. Follow the prompts to install/repair DirectX.
7. Restart your PC.

What NOT to Do (Important Warning)

• Do NOT download xinput1_3.dll from "DLL Sites". Websites like dll-files.com or dllme.com are unregulated. The files are often outdated, for different architectures (32-bit vs 64-bit), or contain trojans.
• Do NOT use "DLL Fixer" software. These are usually scareware that charge money for doing what the free Microsoft installer does in 30 seconds.
• Do NOT delete other Xinput files. You might have xinput1_1.dll, xinput1_2.dll, and xinput1_4.dll. Leave them alone. PES 2016 specifically needs version 1.3.

Method 1: Install the Official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime (Recommended)

The most reliable fix is to let Microsoft reinstall the correct, signed version of the xinput1_3.dll file directly into your system. PES 2016 Error Fix: How to Resolve the Missing xinput1-3

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the official Microsoft Download Center (search for "DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer").
2. Click the red "Download" button for dxwebsetup.exe.
3. Run the downloaded file as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator).
4. You will see a Microsoft Software License Agreement. Click "I accept the agreement" and then "Next".
5. The tool will scan your PC for missing DirectX files. It will detect that xinput1_3.dll is missing and download it automatically.
6. Important: Uncheck any "Bing Bar" or additional offers if they appear.
7. Complete the installation and restart your PC.

Why this works: This installs the legacy DirectX 9 components (including XInput 1.3) that modern installers sometimes skip.

Method 5: Disable or Add Exception to Antivirus (Temporary Test)

Some modern antivirus software (Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, Avast) overzealously removes xinput1-3.dll because it reads controller input—a behavior that can look like a keylogger to heuristic scans. "The program can't start because xinput1-3

Step-by-step:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection.
2. Run the DirectX installer from Method 1 again.
3. Launch PES 2016. If it works, you have identified the cause.
4. Permanent fix: Add the entire PES 2016 installation folder to your antivirus exclusion/whitelist list. Then re-enable your antivirus.

The Fix

Arjun navigated to the official Microsoft website or his trusted game library. He searched for the "DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer."

This was the golden ticket. It wasn't just an update; it was a package designed to install all the legacy DirectX files (from versions 9.0c and earlier) that modern Windows often forgets.

Here is exactly what Arjun did:

1. The Download: He downloaded the small dxwebsetup.exe file (approx. 200kb).
2. The Launch: He ran the installer. A prompt asked if he wanted to "Repair" or "Install." He chose Install.
3. The Installation: A progress bar appeared. It wasn't downloading the main DirectX (he already had DirectX 12), but it was fetching the missing links—the specific XINPUT files needed for controller input and legacy rendering.
4. The Wait: The bar filled up. "Installation Complete."

Solution 2: Install DirectX from PES 2016 Game Files

PES 2016 includes a DirectX installer in its game directory.

1. Navigate to your PES 2016 installation folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Pro Evolution Soccer 2016\).
2. Find the _CommonRedist folder → DirectX → Jun2010 folder.
3. Run DXSETUP.exe.
4. Complete the installation and restart your PC.