VBA & Macro Problems

Fix Microsoft Word VBA Runtime Error 48: Error in Loading DLL

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user encounters Runtime Error 48 (Error in loading DLL) when running custom VBA code that attempts to hook into Word using GetObject.

How to Fix Microsoft Word VBA Runtime Error 48: Error in Loading DLL

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Running a custom VBA script or macro that utilizes GetObject(Class:="Word.Application") to interact with the Word application.
Observed behavior: The VBA code triggers Runtime Error 48 and fails to execute. The issue persists on a specific computer even after repairing and reinstalling Microsoft 365, while the same code works on other machines.

Before you start

Verify whether your installed version of Microsoft Office is 32-bit or 64-bit, as architecture mismatches between Office and referenced DLLs are the most common cause of Error 48.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify and Isolate Faulty DLL References

Use this method to pinpoint exactly which dynamic link library is causing the Runtime Error 48 by testing them one at a time.

Often, a specific DLL referenced by your macro is either missing from the target computer or is fundamentally incompatible with the system's architecture.

By disabling references one by one, you can identify the culprit without needing to completely rewrite the code.

Open the VBA Editor

In Microsoft Word, press 'Alt + F11' to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Access Project References

Click on 'Tools' in the top menu bar, then select 'References' to view all DLLs and libraries currently attached to your project.

Check for 'MISSING' Tags

Scroll through the checked items. If any item begins with 'MISSING:', uncheck it. This indicates the DLL is not present on this specific computer.

Isolate the Problematic DLL

If no items are marked as missing, temporarily uncheck one non-standard reference or comment out its corresponding 'Declare' statement in your code. Run the macro again. Repeat this process until the error no longer occurs.

Identify and Isolate Faulty DLL References

Identifying the Culprit: Once you identify the DLL that triggers the error, you can either replace it with a compatible version, remove the dependency entirely, or register it properly on the affected PC.

Solution 2

Update 32-bit API Declarations for 64-bit Office

Apply this solution if your code was written on a 32-bit version of Office but is being executed on a 64-bit installation.

Solution 3

Manually Register the Problematic DLL

Use this method if you have identified the required DLL, but Windows or Office fails to recognize it automatically.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless, Error-Free Experience

If persistent DLL issues and runtime errors are disrupting your workflow in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, modern architecture with robust built-in VBA support, eliminating the heavy registry dependencies that often plague traditional Office installations.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document or macro-enabled file (.docm) that was failing in MS Word.
3. Run Your Macros: Access the Developer tab to seamlessly execute your VBA code within WPS Office's stable environment.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in support for VBA macros allows you to run existing scripts effortlessly.Lightweight installation minimizes complex system DLL conflicts.Free to use with a clean, intuitive, and highly familiar user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Error in loading DLL' mean in Word VBA?

This error means that a dynamic link library (DLL) file referenced by your VBA macro is either missing from the computer, corrupted, or has an architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) that conflicts with your Office installation.

Why didn't repairing or reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix Error 48?

Office repairs only fix the core Microsoft application files. If your macro depends on a third-party DLL, a custom library, or an outdated 32-bit dependency, reinstalling Office will not resolve the missing or incompatible external file.

How do I check if my Microsoft Office is 32-bit or 64-bit?

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File', select 'Account', and click 'About Word'. A dialog box will appear displaying the version number and explicitly stating whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Can I use GetObject("Word.Application") if multiple versions of Office are installed?

Having multiple versions of Office installed can confuse the system registry, leading to GetObject failing or referencing the wrong library version. It is strongly recommended to only keep one version of Office installed on a single computer.

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