Your Windows system needs DLL files to perform specific functions for an app or program. And, it might fail to load an essential DLL file due to various issues. Unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll is one of the instances that trigger such problems. And, your PC might often come across the error while using the Intel Optane Memory. Also, this issue seems to be more common in the Windows 10 1903 version.
You must resolve this error to keep using the Intel Optane Memory without any issues. Are you looking for an effective solution to this error? Then, the ones we have mentioned should be quite helpful to you.
Unable to load the DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll: What Causes it and How to Fix It?
You must make sure that your device fulfils the requirements to run Intel Optane Memory. If it does, then you can proceed with various solutions to fix the problem. Otherwise, there would be no use in applying the fixes mentioned below. Also, you must try restarting your device first and check whether that resolves the error.
Try the following fixes if your PC is still unable to load the DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll:
Modify the Optane Explorer Extensions
Are you wondering where to start from? Then, you must try making changes to the Explorer Extensions of Intel Optane Memory. To do that, you need to navigate to the Apps & Features section on your Windows system. Use the search bar if required. You will find a search option in the Apps & Features section. So, type and enter ‘Intel Optane Pinning Extensions’ there.
Left-click the program once you find it to open the options. You would find the Modify, Uninstall, and Repair options there. In this case, modification refers to reinstalling the extensions. And, you must use this option to fix the error with launching the DLL. Check whether your PC is unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll after restarting it.
Many PC users have reported that this method fixed the error in their cases. So, it might help you get a fairly quick solution. However, if it does not, you must proceed with the next few fixes.
Fix the Intel Optane Memory Explorer Extensions
The “unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll” might also occur due to corrupted Explorer extensions. So, if reinstalling the extensions does not work, you should repair them. Navigate to the extensions again with the aforementioned steps.
Apart from that, you can also find the extensions through the Control Panel. Go to the Programs & Features given there to find the Intel Optane Explorer Extensions. Left-click on it to bring up its options and click on Repair.
This should fix any issues with the Explorer extensions for your Intel Optane Memory. Restart your PC after the repair and check whether the error persists.
Disable the Third-Party Antivirus
Your third-party antivirus program might often identify some crucial files as threats and blacklist them. As a result, your PC would fail to run the programs whose files are associated with it.
So, the ‘Unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll’ error might indicate that the file has been blocked. Launch your antivirus app and disable it to determine whether that is the case.
You can also simply remove the DLL file from the blacklist if you find it there. This should fix the problem you were facing in loading it. If required, you must also consider replacing antivirus software on your PC.
Restart the Intel Optane Memory Service
Have you failed to fix the error with the aforementioned methods? If yes, then you must try restarting the Intel Optane Memory Service. After all, your PC might be unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll due to a service error. And, restarting the service should usually remove any temporary errors in it.
So, open the Services section on your PC and find the Intel Optane Memory. Then, right-click on it and opt for stopping it. Start it again after a few minutes and check whether the problem persists. You can also simply click on Restart rather than stop this service.
Get the Latest Rapid Storage Technology (RST) Drivers
Does your PC have the latest Rapid Storage Technology drivers? If not, then installing the drivers might fix the ‘unable to load DLL iastorafsserviceapi.dll’ error. So, you must give that a try if the previously-mentioned fixes did not work. You can find the latest RST drives from the official website of Intel. Enter “rst” in the search box given there and download the latest zip file.
Unzip the file to a suitable location and initiate the installation process. You might have to reboot the PC to register your changes to it. Check whether the issue has been resolved after you do that.
Uninstall Your Intel Optane Drivers
Are you already using the latest driver versions for Optane? Then, the DLL loading error might indicate corrupt Optane drivers. In such cases, removing these drivers is the only viable option you have.
After all, there is no way to repair them in Windows systems yet. So, go to the Device Manager and expand the software components. Right-click on Intel Pinning Shell Extensions and opt for uninstalling this device.
This should remove all the corrupt Intel Optane drivers from your PC. Then, you can reinstall them or disable the Intel Optane Memory. Finally, you must open the BIOS.
Disable the Intel Optane Memory
Do you keep seeing the DLL loading error despite trying all possible fixes? Then, you might finally want to remove the Intel Optane Memory from your PC. While you cannot remove it from your Windows system, you can easily disable it.
Restart your device and open the BIOS by pressing F1, F2, F10, or F12 to do that. Find the Intel Rapid Storage Technology in Advanced Mode and Click on Intel PCIe. Then, select the option ‘Reset to Non-Optane’ and reboot your PC.
