Resolving the -ldwmapi Error in GCC on Windows 10 with MSYS2 and GTK

Learn how to tackle the `ld.exe: cannot find -ldwmapi` error while working with GTK and GCC on Windows 10. We'll guide you through troubleshooting and solutions for a smoother coding experience.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/69324677/ asked by the user 'KV2uAj7c5' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14211342/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/69324918/ provided by the user 'HolyBlackCat' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/2752075/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: GCC, GTK on Windows10 ld.exe: cannot find -ldwmapi

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/licensing
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Fix the ld.exe: cannot find -ldwmapi Error on Windows 10 Using MSYS2 and GTK

If you're diving into GUI development with GTK in C on Windows 10, you might have encountered a frustrating issue: the ld.exe: cannot find -ldwmapi error. This problem can leave many new developers scratching their heads. But fear not! In this post, we'll break down the causes of this error and provide clear steps to resolve it so you can get back to building your application.

Understanding the Issue

The error you're encountering typically arises when the linker (in this case, ld.exe) is unable to locate the required library called dwmapi. This library is vital for certain graphical functions supported in Windows applications. Here's the specific error message you might be seeing:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

What Causes This Error?

MinGW Version Conflicts: If you have multiple versions of MinGW installed, they might conflict with each other. This often happens if you have installed MinGW separately from MSYS2, which ships its own version of MinGW.

Library Path Issues: The library paths may not be set correctly, preventing the linker from finding the required dependencies.

Solution: Steps to Resolve the Issue

To resolve the -ldwmapi issue, you may need to undertake the following steps. Here’s a simplified guide to get you on the right path.

1. Uninstall Conflicting MinGW Versions

Since MSYS2 comes with its own version of MinGW, it’s essential to ensure that any other installation doesn’t interfere with it.

Uninstall MinGW: If you installed MinGW separately (commonly located at C:\mingw), uninstall it from your system.

Modify PATH: After uninstalling, ensure that your system’s PATH environment variable does not include the path to the uninstalled MinGW version. This helps avoid any confusion about which MinGW version to use.

2. Check Your Compilation Command

After ensuring only the MSYS2 MinGW version is in use, revisit your compilation command in your .bat file.

Here’s an example of a potentially problematic command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Make sure that this command accurately points to your MSYS2 directories and libraries. You can often get the necessary compilation flags using the pkg-config tool:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Verification of Libraries

Double-check that the required library (dwmapi.dll in your case) exists in your system's directories:

Location Check: The dwmapi.dll should typically be found in your C:\Windows\System32\ directory. Ensure it's present and not corrupted.

4. Compile Again

After completing the previously mentioned steps, attempt to compile your program again:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

5. Troubleshoot Further

If the error persists, further investigate by:

Reviewing your PATH variable to ensure there are no remnants of the previously uninstalled MinGW installations.

Examining your MSYS2 environment settings and ensuring they are correctly set for your development needs.

Conclusion

Encountering the ld.exe: cannot find -ldwmapi error can be daunting for new developers. However, with the right steps and a bit of patience, you can clear the hurdles and continue your journey in GTK development on Windows 10. Uninstalling conflicting versions of MinGW and ensuring the correct environment setup will pave the way for a smoother coding experience. Happy coding!

Видео Resolving the -ldwmapi Error in GCC on Windows 10 with MSYS2 and GTK канала vlogize