If you are a gamer, 3D artist, or user of emulators (like Yuzu, Ryujinx, or RPCS3), you might have encountered a frustrating pop-up error when trying to launch an application. The message reads:
"The procedure entry point vkgetphysicaldevicefeatures2 could not be located in the dynamic link library"
Followed by a reference to either vulkan-1.dll, nvoglv64.dll, or the executable file itself.
This error stops your program from running entirely. Below, we break down exactly what this error means, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to fix it permanently.
Error Message (full typical example):
The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located in the dynamic link library [vulkan-1.dll, or an application’s local DLL].
This error occurs on Windows when an application (typically a game, 3D renderer, or emulator like RPCS3 or Dolphin) tries to call a Vulkan function named vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2, but the Vulkan loader or driver being used at runtime does not export that function.
Vulkan is separate from DirectX, but many installers rely on these runtimes.
Check the directory of the crashing executable (e.g., game.exe folder). If a vulkan-1.dll exists there:
vulkan-1.dll.bak.Also check C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for 32-bit apps.
“I see the error: The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located.”
Short fix:
- Update your graphics driver from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel.
- Download and install the latest Vulkan Runtime from LunarG.
- Delete any
vulkan-1.dllin the game/emulator folder.- Disable RivaTuner, Afterburner, or Discord overlays.
If the problem remains, your GPU may not support Vulkan 1.1. Check your GPU model and update Windows fully.
The error "The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located in the dynamic link library vulkan-1.dll" indicates a mismatch between your software's requirements and your graphics driver's Vulkan capabilities. This typically happens when a game or application (like DOOM Eternal) expects a newer version of the Vulkan API than what is currently provided by your GPU driver. 1. Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
The most common cause is an outdated driver that does not support the latest Vulkan functions. expand Display adapters
Clean Install with DDU: Use the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove old driver remnants, then install the latest official drivers for your specific GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Avoid Mixed Drivers: Ensure you do not have both AMD and NVIDIA drivers installed simultaneously if you only use one card, as this can cause library conflicts. 2. Install the Latest Vulkan Runtime
If updating drivers doesn't work, you may need to manually update the Vulkan loader files.
Download the Vulkan Runtime (RT) or SDK directly from the Vulkan LunarG website. This replaces the potentially outdated vulkan-1.dll on your system. 3. Disable Integrated Graphics
On laptops or PCs with an integrated GPU (iGPU) and a dedicated GPU, the application might be trying to launch using the iGPU, which often lacks full Vulkan 1.2/1.3 support.
Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, and try disabling the integrated graphics (e.g., Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Graphics) temporarily.
Alternatively, set the application to "High Performance" in Windows Graphics Settings to force it to use your dedicated card. 4. System Maintenance & Repairs
The error message "The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located" is a common issue for users attempting to run modern games or emulators like DOOM Eternal
This error signifies a mismatch between the software's expectations and the capabilities of your system's Vulkan API 1. Understanding the Root Cause
A "procedure entry point" is a specific address in a Dynamic Link Library (DLL)—in this case, vulkan-1.dll
—where a program begins executing a particular function. The function
v k cap G e t cap P h y s i c a l cap D e v i c e cap F e a t u r e s 2
is an extension of the original Vulkan specification used to query a graphics card's advanced capabilities.
When this error appears, it usually means your application is trying to use a version of Vulkan that is newer than what your current graphics driver supports. Because the driver's DLL does not contain the code for this specific function, the operating system cannot "locate" it, and the application fails to launch. 2. Primary Solution: Update Graphics Drivers the operating system cannot "locate" it
The most effective way to resolve this is by updating your GPU drivers to the latest version provided by the manufacturer. NVIDIA Users : Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page or use the GeForce Experience app. : Visit the AMD Drivers and Support site to use their auto-detect tool. Intel Users : Update through the Intel Driver & Support Assistant 3. Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If updating drivers normally doesn't work, the existing driver files might be corrupted. DOOM Eternal vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 : r/CrackSupport 4 Oct 2020 —
How to Fix "The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located"
If you are trying to launch a modern game like Doom Eternal, Wolfenstein, or Resident Evil and are greeted with an error stating "The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located in the dynamic link library," you aren’t alone.
This error specifically relates to Vulkan, a graphics API (like DirectX) that games use to communicate with your hardware. When this error pops up, it usually means your system is trying to call a function that your current graphics driver or system files don't recognize.
Here is a straightforward guide to getting your game back up and running. 1. Update Your Graphics Drivers (The Most Common Fix)
The function vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 was introduced in newer versions of the Vulkan SDK. If your drivers are outdated, they simply don't know what that command is.
NVIDIA Users: Open GeForce Experience and check for updates, or go to the NVIDIA website and download the latest "Game Ready Driver."
AMD Users: Use AMD Radeon Software to check for updates or download the latest "Adrenalin" drivers from AMD’s site.
Intel Users: Ensure your integrated graphics drivers are up to date via the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Pro Tip: If a standard update doesn't work, use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to completely wipe your old drivers in Safe Mode before installing the fresh ones. 2. Move or Rename vulkan-1.dll
Sometimes, games bundle their own version of the Vulkan library, which might conflict with the one installed on your Windows system.
Go to the folder where your game is installed (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\GAME_NAME). Search for a file named vulkan-1.dll. Rename it to vulkan-1.dll.old.
Launch the game. This forces the game to use the updated vulkan-1.dll located in your C:\Windows\System32 folder instead of the outdated one in the game folder. 3. Install the Latest Vulkan Runtime If the problem remains
If updating your drivers didn't include the latest Vulkan files, you can install them manually. Go to the LunarG Vulkan SDK page. Download the Runtime Installer for Windows. Run the installer and restart your computer. 4. Check for Integrated vs. Dedicated GPU Conflicts
If you are on a laptop, your computer might be trying to launch the game using your Intel/AMD Integrated Graphics rather than your NVIDIA/AMD Dedicated GPU. Integrated chips often lack full Vulkan support.
Right-click your Desktop > Display Settings > Graphics Settings. Find your game’s .exe file.
Click Options and set it to "High Performance" to ensure it uses your actual graphics card. 5. Verify Game Files
If a specific file is corrupted, Steam or Epic Games can fix it for you.
Steam: Right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Epic Games: Click the three dots (...) under the game tile > Manage > Verify.
In 90% of cases, updating your GPU drivers solves this issue immediately. This error is essentially your computer's way of saying it’s speaking an old version of a language that the game doesn't understand.
"The procedure entry point vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located"
typically indicates an incompatibility between your application and the Vulkan driver vulkan-1.dll file on your system
. This function is part of the Vulkan 1.1 core specification; if your graphics driver or hardware only supports Vulkan 1.0, it cannot locate this "entry point" 1. Update Graphics Drivers (Primary Fix)
The most common cause is an outdated driver that does not support Vulkan 1.1 or higher NVIDIA Users : Download the latest Game Ready drivers from NVIDIA Driver Downloads : Get the latest Adrenalin software from AMD Support Intel Users : Update via the Intel Driver & Support Assistant 2. Verify Game/Application Files If the application's local vulkan-1.dll is corrupted or outdated, it will fail to launch : Right-click the game > Properties Installed Files Verify integrity of game files Epic Games Store : Click the three dots (...) on the game tile > 3. Repair System Files (SFC Scan)
Corruption in Windows system libraries can lead to entry point errors
vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2KHR if available.