Let's work through the solutions from easiest to most advanced. Try these in order.
Check the skin's @Resources\Plugins folder for the required DLL.
Only download Rainmeter skins from reputable platforms like the official Rainmeter forums, DeviantArt, or GitHub. Avoid third-party sketchy aggregate websites that bundle broken or outdated plugins. Rainmeter.dll Load Error 126
Look for recent blocks associated with Rainmeter.exe or files inside the Documents\Rainmeter\Skins path.
Download Rainmeter fresh. Right-click the installer → . Install. Launch Rainmeter. Let's work through the solutions from easiest to
Files may have been damaged during an update or system crash.
If your Rainmeter installation itself is corrupted (not just the DLL dependencies), a clean reinstall is necessary. Do not worry – you can save your layouts. Rainmeter.dll Load Error 126
Aggressive antivirus software often blocks external DLL hooks.