Qt static build missing windows plugin

When you perform a static build of a Qt application, you need to ensure that all necessary dependencies are included to avoid runtime errors. The "missing windows plugin" error you're encountering typically indicates that the required Qt platform plugin for Windows is not being included in your static build.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Check Qt Configuration:
   When you're configuring your Qt build, make sure to include the -static option to enable static linking. For example:

   swiftCopy code
   configure -static -prefix <installation_path>
   
   

2. Check Platform Plugin:
   The Qt platform plugin for Windows is usually named qwindows.dll. Ensure that this DLL is included in your static build. It should be located in the plugins/platforms directory within your Qt installation.

3. Copy the Plugin Manually:
   If the platform plugin is not being copied automatically during the build process, you can copy it manually to your application's build directory. You'll need to copy the qwindows.dll file from the plugins/platforms directory to the directory where your executable is located.

4. Check Qt Deployment Tool:
   If you're using the Qt Deployment Tool (windeployqt) to deploy your application's dependencies, make sure to use the tool for the static build version of Qt. Run the windeployqt command from the directory containing your executable after you've copied the required plugin.

   For example:

   vbnetCopy code
   path\to\static\qt\bin\windeployqt.exe path\to\your\executable
   
   

5. Check for Other Missing Dependencies:
   In addition to the platform plugin, there might be other dependencies that are required for your application to run. Make sure to include all necessary Qt libraries, plugins, and runtime dependencies when performing a static build.

6. Verify Your Build Process:
   Double-check your build process and ensure that you're properly specifying the static build of Qt and that all necessary components are being included.

If you're still encountering issues, consider checking the build log for any warnings or errors related to missing dependencies. Additionally, consider using the Dependency Walker tool to identify any missing DLLs that your application depends on.

Remember that static linking can lead to larger executable files and increased complexity when dealing with third-party libraries. It's important to thoroughly test your application after performing a static build to ensure that it works correctly and that all dependencies are properly included.