diff --git a/Python/dynload_win.c b/Python/dynload_win.c
index c620e58..e511098 100644
--- a/Python/dynload_win.c
+++ b/Python/dynload_win.c
@@ -176,11 +176,16 @@
 {
     dl_funcptr p;
     char funcname[258], *import_python;
+    wchar_t *wpathname;
 
 #ifndef _DEBUG
     _Py_CheckPython3();
 #endif
 
+    wpathname = PyUnicode_AsUnicode(pathname);
+    if (wpathname == NULL)
+        return NULL;
+
     PyOS_snprintf(funcname, sizeof(funcname), "PyInit_%.200s", shortname);
 
     {
@@ -195,7 +200,7 @@
         /* We use LoadLibraryEx so Windows looks for dependent DLLs
             in directory of pathname first. */
         /* XXX This call doesn't exist in Windows CE */
-        hDLL = LoadLibraryExW(PyUnicode_AS_UNICODE(pathname), NULL,
+        hDLL = LoadLibraryExW(wpathname, NULL,
                               LOAD_WITH_ALTERED_SEARCH_PATH);
         _Py_DeactivateActCtx(cookie);