Fix msvcr120.dll Missing in Windows

The msvcr120.dll error appears when a program needs the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package, but the required DLL file is missing or corrupted. The most reliable fix is to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013 package, which contains the DLL and registers it correctly. This guide walks through that solution plus several alternatives, depending on your situation.

What to Look For

Before downloading anything, consider these criteria to pick the right fix:

• Source legitimacy – Only download from Microsoft’s official website or trusted vendor channels. Avoid third-party “DLL download” sites; they often bundle malware.
• Architecture match – The DLL comes in 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions. Your program may need one or both, so install both if unsure.
• Ease of execution – Some fixes require admin rights or a system restart. Choose the method you’re comfortable with.
• Scope of repair – A single DLL fix may not address deeper system file corruption. Consider whether you need a broader system scan.
• Time and risk – Reinstalling the redistributable is low-risk and fast; system restore or Windows repair take longer and may affect other apps.

1. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable

This is the official, most direct fix. The redistributable package installs the entire set of runtime DLLs (including msvcr120.dll) into the correct system folders and registers them in the registry.

Steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Download Center and search for “Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013”.
2. Download both vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe (if your Windows is 64-bit, install both; if 32-bit, only the x86 one).
3. Run each installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
4. Follow the prompts and restart your computer when done.

Strengths: Official, safe, and fixes the root cause. It also installs other runtime files that may be needed later.

Trade-offs: Requires an internet connection and a few minutes. If the installation fails (e.g., due to a corrupted installer), you may need to clean the registry first.

Who it suits: Everyone, especially those who want a permanent fix without manual file copying.

2. Copy the DLL from Another System (Temporary)

If you have access to another Windows computer with the same architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that doesn’t show the error, you can copy the msvcr120.dll file from its System32 or SysWOW64 folder.

Steps:

1. On the working PC, navigate to C:\Windows\System32 (for 64-bit DLLs) or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit DLLs on a 64-bit system).
2. Copy msvcr120.dll to a USB drive.
3. On the affected PC, paste it into the same folder. You may need to take ownership or use Safe Mode if access is denied.
4. Restart the computer.

Strengths: Quick and works offline.

Trade-offs: Only fixes the immediate symptom; the file may not be registered correctly, and the error can return. Also, you must trust the source system.

Who it suits: Users with no internet access or those needing a fast temporary workaround before running the official installer.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Sometimes the DLL is present but corrupted. Windows includes built-in tools to repair system files.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search “cmd”, right-click → Run as administrator).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish (may take 10-20 minutes).
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Restart your PC.

Strengths: No downloads needed; repairs broader system integrity.

Trade-offs: Time-consuming and may not fix the issue if the DLL is missing entirely (SFC only repairs corrupted files, it doesn’t install new ones).

Who it suits: Users who suspect other system files are also damaged, or who want to rule out corruption before reinstalling.

4. Reinstall the Program That Triggers the Error

Sometimes the program’s installation is incomplete or its bundled runtime is broken. Reinstalling the application can restore the required files.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the program via Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Download the latest version from the official vendor website and install it.

Strengths: May also update the program to a newer version with better compatibility.

Trade-offs: You lose settings and need to reconfigure. If the program’s installer is old, it may still rely on the same missing DLL.

Who it suits: Users who have a single program causing the error and want to ensure a clean install.

5. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, you can roll back Windows to a point before the problem occurred.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore.
2. Choose a restore point dated before the error appeared.
3. Follow the wizard and restart.

Strengths: Undoes recent system changes that may have removed the DLL.

Trade-offs: Only works if you have a restore point; may also revert other software updates or settings.

Who it suits: Users who remember when the error began and have automatic restore points enabled.

6. Use Windows Update to Install Missing Updates

Occasionally, Windows updates include runtime libraries or fix registration issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates” and install all pending updates.
3. Restart.

Strengths: Simple and also improves overall system security.

Trade-offs: May not specifically address the DLL if the update doesn’t include the redistributable; can take a while.

Who it suits: Users who haven’t updated Windows in a while or who prefer a passive approach.

How to Choose

Budget: All the methods above are free. The only cost is time. The official redistributable is the most time-efficient and reliable.

Use case: If you’re a gamer or use business software, the redistributable is the standard fix. If you’re a system administrator managing multiple PCs, consider deploying the redistributable via group policy or script.

Trade-offs: Copying the DLL is fast but temporary; SFC/DISM is thorough but slow; System Restore may undo other changes. If you have a corrupted Windows image, DISM is essential. If you have no internet, copying the DLL or using a restore point are your only options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to download msvcr120.dll from a third-party site?
A: No. These sites often provide outdated or infected files. Always use the official Microsoft redistributable.

Q: Why does the error say “msvcr120.dll is missing” even though I installed the redistributable?
A: You may have installed only the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Install both. Also, the program might be looking for the DLL in its own folder; copy it there as a last resort.

Q: Can I just register the DLL with regsvr32?
A: No, msvcr120.dll is a runtime DLL, not a COM component. Regsvr32 won’t help and may cause errors.

Q: Will this error affect my whole system?
A: No, it only affects programs that specifically require that DLL. Other apps remain unaffected.

Q: Does Windows 10/11 include msvcr120.dll by default?
A: Not always. Many clean installs lack older runtime libraries. That’s why you need the redistributable.

Q: What if the installer fails?
A: Try running it in Safe Mode, or use the “Program Install and Uninstall” troubleshooter from Microsoft. Also, ensure you have admin rights.

Bottom Line

For most users, the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable is the definitive fix. It’s official, easy, and resolves the root cause. If that fails, try SFC/DISM or reinstalling the problematic program. Only use the manual DLL copy as a temporary stopgap. Avoid third-party DLL download sites entirely. With these steps, you’ll have the error resolved in under 15 minutes.

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