Fix Error 0xc0000135 on Windows 10 PC

Error 0xc0000135 on Windows 10 means a required DLL or system file is missing, so the program or Windows itself cannot start. You can fix it by restoring the missing file, running system file checks, or reinstalling the affected application. This guide walks through the most reliable fixes, from quick checks to deeper repairs.

What Causes Error 0xc0000135?

This error appears when Windows cannot find a DLL file that the program needs to run. Common triggers include:

• A corrupted or missing Visual C++ Redistributable package
• A damaged .NET Framework installation
• System file corruption after a crash or update
• Antivirus software quarantining a legitimate DLL
• An incomplete program installation or uninstall

While the error often names a specific DLL (like msvcr120.dll or d3dcompiler_47.dll), the fix usually involves repairing the underlying framework rather than downloading a single file from a random website.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Run these simple checks first—they can save you time and avoid unnecessary repairs.

• Restart your PC. A temporary glitch can cause the error.
• Check if the problem happens with one program or all programs. If it’s one, reinstall that program.
• Make sure Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• If you recently installed new software, try uninstalling it to see if the error disappears.

Fix 1: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Windows has built-in tools to repair corrupted system files. Run them in order:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete (it can take 10-15 minutes).
3. If SFC finds issues but can’t fix them, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Restart your PC and try launching the program again.

These tools replace corrupted system files with good copies. SFC fixes system files, while DISM repairs the image that SFC uses.

Fix 2: Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Many programs depend on Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries. A missing or corrupted version causes 0xc0000135.

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
2. Look for entries like “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable” or older versions.
3. Right-click each one and select Change (or Repair if available). Follow the prompts.
4. If repair doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall from the official Microsoft download page.

It’s safe to have multiple versions installed; different programs need different ones. Don’t remove old versions unless you’re sure no program uses them.

Fix 3: Repair .NET Framework

The .NET Framework is another common dependency. A corrupted installation can trigger the error.

1. Download the .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Alternatively, go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, uncheck the .NET Framework versions, restart, then recheck them and restart again.

This re-registers the framework components. If the repair tool finds issues, it will fix them automatically.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Problematic Application

If the error only occurs with one app, the app’s files are likely broken. Uninstall it completely, then install a fresh copy.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find the app, click it, and select Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, restart your PC.
4. Download the latest version from the official website and install it.

If you have a saved installer, use that. Make sure you download from the official source to avoid malware.

Fix 5: Check for Malware and Antivirus Interference

Sometimes antivirus software wrongly quarantines a DLL file. Check your antivirus quarantine list and restore any files related to the program. Also run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus to rule out malware that might have deleted system files.

If you suspect your antivirus is the culprit, temporarily disable it (not recommended for long) and test the program. If it works, add an exception for the program or its folder.

Fix 6: Perform a System Restore or Reset

If nothing else works, you can roll back your system to a point before the error appeared.

1. Type “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
2. Click System Restore and choose a restore point from before the problem started.
3. Follow the prompts. Your files remain intact, but recent system changes may be undone.

If you don’t have a restore point, consider using Reset this PC (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) to reinstall Windows while keeping your files. This is a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just download the missing DLL file from a website?

It’s risky. Many DLL download sites host outdated or malicious files. It’s better to repair the framework that provides the DLL. If you must, only download from the official Microsoft site or the program’s official installer.

Will this error damage my PC?

No. The error itself is harmless—it just stops a program from launching. However, the underlying cause (corrupted files) could indicate other issues, so it’s worth fixing.

Why does this happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes overwrite or remove DLL files that older programs rely on. Reinstalling the affected program or the Visual C++ redistributables usually resolves it.

Does this error affect Windows 11 as well?

Yes, the same error can appear on Windows 11, and the fixes are identical. The steps above work for both operating systems.

What if the error appears when I try to open Windows itself?

That’s rare. If Windows won’t boot, try starting in Safe Mode (press F8 or Shift + Restart) and run the SFC and DISM commands from there. If that fails, you may need to use a recovery drive or reinstall Windows.

How do I know which Visual C++ version I need?

Check the program’s documentation or the error message. If it mentions a specific DLL like msvcp140.dll, that corresponds to Visual C++ 2015-2022. Installing the latest redistributable usually covers all older versions.

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