Fix msvcp140.dll Missing in Windows

If you see an error saying msvcp140.dll is missing when launching a game or program, it means the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package that provides this file is not installed or is corrupted. This guide walks you through the reliable fixes, from reinstalling the redistributable to system file checks, so you can get your app running again.

What You’ll Need

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (steps also work on Windows 8/8.1)
Administrator access to install software
An internet connection to download the official Microsoft files

Step-by-Step

Restart your computer. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches that sometimes cause DLL errors, especially after a Windows update or a program installation.
Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. This is the most common fix. Go to the official Microsoft download page for “Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads” and download both the x64 and x86 versions (even if your system is 64-bit, many programs need the 32-bit version). Run each installer, choose “Repair” if offered, or uninstall and reinstall them via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Run the program as administrator. Right-click the program’s shortcut and select “Run as administrator”. If it works, the issue is likely a permission problem, not a missing file. You can permanently set this by right-clicking the shortcut > Properties > Compatibility > check “Run this program as an administrator”.
Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates”. Install any pending updates, especially those marked as “Quality” or “Security” updates, as they often include updated runtime libraries.
Run System File Checker (SFC). Open Command Prompt as administrator (type “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This scans and repairs protected system files, which can fix a corrupted msvcp140.dll.
Run DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management). If SFC doesn’t fix it, run DISM to repair the Windows image. In the same Command Prompt, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This can take 15-30 minutes. After it finishes, restart and run SFC again if needed.
Reinstall the affected program. Uninstall the game or application that is showing the error, then reinstall it. This ensures the program’s own copies of required DLLs are placed correctly.
Copy the file from another working system (advanced). If you have another PC with the same Windows version and the file exists (usually in C:\Windows\System32 for 64-bit or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 for 32-bit), you can copy the msvcp140.dll file to a USB drive and place it in the same folder on your system. This is a last resort; reinstalling the redistributable is safer and more reliable.

Common Mistakes

Downloading msvcp140.dll from random websites. These sites often bundle malware or provide incorrect versions. Always use the official Microsoft redistributable.
Only installing the x64 version. Many 32-bit programs require the x86 version, and vice versa. Install both.
Skipping the restart. After installing the redistributable, a restart ensures the new files are properly registered.
Assuming the DLL is the only problem. The error might be a symptom of a deeper issue, like a corrupted .NET Framework or a failing hard drive. If the fixes don’t work, consider broader system diagnostics.

Tips

Keep the redistributables updated. Microsoft releases new versions periodically; installing the latest package covers most applications.
Use the official Microsoft link. Search for “Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads” on Microsoft’s website. The URL is support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/.
Check if the program is 32-bit or 64-bit. If you know the program’s architecture, you can prioritize the corresponding redistributable, but installing both is still recommended.
Create a system restore point before making major changes, especially if you run DISM or copy system files.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after following all steps:

Check for conflicting software. Some security or optimization tools may quarantine or delete DLL files. Temporarily disable them and reinstall the redistributable.
Run a full antivirus scan. Malware can corrupt or remove system files. Use Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus to scan your system.
Look for the specific program’s requirements. Some older games or specialized software may need an older version of the Visual C++ Redistributable (e.g., 2013, 2015). Install the version listed in the program’s documentation or on its support page.
Check the Windows Event Viewer. Look under Windows Logs > Application for errors related to the crashing program. This can give more details about which DLL is failing and why.
Consider a repair install of Windows. If nothing else works, using the “Reset this PC” option (keeping your files) or a Windows installation media repair can restore all system files to a healthy state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is msvcp140.dll?

It’s a component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. It contains the C++ standard library functions that many programs need to run.

Why does the error appear even after I installed the redistributable?

It could be a corrupted installation, a missing update, or the program requires a different architecture (x86 vs x64). Try repairing the redistributable or installing both versions.

Can I just download msvcp140.dll from a DLL site?

It’s not recommended. Those files may be outdated, infected, or incompatible. The official redistributable is the safest and most reliable source.

Will this fix affect my other programs?

Installing the redistributable is safe and generally improves compatibility. It won’t harm existing programs but may update shared files.

Is this error related to a virus?

Sometimes malware can cause DLL errors, but the error itself is usually just a missing component. Running a virus scan is a good precaution anyway.

Do I need to install both x86 and x64 versions?

Yes, it’s best to install both. Many 64-bit programs still use 32-bit components, and vice versa.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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