Msvcp100.dll Missing or Not Found: Safe Fixes

If you see “msvcp100.dll is missing” or “not found” on Windows 11 or 10, the fix is to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (both x86 and x64 versions). This article explains safe, step-by-step ways to resolve the error, why it happens, and how to avoid downloading dangerous fake DLL files.

What Is Msvcp100.dll?

Msvcp100.dll is a dynamic link library file that belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 runtime. Many Windows applications—especially games, office tools, and older software—depend on this runtime to run. The file provides standard C++ library functions that programs call during execution. If it is missing, corrupted, or not registered, the program that needs it will fail to start and display an error message.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 do not include the Visual C++ 2010 runtime by default, so you must install it separately. The error often appears after a fresh Windows installation, after uninstalling a program that removed the runtime, or after upgrading from an older Windows version.

Why Does the Error Appear?

Common reasons include:

The Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package is not installed.
The installed runtime is corrupted or incomplete (e.g., a partial installation).
A program was uninstalled and removed the runtime files it shared.
Malware or a cleaning utility deleted the DLL.
You have a 64-bit program that needs the 64-bit runtime, or a 32-bit program that needs the 32-bit runtime.

Sometimes the error appears only for one specific program, while other programs work fine. That usually means the program was built with Visual C++ 2010 and expects that exact runtime version.

Safe Fixes for Msvcp100.dll Missing

Follow these steps in order. They are safe and do not require downloading DLL files from third-party sites.

1. Install the Official Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable

The most reliable fix is to install the official package from Microsoft. Go to the Microsoft Download Center and search for “Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package.” Download both the x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions. Even if your Windows is 64-bit, many programs are 32-bit and need the x86 runtime.

Download the x86 and x64 .exe files.
Run each installer as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
Restart your computer.
Try launching the program that gave the error.

If the error persists, also install the Visual C++ 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 redistributables. Some programs need multiple versions. The “latest supported Visual C++ downloads” page on Microsoft Learn lists all of them.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

If the DLL is corrupted or partially missing, Windows can repair it with the built-in System File Checker.

Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd”, right-click, “Run as administrator”).
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to finish (it may take 10-20 minutes).
Restart and try the program again.

SFC scans protected system files and replaces corrupted ones. It does not harm your personal files.

3. Run DISM to Repair System Image

If SFC finds nothing or cannot fix the issue, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
Wait for the process to complete (may take several minutes).
Restart and run SFC again if needed.

4. Re-register the DLL (if the file exists)

If the file is present but not registered, you can re-register it. However, this is rarely needed for msvcp100.dll because the runtime installer handles registration.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type regsvr32 msvcp100.dll and press Enter.
If you get an error, the file is not in the correct location.

Note: On 64-bit Windows, the 32-bit DLL is in C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and the 64-bit DLL is in C:\Windows\System32. Do not copy files between these folders.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates sometimes include fixes for runtime issues. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install all pending updates and restart.

6. Reinstall the Program That Shows the Error

If the error only occurs in one program, uninstall it and reinstall it. The installer may include the required runtime as a prerequisite. Use the program’s official uninstaller, then reinstall from the official source.

What NOT to Do

Do not download msvcp100.dll from random websites. These sites often bundle malware, adware, or viruses with the DLL. Microsoft does not provide DLL files for individual download—only the full runtime package. Always use the official Microsoft download page or the program’s installer.

Also, do not copy the DLL from another computer unless you know the source is trustworthy. The file must match the architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit) and the exact version (e.g., 10.0.30319).

How to Check if the Runtime Is Already Installed

You can check which Visual C++ runtimes are installed via Control Panel → Programs and Features (or Settings → Apps). Look for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable” and “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable.” If you see them, the runtime is installed, and the error might be caused by a corrupted file or a missing update.

Alternatively, use the “Dependencies” tool (a free developer utility) to examine the program’s DLL dependencies, but that is more advanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download msvcp100.dll from a DLL site?

No. DLL download sites are not official and often contain modified files. The only safe source is the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable package. Installing the full package is safer and fixes the root cause.

Why does the error appear after I installed the runtime?

You may have installed only the 64-bit version, but the program is 32-bit (or vice versa). Install both x86 and x64 versions. Also, some programs require a specific service pack of the runtime—make sure you have the latest update (SP1) of the 2010 package.

Can I copy msvcp100.dll from another computer?

Technically possible, but not recommended. The DLL must match the system architecture and version. Copying from a trusted computer might work, but installing the official runtime is simpler and more reliable.

Will reinstalling Windows fix the error?

Usually yes, but it’s a drastic step. Try installing the runtime first. If you reinstall Windows, the runtime will not be included by default, so you will still need to install it.

Does msvcp100.dll error affect Windows 11 differently than Windows 10?

No. The error and fixes are the same on both systems. The runtime is not built into either OS, so you must install it manually.

What if the error appears when launching a game from Steam?

Steam games often require the Visual C++ redistributables. Install all versions from Microsoft’s “Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable” page, then restart Steam and the game. If the issue persists, verify the game’s files via Steam (right-click game → Properties → Local Files → Verify integrity of game files).

Conclusion

The msvcp100.dll error is common but easy to fix. Always start by installing the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (both x86 and x64). If that doesn’t work, run SFC and DISM, then reinstall the problematic program. Avoid third-party DLL downloads entirely—they are a security risk. With these steps, you can safely resolve the error on Windows 11 and 10.

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

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