Vcruntime140.dll Missing Program Can’t Start on Windows 10

If you see “Vcruntime140.dll is missing” or “The program can’t start because Vcruntime140.dll is missing from your computer” on Windows 10, the fix is to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022 (x86 and x64). This error means the program you launched needs a runtime library that isn’t present on your system; installing the correct redistributable package restores it and usually resolves the issue immediately.

What Is Vcruntime140.dll?

Vcruntime140.dll is a core component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. It provides runtime functions that programs written in C++ need to run, such as memory management, exception handling, and math operations. The “140” refers to the version of the Visual Studio toolset (VS 2015 through 2022 all use the same runtime version). Many applications, including games, office suites, and development tools, rely on this file. If it’s missing, the program cannot start because it cannot load the required code.

Why Does the Error Occur on Windows 10?

Windows 10 does not include Vcruntime140.dll by default. The file is installed by the Visual C++ Redistributable, which is a separate package that must be installed for each application that needs it. The error typically appears when:

The redistributable was never installed on the system.
The installed version is outdated or corrupted.
The application requires a different architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit) than what is installed.
A system update or cleanup tool removed the file.

It’s a common misconception that downloading the DLL from a random website and placing it in the System32 folder is the right fix. That approach is risky and often fails because the file may be the wrong version or architecture, and it can introduce malware. The proper solution is always to install the official redistributable package.

How to Fix the Missing Vcruntime140.dll Error

Follow these steps in order. The first step resolves the issue for most users.

Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Go to the official Microsoft download page for “Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022” and download both the x86 and x64 versions. Run each installer and follow the prompts. Restart your computer afterward.
Repair the installation. If the error persists, open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64)”, select it, and click Modify. Choose Repair and let it finish.
Run Windows Update. Ensure your system is up to date, as updates can fix underlying system file issues.
Reinstall the application. If the error is specific to one program, uninstall it and reinstall it. The installer may include the required runtime.
Check for system file corruption. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This checks and repairs protected system files.

If the error still appears after these steps, the problem may be with the application itself, not the runtime. Contact the software vendor or check their support forums.

Choosing the Correct Version (x86 vs x64)

Windows 10 has both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions of the runtime. The error message usually doesn’t tell you which one you need. To be safe, install both. Most 64-bit systems can run 32-bit programs, and those programs need the x86 version of the DLL. The x64 version is for 64-bit programs. Installing both ensures compatibility with all applications. You can check your system type under Settings > System > About.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are typical issues users encounter and how to resolve them:

Error persists after installing the redistributable. Try restarting your PC. If it still fails, uninstall all Visual C++ Redistributable packages and reinstall them fresh.
Another DLL error appears (e.g., Vcruntime140_1.dll). This is a different file from a newer version. Install the latest redistributable again; it includes both.
The application is 32-bit and you only installed x64. Install the x86 version as well.
Windows 10 is 32-bit. Only install the x86 version; the x64 version won’t install on a 32-bit OS.

Safety and Alternatives

Never download Vcruntime140.dll from third-party DLL download sites. These files are often outdated, incorrect, or bundled with malware. The only safe source is Microsoft’s official website. If you cannot find the correct redistributable, you can also try running the program in compatibility mode (right-click the executable, go to Properties > Compatibility, and try a previous Windows version). However, this is rarely effective for missing runtime files. The best alternative is to use the Windows built-in System Restore to revert to a point before the error appeared, if you have a restore point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Vcruntime140.dll and Vcruntime140_1.dll?

Vcruntime140_1.dll is a separate file introduced with Visual Studio 2019. Some programs require the newer file. Installing the latest Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2022) provides both files, so you don’t need to worry about which one is missing.

Can I just copy Vcruntime140.dll from another computer?

Copying the DLL from another PC is not recommended. The file must be registered correctly, and the version must match the application’s requirements. It’s safer and more reliable to install the redistributable package.

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

This can happen if the installed package is corrupted, or if the application requires a specific update of the runtime. Try repairing the installation via Settings > Apps, or uninstall and reinstall the redistributable.

Is this error related to DirectX or graphics drivers?

No, Vcruntime140.dll is a C++ runtime library, unrelated to graphics. However, some games may show this error if they need the runtime, so installing the redistributable is still the fix.

Will installing the redistributable affect my system performance?

No, it’s a small set of libraries that are loaded only when a program uses them. It does not run in the background or consume resources.

Do I need to install both x86 and x64 versions?

Yes, it’s best practice to install both. Many 64-bit systems run 32-bit applications, which require the x86 version. Installing both prevents future DLL errors.

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

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