0xc0000135 Error: What It Means & How to Fix

The 0xc0000135 error is a Windows startup error that appears when a program or system component fails to load because a required .NET Framework or Visual C++ Redistributable file is missing or corrupted. It typically shows a dialog box with the message “The application was unable to start correctly” and the code 0xc0000135. This guide explains the root causes and provides step-by-step fixes that work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What Does 0xc0000135 Actually Mean?

Error code 0xc0000135 is a hexadecimal value that Windows uses to indicate a STATUS_DLL_NOT_FOUND condition. In plain terms, the executable file you tried to run depends on a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) that isn’t present on your system. Most commonly, that missing component is part of the .NET Framework or the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. The error is not a hardware fault; it’s a software dependency problem.

You’ll often see this error when launching a game, a business application, or a utility that was installed on a different PC or an older version of Windows. The program’s installer may have failed to include the required runtime, or a Windows update may have removed or replaced a component that the program still expects.

Common Causes of Error 0xc0000135

Several scenarios can lead to this error. Understanding the cause helps you choose the right fix:

• Missing .NET Framework version: The application requires a specific .NET version (e.g., 3.5, 4.8) that isn’t installed or is disabled.
• Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable: The C++ runtime libraries (like MSVCP140.dll) are damaged or missing.
• Broken Windows system files: A system file corruption can prevent the DLL from being found even if it exists.
• Incomplete installation: The program’s installer didn’t finish copying all required files.
• Antivirus interference: Security software may have quarantined a legitimate DLL during installation.

Fix 1: Install or Repair .NET Framework

This is the most common solution. Windows includes .NET Framework but some older versions (like 3.5) are not enabled by default on Windows 10/11. To enable it:

1. Press Windows Key + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
2. In the Windows Features dialog, check the box for .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
3. Click OK and let Windows download the files. Restart your PC.

If the error persists, download the latest .NET Framework from Microsoft’s official website (search for “.NET Framework 4.8” or the version your app requires). Run the installer and choose “Repair” if you see that option.

Fix 2: Repair Visual C++ Redistributables

Many Windows applications, especially games, rely on Visual C++ runtime libraries. A corrupted or missing version can trigger 0xc0000135. To repair:

1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Look for entries starting with “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable” or similar. There may be multiple versions (x86 and x64).
3. For each one, right-click and choose Change, then select Repair.
4. If repair isn’t available, uninstall and reinstall from Microsoft’s official download page.

Note: Install both the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions, even if your Windows is 64-bit, because some programs are 32-bit.

Fix 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

If the above doesn’t work, Windows system files may be corrupted. Use the built-in tools to repair them:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. This may take 10-20 minutes.
3. If SFC reports errors, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then run SFC again.
4. Restart your PC and try launching the application again.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Problematic Application

If the error only occurs with one specific program, the application itself may be installed incorrectly. Uninstall it completely, then reinstall using the latest installer from the official website. Before reinstalling, temporarily disable your antivirus (or add an exclusion for the installer folder) to prevent it from blocking required files. After installation, re-enable your antivirus.

Fix 5: Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that include runtime components and fixes for DLL issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install all pending updates, then restart your PC. This can resolve the error if it was caused by a known bug in a previous update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 0xc0000135 a virus?

No, it’s not a virus. It’s a legitimate Windows error indicating a missing or corrupted DLL. However, malware can sometimes cause this error by deleting or replacing system files. If you suspect malware, run a full scan with Windows Defender or a trusted third-party antivirus before attempting fixes.

Will this error damage my computer?

No, the error itself is harmless. It only prevents the specific application from starting. Your files and hardware are not at risk.

Can I fix 0xc0000135 without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, in almost all cases. The fixes above (enabling .NET, repairing Visual C++, running SFC) resolve the issue without a full OS reinstall. Only if the system files are severely corrupted and DISM fails would you consider a repair install or reset.

Why does this error appear on Windows 11?

Windows 11 has the same runtime dependencies as Windows 10. If an app was designed for an older version of Windows or was installed before upgrading to Windows 11, the required DLLs may not be present. The same fixes apply.

What if the error appears when I start Windows itself?

If you see 0xc0000135 during boot, it’s likely a service or startup program is missing a dependency. Try booting into Safe Mode (Shift + Restart) and then uninstall the recently added program or run the SFC/DISM commands. If that doesn’t work, use System Restore to a point before the problem started.

Related

• Snapchat: How to Change Your Number
• How to Recover Android Data After Rooting
• Install Custom Recovery on Samsung Galaxy Alpha