The “MSVCP140.dll was not found” error is one of those issues that looks serious but is usually straightforward to fix once you understand what’s actually missing.
The mistake most people make is downloading random DLL files from the internet. That often creates more problems than it solves.
The real fix is cleaner and more reliable.
What Is MSVCP140.dll?
The missing file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, a set of runtime libraries used by many applications and games.
When a program needs this file and can’t find it, Windows throws the error and refuses to launch the app.
It’s not usually the app’s fault. It’s a missing or broken dependency.
Why This Error Happens
There are a few common causes:
- The Visual C++ Redistributable isn’t installed
- The installation is corrupted
- Files were accidentally deleted
- System updates caused conflicts
In most cases, the required runtime simply isn’t available in the correct version.
The Right Fix: Install or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable
This is the only method you should rely on.
Go to Microsoft’s official website and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable (2015–2022).
Install both:
- x64 version
- x86 version
Even on a 64-bit system, many apps still require the 32-bit version.
After installation, restart your PC and try launching the app again.
This resolves the issue in most cases.
Why You Should NOT Download DLL Files Manually
You’ll find many websites offering direct downloads of MSVCP140.dll.
Avoid them.
These files can be outdated, incompatible, or even unsafe. More importantly, dropping a DLL into a folder doesn’t fix the underlying problem.
Installing the proper runtime ensures everything is configured correctly.
Additional Fixes If the Error Persists
If reinstalling doesn’t work, there are a few things worth checking.
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
This scans and repairs missing or corrupted system files.
Reinstall the Affected Application
Sometimes the app itself is the issue.
Uninstall and reinstall it to ensure all dependencies are correctly set up.
Check Windows Updates
Make sure your system is fully updated. Some runtime components depend on system updates to function properly.
Real-World Insight: Why This Error Is So Common
Many apps rely on Visual C++ libraries, but they don’t always bundle them properly.
So when you install a program, it assumes the runtime is already present.
If it’s not, you get this error.
It’s less about something being broken and more about something missing.
Limitations You Should Know
In rare cases, multiple versions of Visual C++ runtimes can conflict.
Also, some older applications require specific versions, not just the latest one.
If the issue persists after installing the latest package, you may need to install older versions as well.
Final Thoughts
The MSVCP140.dll error looks intimidating, but it’s usually just a missing runtime.
Installing the correct Visual C++ Redistributable fixes the problem cleanly and safely.
Avoid shortcuts like downloading DLL files manually. They don’t address the real issue and can cause more trouble later.
Fix the root cause, and the error goes away.
FAQs
What is MSVCP140.dll?
It’s part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable required by many apps.
Is it safe to download the DLL file directly?
No, it’s better to install the official runtime package.
Do I need both x64 and x86 versions?
Yes, many applications depend on both.
Why does this error keep coming back?
It could be due to corrupted installations or missing updates.
Can this error affect games?
Yes, many games rely on Visual C++ libraries and can fail to launch without them.
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