Understanding and Fixing the MSVCP140 DLL Not Found Error

In the world of Windows computing, encountering error messages during application launches is a common frustration. One frequent culprit is the “MSVCP140.dll not found” or “MSVCP140.dll is missing” error. This particular issue affects a wide variety of programs, from games to office software, often preventing them from starting at all. If you find yourself facing this problem, read on: this article will explain the causes, walk you through effective solutions, and offer tips to prevent future trouble.

Why Does the MSVCP140 DLL Not Found Error Occur?

Before we dig into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what’s gone wrong. The MSVCP140.dll file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package—a collection of essential runtime components necessary for running applications developed with Microsoft Visual C++. Many applications, including popular games and business tools, depend on these runtime files to execute properly.

The error may appear for several reasons:

• Missing or Corrupted File
  Sometimes, the MSVCP140.dll file is simply missing from your system due to accidental deletion, incomplete software installations, or file corruption caused by power failures, malware, or disk issues.
• Outdated or Uninstalled Visual C++ Redistributable
  If the correct version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is not installed, or if it has become outdated, the OS cannot provide the necessary DLL to applications that require it.
• Conflicts with Software Installations
  Some applications might overwrite the correct DLL version with an incompatible one, especially if multiple Visual C++ redistributables are installed.
• Malware Infection
  Viruses or other malicious software can target essential system files, deleting or corrupting DLLs to hamper your system’s functionality.
• Faulty Application Installations
  When an application installation fails or isn’t completed, it may not copy all required files—including MSVCP140.dll—into the appropriate directories.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix the MSVCP140 DLL Not Found Error

No matter the cause, there are straightforward solutions to restore your system’s functionality. Follow this step-by-step guide below.

1. Restart Your Computer
   Start simple: restart your PC. Temporary glitches or pending updates can cause DLL errors. If it’s a transient issue, a reboot might fix it.
2. Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable
   Most often, the error is related to a missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable package.
   1. Go to the official Microsoft Download Center (link)
   2. Download both the “vc_redist.x64.exe” and “vc_redist.x86.exe” installers (some applications require the 32-bit version, others the 64-bit).
   3. Run the installers and follow the prompts to repair or install the Redistributable.
   4. Restart your computer after installation.
3. Reinstall the Problematic Application
   If only one application is showing the error, try uninstalling it through the Control Panel (Apps & Features), then restart your PC and reinstall the application. This ensures that all necessary files, including any MSVCP140.dll dependencies, are correctly installed.
4. Perform a System File Check
   Corrupt system files can sometimes cause DLL errors. Use the built-in System File Checker tool:
   1. Press Windows + S and type “cmd”
   2. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
   3. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
   4. Let the tool scan and repair your system files, then restart the computer.
5. Download the DLL from a Trusted Source—With Caution
   While it’s possible to download MSVCP140.dll from internet sites, this is not recommended due to the high risk of malware. Only obtain DLLs directly from Microsoft or through the Visual C++ Redistributable. Avoid third-party DLL download sites.
6. Check for Windows Updates
   Sometimes, pending updates can cause dependency issues. Make sure Windows is up-to-date:
   1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
   2. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates
   3. Reboot your PC after installation.
7. Scan for Malware
   Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus tool to be sure that malware isn’t at fault.
8. Manually Register the DLL (Advanced)
   If the DLL exists but isn’t registered, you can manually register it:
   1. Press Windows + S and type “cmd”
   2. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
   3. Type: regsvr32 MSVCP140.dll and press Enter
   4. If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message. If not, you may need to repair the Visual C++ Redistributable.

Conclusion

The MSVCP140.dll not found error can be frustrating, but it’s seldom a sign of deeper trouble. Understanding its relationship to the Visual C++ Redistributable and following a systematic repair process typically resolves the problem quickly. Start with a PC restart, then move on to reinstalling the Visual C++ package, checking for system corruption, and scanning for malware. Remember, avoid unofficial DLL downloads—always rely on Microsoft’s own resources for replacements. With these steps, you can quickly restore your applications and return to smooth, error-free computing. If the issue persists, it may hint at underlying hardware or system problems, and professional support could be warranted. Otherwise, your system’s stability and software compatibility should be as good as new.