Few things are more annoying than clicking on your favorite app or game and getting hit with a scary message that says “VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found.” It feels technical. It looks serious. But don’t panic. This error is common. And the good news? It is usually very easy to fix.
TLDR: The VCRUNTIME140.dll error happens when a required Microsoft Visual C++ file is missing or corrupted. You can usually fix it by reinstalling the correct Visual C++ Redistributable package. Updating Windows or repairing system files can also help. In most cases, you do not need to download random DLL files from the internet.
Let’s break it down in simple terms. No tech degree required.
What Is VCRUNTIME140.dll?
Let’s start with the basics.
A DLL file is a small file that programs use to run properly. Think of it like a shared toolbox. Many apps use the same tools from that box.
VCRUNTIME140.dll is one of those tools. It is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Developers use this package to build apps and games. Your computer needs it to run them.
If the file is missing, damaged, or not properly installed, Windows throws the error.
You may see messages like:
- “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found.”
- “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found.”
- “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer.”
Sounds dramatic. But it is fixable.
Why Does This Error Happen?
There are a few common reasons:
- The Visual C++ package was never installed.
- The package was installed but became corrupted.
- A Windows update removed or damaged the file.
- Malware deleted or infected the DLL file.
- You uninstalled a program that other apps depended on.
Most of the time, the issue is simply a missing or broken Visual C++ installation.
Fix #1: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (Best Solution)
This is the fix that works in most cases.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the official Microsoft website.
- Search for Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022.
- Download both the x64 and x86 versions.
- Run the installers.
- Restart your computer.
Yes. Install both versions. Even if you have a 64-bit system. Some apps still need the 32-bit package.
After restarting, try launching the app again.
In most cases, the problem is gone.
Fix #2: Repair the Existing Visual C++ Installation
If you already have Visual C++ installed, it might just need a quick repair.
Here’s how:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable in the list.
- Click it and choose Change.
- Select Repair.
Wait for it to finish. Then restart your PC.
This refreshes the corrupted files without deleting everything.
Fix #3: Update Windows
Sometimes Windows just needs an update. Simple as that.
To check for updates:
- Open Settings.
- Click Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
Install everything available. Restart when prompted.
Updates often replace missing system files automatically.
Fix #4: Reinstall the Problematic App
Maybe it is not Windows. Maybe it is the app.
If the error happens with just one program, try this:
- Uninstall the app completely.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest version from the official website.
- Install it again.
Sometimes installation files get corrupted. A clean install fixes that.
Fix #5: Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)
Windows has a built-in tool that scans and repairs system files. It is called System File Checker.
Here’s how to run it:
- Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Choose Run as administrator.
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter.
Let it run. It can take a while.
If Windows finds corrupted files, it will attempt to fix them automatically.
Restart after it finishes.
Fix #6: Scan for Malware
Malware sometimes deletes or corrupts DLL files.
Run a full system scan using:
- Windows Defender
- Your antivirus program
- Another trusted security tool
Remove any detected threats. Then reinstall Visual C++ again for safety.
Important Warning: Do NOT Download Random DLL Files
You might see websites offering a quick fix.
They say:
“Download VCRUNTIME140.dll here!”
Sounds tempting. But don’t do it.
Why?
- The file may be outdated.
- It could contain malware.
- It might not match your system version.
- It can cause even more errors.
Always fix the source of the problem. That means reinstalling the official Visual C++ package.
How to Check if the File Is Already on Your PC
Sometimes the file exists but is not properly registered.
You can check here:
C:\Windows\System32
And on 64-bit systems:
C:\Windows\SysWOW64
If you see the file but still get errors, reinstalling Visual C++ usually refreshes its registration.
Still Not Fixed? Try These Extras
If the error refuses to go away, try these advanced steps:
1. Perform a Clean Boot
Some background programs may interfere.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type msconfig.
- Disable non-Microsoft services.
- Restart your PC.
If the error disappears, a third-party program is the culprit.
2. Restore Your System
If the problem started recently, use System Restore.
- Search for “Create a restore point.”
- Click System Restore.
- Choose a restore point from before the error began.
This rolls Windows back without deleting your personal files.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
Here is a simple checklist you can follow:
- ✔ Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ (x64 and x86)
- ✔ Repair existing Visual C++ installation
- ✔ Update Windows
- ✔ Reinstall the affected app
- ✔ Run SFC scan
- ✔ Scan for malware
- ✔ Avoid random DLL download sites
Work through them one by one. Do not skip steps.
Why This Error Is So Common
You are not alone.
This error often appears:
- After installing a new game
- After a Windows update
- After uninstalling another program
- On newly built PCs
Developers rely heavily on Visual C++ libraries. If they are missing, apps cannot start.
It is not a hardware problem. It is not a sign your PC is dying.
It is just a missing puzzle piece.
Final Thoughts
The VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found error looks intimidating. But it is usually a quick fix.
In most cases, reinstalling the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable solves the problem in minutes.
Keep your system updated. Avoid sketchy download websites. Use built-in Windows repair tools when needed.
And remember: error messages sound scary. But they are just Windows asking for the right file.
Now you know exactly what to do.
Go fix it. 😊