How to Fix “MSVCP140.dll is Missing” or “MSVCP140.dll not found”
The error “MSVCP140.dll is missing” or “MSVCP140.dll not found” usually appears when this essential file is corrupted, accidentally deleted, or blocked by your system. The MSVCP140.dll file belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which is required to run apps developed with Visual Studio 2015 or later.
Don’t panic—this is a common issue, and I’ll walk you through simple fixes to resolve it quickly.
1. Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Since the MSVCP140.dll is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable, repairing this package often resolves the issue. This process scans for missing or damaged files and replaces them automatically, saving you from manual troubleshooting.
- Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK to open your installed programs list.
- Locate Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable, right-click it, and choose Repair.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, then restart your PC.
2. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
If repairing doesn’t work, a full reinstall ensures all files—including MSVCP140.dll—are replaced with fresh copies. This is safer than downloading DLL files from third-party sites, which can harm your system.
- Download the latest installers from Microsoft: 64-bit | 32-bit
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is gone.
3. Restore Windows to a Previous State
If the error started after a recent update or software install, System Restore can revert your system to a time when everything worked fine. Think of it as a “undo button” for your PC.
Note: You’ll need a restore point created before the error occurred. If you don’t have one, skip to the next step.
- Type rstrui in the Start menu search bar and press Enter.
- Select a restore point from before the error, click Next, then confirm.
- Wait for the process to complete—your PC will restart automatically.
If none of these steps work, try reinstalling the app causing the error. As a last resort, resetting Windows while keeping your files can restore missing system components without deleting your data.
