You were all set for a productive day—or maybe just ready to launch that game you’ve been obsessing over—when Windows hit you with the cold, heartless message: “The program can’t start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer.”
Now, unless you regularly deal with DLL files (which, let’s be honest, most people don’t), this error probably makes about as much sense as an IKEA manual written in hieroglyphics. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
First, what even is MSVCP140.dll?
Think of it as one of those essential cogs in the machine that is Windows. Specifically, it’s part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which is just a fancy way of saying:
“A bunch of important files that Windows needs to make certain apps and games run properly.”
MSVCP140.dll is like that one guy in a heist movie who doesn’t get much screen time but without him, the entire plan falls apart. When it’s missing, programs that rely on it—like Photoshop, Zoom, or certain games—throw a fit and refuse to launch.
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Why did it go missing?
This isn’t some cyberpunk-style conspiracy, but DLL files can disappear for a number of reasons:
- Accidental deletion: Maybe a cleanup tool got a little overzealous.
- Corrupt installation: Some software updates fail in the worst ways possible.
- Windows Update shenanigans: Sometimes Windows updates are like a bull in a china shop.
- Malware attack: Yep, viruses love messing with system files.
- You never had it: Some applications require Visual C++ Redistributable, and if it’s missing, so is this DLL.
So, how do you get it back? Keep reading.
How to fix MSVCP140.dll is missing?
Let’s go through the fixes, starting with the easiest and working our way up to the nuclear option.
1. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
This is the golden fix. If MSVCP140.dll is missing, chances are you just need to reinstall its whole package:
- Go to the official Microsoft website and download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package for your system (choose the 64-bit or 32-bit version based on your OS).
- Install it like any other software.
- Restart your PC.
- Try opening the program again.
If that doesn’t work, let’s move on.
2. Repair your Visual C++ Redistributable installation
Sometimes, instead of a clean reinstall, you can just repair the existing installation:
- Open Control Panel → Programs & Features.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (or whatever version you have).
- Right-click → Select Repair.
- Let Windows work its magic.
- Restart your PC.
Still not working? We’re getting serious now.
3. Manually copy the MSVCP140.dll file from another PC
If you have a friend, sibling, or second computer running the same version of Windows, you can straight-up steal their MSVCP140.dll file (don’t worry, it’s legal).
- Find C:WindowsSystem32 on their computer.
- Copy MSVCP140.dll onto a USB stick.
- Paste it into the same location on your PC.
- Restart and test your program.
Does it work? No? Then let’s go deeper.
4. Run an SFC scan (because Windows might be the problem)
Windows has a built-in tool called System File Checker (SFC) that scans and fixes corrupted system files—including missing DLLs:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
bash
CopyEdit
sfc /scannow
- Hit Enter and let Windows do its thing.
- Restart when it’s done.
Still not fixed? Okay, Windows, you asked for this…
5. Reinstall the problematic program
Maybe the software itself is just busted. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app that’s giving you the error. Sometimes, programs install their own versions of the DLL file, and reinstalling them can fix everything.
6. Update Windows (yes, really)
We know, Windows Updates are annoying, but sometimes they actually fix problems.
- Open Settings → Update & Security.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Install any pending updates.
- Restart your PC.
If none of this works, we’re bringing out the final boss…
7. System restore (a.k.a. time travel)
If this problem suddenly started happening and you have no idea why, System Restore might be able to roll back your PC to a time when things actually worked.
- Open Run (Windows + R).
- Type rstrui and hit Enter.
- Select a restore point from before the error started happening.
- Let Windows revert back to that time.
Never download DLL files from random websites
The MSVCP140.dll missing error is one of those problems that feels like it came out of nowhere—and sometimes it really did. But with the right troubleshooting, you can fix it without resorting to desperate Google searches and sketchy third-party DLL download sites (seriously, never download DLL files from random websites).
Most of the time, just reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable will do the trick. But if all else fails, well… at least you’ve learned a lot more about Windows than you probably ever wanted to.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram
