How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll missing (Various Windows Applications)
Quick Answer: The "VCRUNTIME140.dll missing" error typically indicates a missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022. The most effective first action is to download and install the latest x86 and x64 versions of this redistributable package directly from Microsoft. After installation, verify the `VCRUNTIME140.dll` file exists in `C:\Windows\System32` and `C:\Windows\SysWOW64`, and the application should launch successfully.
What Causes This Error
- The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe) is not installed on the system, preventing applications compiled with that toolchain from finding the necessary runtime libraries.
- The installed Visual C++ Redistributable package has become corrupted due to disk errors, improper shutdown, or other system instabilities, leading to an inaccessible or damaged VCRUNTIME140.dll file.
- An application's installation process failed to correctly deploy or register its dependency on the VCRUNTIME140.dll, even if the redistributable is present, often due to insufficient user permissions during setup.
- Malware infection or aggressive antivirus software mistakenly quarantined or deleted the legitimate VCRUNTIME140.dll file, rendering it unavailable to dependent programs.
- The VCRUNTIME140.dll file was manually or accidentally deleted from the `C:\Windows\System32` or `C:\Windows\SysWOW64` directories, or from the application's local directory if it bundled its own copy.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022
Navigate to the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page (search for 'Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads').,Download both `vc_redist.x86.exe` and `vc_redist.x64.exe` for the 'Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022' version, even if your system is 64-bit, as many applications are 32-bit.,Before installing, go to 'Apps & features' in Windows Settings, locate any existing 'Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable' entries (x86 and x64), and uninstall them.,Run the downloaded `vc_redist.x86.exe` first, select 'Repair' if prompted, or 'Install'. Then, run `vc_redist.x64.exe` and do the same.,Restart your computer and attempt to launch the problematic application.
Fix 2: Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan and DISM Restore Health
Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.,Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, which may take several minutes. This command checks for and repairs corrupted Windows system files.,After SFC completes, type `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` and press Enter. This command uses Windows Update to provide files needed to fix corruptions.,Once both operations are finished, restart your computer and try launching the application again.
Fix 3: Reinstall the Problematic Application
Open 'Apps & features' in Windows Settings (or 'Programs and Features' in Control Panel for older Windows versions).,Locate the application that is generating the VCRUNTIME140.dll error, select it, and click 'Uninstall'. Follow any on-screen prompts to completely remove it.,After uninstallation, restart your computer to clear any lingering processes or temporary files.,Download the latest version of the application installer from its official source.,Run the installer as an administrator (right-click the installer executable and select 'Run as administrator') to ensure all necessary files and dependencies are correctly registered.
Fix 4: Check for Malware and Update Windows
Perform a full system scan using a reputable antivirus/anti-malware program (e.g., Windows Defender, Malwarebytes) to identify and remove any malicious software that might have corrupted system files.,Open Windows Settings, go to 'Update & Security' (or 'Windows Update'), and click 'Check for updates'.,Install all available critical and optional Windows updates, as these often include system library updates and security patches that can resolve underlying issues.,Restart your computer after all updates are installed and re-test the application.
Advanced Fixes
Advanced Fix 1: Register the DLL Manually using Regsvr32
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.,To register the 64-bit version, type `regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\vcruntime140.dll` and press Enter. You should see a 'DllRegisterServer in vcruntime140.dll succeeded' message.,To register the 32-bit version, type `regsvr32 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\vcruntime140.dll` and press Enter. Confirm success.,Note: This step is usually not necessary if the Redistributable is installed correctly, but can resolve registration issues if the file exists but isn't recognized.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is VCRUNTIME140.dll?
A: VCRUNTIME140.dll is a dynamic-link library (DLL) that is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022. It contains essential runtime functions and libraries required by applications developed using the Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 C++ compilers. Without this file, applications cannot execute critical code components.
Q: Why do I need both x86 and x64 versions of the Redistributable?
A: Even on a 64-bit Windows operating system, many applications are still compiled as 32-bit (x86). A 64-bit application requires the 64-bit (x64) VCRUNTIME140.dll, typically found in `C:\Windows\System32`. A 32-bit application requires the 32-bit (x86) VCRUNTIME140.dll, which is located in `C:\Windows\SysWOW64`. Installing both ensures compatibility for all types of applications.
Q: Can I simply copy VCRUNTIME140.dll from another computer?
A: While technically possible, copying VCRUNTIME140.dll from another computer is strongly discouraged. Doing so can introduce version mismatches, corrupt files, or even malware if the source is untrusted. The correct and safest method is always to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which correctly registers the DLL and its dependencies within the system.
Q: What if the error persists after reinstalling the Redistributable?
A: If the error persists, consider the following: (1) Ensure you uninstalled previous versions of the Redistributable before reinstalling. (2) Run SFC and DISM scans to repair core system files. (3) Check for any recent Windows updates that might have caused conflicts. (4) Temporarily disable your antivirus to rule out false positives. (5) As a last resort, consider a clean reinstallation of the application or, in severe cases, a Windows repair install.