Quick Summary
The error "MSVCP140.dll missing" indicates that a program requires the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which is not installed or corrupted on your system. This DLL file is a component of the Visual C++ Redistributable and is necessary for running applications built using certain versions of Visual Studio.
Common Causes
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributable: The Visual C++ Redistributable package required by the application is not installed on your computer. Many programs require specific versions of this package to function correctly.
- Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable Installation: The installed Visual C++ Redistributable package is corrupted or incomplete, preventing the application from accessing the necessary DLL files. This can happen due to incomplete installation, file corruption, or conflicts with other software.
- DLL File Deleted or Moved: The MSVCP140.dll file may have been mistakenly deleted, quarantined by antivirus software, or moved from its original location. This prevents the program from locating the required library.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Install the Visual C++ Redistributable Package
Step 1: Determine the version of Visual C++ Redistributable required by the application. Sometimes, this information is available on the application's website or documentation.
Step 2: If you don't know the exact version, install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable from the Microsoft website. You usually need both the x86 and x64 versions.
Step 3: Go to the official Microsoft website and search for "Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads".
Step 4: Download and run both the x86 and x64 versions of the installer.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Restart your computer after installation.
Method 2: Repair the Visual C++ Redistributable Installation
Step 1: Open the Control Panel (search for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar).
Step 2: Go to "Programs" -> "Programs and Features".
Step 3: Locate the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package in the list. There might be multiple versions installed.
Step 4: Right-click on each Visual C++ Redistributable entry and select "Change".
Step 5: In the installer window, select "Repair" and follow the on-screen instructions. Repeat for all installed versions.
Step 6: Restart your computer after the repair process.
Method 3: Copy the DLL File (Advanced - Use with Caution)
Warning: This method is not recommended unless you know what you are doing. Downloading DLL files from untrusted sources can be risky.
Step 1: Identify the correct MSVCP140.dll file. You may be able to find a legitimate copy from a working installation of the same application on another computer, or from a trusted source.
Step 2: Copy the MSVCP140.dll file to the application's installation directory. This is usually located in "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)".
Step 3: Alternatively, you could try copying the DLL to C:\Windows\System32 (for 32-bit applications) or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 64-bit applications on a 64-bit system), however, this is generally discouraged.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Step 3: The System File Checker will scan your system for corrupted files and attempt to repair them. This process may take some time.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the scan is complete.