Quick Summary
The "VCRUNTIME140.dll missing" error indicates that a program requires the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, and the necessary files are either not installed or corrupted on your system. This often happens when a program built with Visual Studio 2015 (or later versions that rely on the same runtime) is launched on a system without the corresponding runtime libraries installed.
Common Causes
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributable: The most common cause is simply that the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 (or a compatible version) is not installed on the computer.
- Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable Installation: The installed Visual C++ Redistributable files may be corrupted, preventing the program from accessing them correctly.
- File Deletion or Quarantine: The VCRUNTIME140.dll file might have been accidentally deleted or quarantined by an antivirus program.
- Incompatible or Outdated Drivers: In rare cases, outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts that lead to this error, particularly graphics drivers.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Install or Repair the Visual C++ Redistributable Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Determine your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). You can find this by going to Control Panel -> System and Security -> System.
Step 2: Download the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. You can find it on the Microsoft website by searching for "Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015". Ensure to download from the official Microsoft Website.
Step 3: Choose the correct version (vc_redist.x86.exe for 32-bit or vc_redist.x64.exe for 64-bit systems).
Step 4: Run the downloaded executable. If it's already installed, you'll be given the option to repair or uninstall. Choose "Repair". If it's not installed, proceed with the installation.
Step 5: Restart your computer after the installation or repair is complete.
Method 2: Reinstall the Program Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Uninstall the program that's causing the error.
Step 2: Download the latest version of the program from the official website (if applicable).
Step 3: Reinstall the program. Often, the installation process of the program will install the necessary VCRuntime files during the installation.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Search for "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
Step 4: If SFC finds and fixes any errors, restart your computer.
Method 4: Check Antivirus Software Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Check your antivirus software's quarantine or history to see if VCRUNTIME140.dll has been quarantined.
Step 2: If it has, restore the file.
Step 3: Add VCRUNTIME140.dll to your antivirus's exceptions list to prevent it from being quarantined again.