How to Fix “VCRUNTIME140.dll Was Not Found” in Windows 11 and 10

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Imran Sayyad

Quick Answer

If you see “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” in Windows 11 or Windows 10, install or repair the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015-2022. In most cases, installing both the x64 and x86 packages fixes the error immediately.

  1. Download Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft.
  2. Install vc_redist.x64.exe.
  3. Install vc_redist.x86.exe.
  4. Restart Windows.
  5. Open the app again.

Important: Do not download VCRUNTIME140.dll from random DLL download websites. The safe fix is to reinstall the official Microsoft runtime package that provides the file.

Problem

The error usually appears when opening a game, Adobe app, productivity tool, printer utility, VPN client, or older desktop program. You may see one of these messages:

  • The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.
  • The program can’t start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer.
  • There was a problem starting VCRUNTIME140.dll.

VCRUNTIME140.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime used by many Windows applications. If it is missing, corrupted, blocked, or the wrong architecture is installed, the app cannot start.

Cause

The most common cause of “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” is a missing or damaged Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installation. It can also happen after uninstalling software, cleaning system files, restoring Windows, installing a new game, or moving an app from another PC.

CauseWhat it means
Missing Visual C++ runtimeThe required Microsoft runtime package is not installed.
Corrupted DLL fileThe file exists but Windows or the app cannot load it properly.
Wrong architectureA 32-bit app may need the x86 runtime even on 64-bit Windows.
Broken app installationThe program’s installer did not install required dependencies.

Prerequisites

  • An administrator account on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
  • Internet access to download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
  • The name of the app or game showing the error.
  • A restart window, because the fix may require rebooting.

Step-by-step Solution

1. Install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

This is the safest and most effective fix.

  1. Open Microsoft’s official Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
  2. Download vc_redist.x64.exe.
  3. Download vc_redist.x86.exe.
  4. Run vc_redist.x64.exe and choose Install.
  5. Run vc_redist.x86.exe and choose Install.
  6. Restart your computer.

Install both versions because many 64-bit Windows systems still run 32-bit applications that require the x86 runtime.

2. Repair existing Visual C++ Redistributable packages

If the runtime is already installed, repair it instead of removing files manually.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
  3. Find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable.
  4. Select the x64 package and click Change.
  5. Click Repair.
  6. Repeat the same steps for the x86 package.
  7. Restart Windows.

3. Reinstall the affected app

If the error appears for only one program, its installation may be incomplete.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find the affected application.
  4. Choose Uninstall.
  5. Restart your PC.
  6. Install the latest version of the app from its official website or trusted installer.

This helps when the app uses additional runtime components beyond VCRUNTIME140.dll.

4. Run System File Checker

If Windows system files are damaged, run SFC from an elevated terminal.

  1. Right-click Start.
  2. Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  3. Run this command:
sfc /scannow

Wait until the scan reaches 100 percent. If Windows repairs files, restart the computer and try the app again.

5. Use DISM if SFC cannot repair files

If SFC reports that it found corrupt files but could not fix some of them, run DISM:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM completes, run SFC again:

sfc /scannow

6. Check Windows Security quarantine

Sometimes antivirus software quarantines application files or runtime components. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history and check whether files from the affected app were blocked. Only restore files if you fully trust the app source.

Examples

Example 1: Error appears when launching a game

Install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributable packages, restart Windows, then verify the game files from Steam, Epic Games Launcher, or the game’s repair tool.

Example 2: Error appears after installing a work application

Repair Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable from appwiz.cpl. If that fails, uninstall and reinstall the work application using the latest installer from your IT portal or vendor.

Example 3: Error appears after using a PC cleaner

Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable packages and avoid registry cleaners that remove shared runtime entries. These tools often delete files that multiple applications rely on.

Common Causes

  • Visual C++ Redistributable was never installed.
  • Only x64 runtime is installed, but the app needs x86.
  • The DLL file was deleted by a cleanup tool.
  • The app installer failed before installing dependencies.
  • Windows system files are corrupted.
  • Security software blocked part of the application.

Common Mistakes

  • Downloading VCRUNTIME140.dll from DLL websites: This is risky and may introduce malware or version conflicts.
  • Copying DLL files into System32 manually: It may not register the correct runtime components.
  • Installing only the x64 package: Many apps still require the x86 runtime.
  • Skipping the restart: Some runtime repairs do not fully apply until Windows restarts.
  • Reinstalling Windows too early: This error is usually fixed without resetting the PC.

Best Practices

  • Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable only from Microsoft or trusted vendor installers.
  • Keep both x64 and x86 runtime packages installed.
  • Use official repair tools for games and professional software.
  • Create a restore point before using aggressive cleanup utilities.
  • Keep Windows updated to reduce dependency and compatibility issues.

Verification

After applying the fix, confirm that the error is resolved:

  1. Restart Windows.
  2. Open the app that showed “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found”.
  3. If the app launches normally, the runtime dependency is fixed.
  4. If the error remains, reinstall the affected app and run sfc /scannow.

You can also verify installed runtimes from Control Panel > Programs and Features. Look for Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable entries for both x64 and x86.

FAQ

What does “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” mean?

It means the application needs the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime file VCRUNTIME140.dll, but Windows cannot find or load it. Installing or repairing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable usually fixes it.

Is it safe to download VCRUNTIME140.dll separately?

No. Avoid random DLL download websites. The safe method is to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which includes the correct DLL and related runtime files.

Should I install x64 or x86 Visual C++ Redistributable?

Install both. A 64-bit Windows PC can run 32-bit applications, and those apps may require the x86 Visual C++ runtime.

Why does the error still appear after installing Visual C++ Redistributable?

The app installation may be damaged, Windows system files may be corrupted, or security software may be blocking files. Repair the redistributable, reinstall the affected app, then run SFC and DISM if needed.

Can I fix “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” without reinstalling Windows?

Yes. In almost all cases, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable fixes the error without resetting or reinstalling Windows.

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