How to fix a missing VCRUNTIME140.dll error in Windows

What is VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error

The reasons why some users encounter one of these messages can be for various reasons – lack of Visual C++ Redistributable elements, file corruption or bugged software being attempted to run. Due to one of these causes, users are unable to run specific applications that require the file. It is possible to face the same or similar error like MSVCR110.dll or CONCRT140.dll in any Windows OS. In essence, this error should not be a big challenge to solve on whatever Windows version you use (be it 7, 10, or 11). We have compiled a complete tutorial with solutions that might potentially work down below.

VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error

VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found error

1. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

As mentioned above, DLL errors are often related to problems with Microsoft Visual Studio. Therefore, it is quite likely that the error appears due to corrupted or missing Redistributable packages. We first advise you to try and repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable using the steps below. If this does not sort out the problem, you can reinstall the software as well.

1. Open this Visual Studio page.
2. Click on the download links for vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe.
3. Execute both of these files and start the process by clicking Install. If you have Visual Studio already installed, the setup will offer to either Repair or Uninstall it. Choose Repair and close the window once finished.
4. In case it turns out some Visual C++ Redistributables are not installed, the setup will offer to do it.
5. Follow on-screen instructions and finish the installation.

2. Check integrity of the system files

Another great way to check whether your system files are integral is to use in-built scanning utilities like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), which will detect and restore absent components, if any. Make sure to use both utilities as they may have a different impact on solving the problem. This is how:

Using SFC

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching loop next to the Start Menu button.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

Using DISM

1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the previous step.
2. Copy and paste this command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
3. Click Enter and wait until Windows ends the scanning and fixing.
4. Once done, restart your PC and try to open the problematic program again.

After performing both of these scans, attempt to boot the application you struggled with again. If this does not work, get down to the other solutions presented below.

3. Re-register DLL files manually

Windows has a feature allowing its users to reinstall many components without third-party methods using Command Prompt. This is what we are planning to do in this step. Instead of re-registering the VCRUNTIME140.dll file separately, let’s do it with all so to make sure nothing is missing. Follow these guidelines below:

1. Open Command Prompt like we did in the previous step.
2. Copy-paste this command for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1 and press Enter.
3. The process may take a couple of seconds. Once done, restart your PC and check whether you can finally open the problematic application.

4. Download VCRUNTIME140.dll manually

Try this if reinstalling Visual C++ did not eliminate the problem. VCRUNTIME140.dll is a separate DLL file stored inside of your system. The error says Windows could not locate this file meaning it is likely to be out of its native dedicated location. To fill the gap and restore this file back to its designated position, we can search and download it manually from the web. Open this page and follow instructions written on it. They will guide you towards a successful replacement of the VCRUNTIME140.dll file to remove the error.

5. Install fresh system updates

If none of the methods worked out so far, it is also worth giving your system an update. Unless you did manipulations with the local file system yourself, it is possible that VCRUNTIME140.dll disappeared due to a bug in the OS. Downloading fresh updates may fix this issue. Check if there are any pending in Windows Update Center by following this:

1. Right-click on Start menu located at the bottom desktop panel and choose Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update on the left pane and Check for updates.
3. Windows will scan for available updates and offer to install them if found.
4. Install the found updates and restart your system.

6. Reinstall the problematic application

If none of the above-mentioned steps was enough to solve the “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer” error, try to reinstall the application you are unable to open. Maybe you restored the file successfully, but it is the application itself that cannot identify it. Try to install it again so it does.

1. Left-click on the magnifying glass right next to Start menu and search for Control Panel.
2. Open it up and choose Uninstall a program under Programs.
3. Select the program dealing with the error and click Uninstall.
4. Finally, install it again and check if the error is fixed.

7. Scan your system for malware

If you ever had a suspicion that your PC is under infection, it is reasonable to run a scan for malicious presence and other unwanted software. Whether you know it or not, malware could sneak into your system without consent and cause some changes inside configuration settings leading to various errors. You can use either in-built Windows Defender or install advanced anti-malware software that will combat threats that Windows could miss. We recommend you to use an antivirus developed by Malwarebytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly maintaining their software to combat both minor and global threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

8. Use System Restore Point

In case nothing works out and trying to find the right solution results in constant failure, System Restore may be a thing to salvage the crisis. Unless you installed Windows just now, there should be some backup point stored by the system when DLL problems were out of existence. Thus, let’s roll your system back to exactly that point using these steps:

1. Open Control Panel as we did in the steps above.
2. Set View by to Large icons and choose Recovery. You can also find it using the search box.
3. Click Open System Restore and select Next.
4. Choose a restore point you want to you from the list and click Scan for affected programs to see what programs will be deleted upon restoration. If there are no Restore points visible, try to choose Show more restore points.
5. Click Next again and Finish to finalize the process and let Windows restore your system from the selected backup.

We hope this finally helped you forget about this annoying issue.

Summary

DLL issues are common to see in all Windows versions. Luckily, because the reason is evident, it is much easier to match the right solution and address the error. We hope this is what happened to you – successful resolution and continuation of smooth application usage. If you want to get instructions on some other issues or malware threats, search them on our website. The BugsFighter team is constantly working on analysing new-coming problems and creating guidelines for them.