VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found: How to Fix the Error in Windows

You open an app expecting it to work, only to see a cryptic message saying: VCRUNTIME140.dll not found. In most cases, the problem isn’t the app itself. Windows simply can’t find a Visual C++ runtime component the program needs to start.

The safest fix is usually to install or repair the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable rather than downloading the DLL (Dynamic Link Library) separately. This guide explains why the VCRUNTIME140 missing error appears and how to fix it safely.

Key Takeaways: VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found Windows 11

• VCRUNTIME140.dll errors usually mean the required Visual C++ runtime is missing, damaged, or incompatible.
• Install or repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable to fix the error safely.
• Make sure the runtime architecture, such as x86 and x64, matches the affected application.
• If the error affects only one app, reinstalling the application may resolve the issue.
• Run DISM and SFC if multiple apps are failing or Windows has signs of system corruption.
• Avoid downloading individual DLL files from third-party websites.

Why is VCRUNTIME140.dll Missing?

VCRUNTIME140.dll is a runtime library required by applications built by Microsoft’s Visual C++ development tools. When Windows can’t find a compatible copy, the program may fail to start and display a VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found error.

The file is included with the Redistributable. Common causes of the error include:

• Missing Redistributable: The required Visual C++ runtime is not installed.
• Damaged Installation: The runtime files are incomplete or corrupted.
• Architecture mismatch: A 32-bit application may require the x86 package, even on 64-bit Windows.
• Damaged Application: The program’s installation is incomplete or corrupted.
• Outdated Software: The application or runtime may have compatibility issues.
• Windows Corruption: Damaged system files can interfere with application startup.

 

Related errors may mention VCRUNTIME140_1.dll missing or an MSVCP140.dll was not found error message. These are separate Visual C++ runtime components, but the recommended fixes are usually the same. 

How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found in Windows?

The safest approach is to fix the Redistributable rather than downloading the missing DLL by itself. Try these fixes in order:

1. Install the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable

Start by installing the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable.

Microsoft provides separate packages for x86, x64, and ARM64. The package should match the application’s architecture. For example, a 32-bit app may require the x86 runtime even when it runs on 64-bit Windows.

If you are unsure whether the affected app is 32-bit or 64-bit, installing both the x86 and x64 packages on a 64-bit Windows PC can cover applications built for either architecture.

Download the appropriate package from Microsoft’s official website, install it, and reboot your computer. Then try opening the affected application again.

2. Repair the Existing Visual C++ Installation

Already have the Redistributable installed? The installation itself may be damaged and causing the issue. Here’s how to fix this error with VCRUNTIME140.dll in Windows 11:

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

  

• Search for Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

  

• Open its available options and select Modify or Repair, if available.

  

• Complete the repair and restart Windows.
  

Finally, try launching the affected application again to confirm the issue is resolved.

3. Reinstall the Application

If the error appears only when you open one particular program, its installation may be damaged. Uninstall the affected application, download its latest installer from the developer’s official website, and install it again.

This can help when the program was installed incompletely, or its required runtime components were not set up correctly.

4. Install Windows Updates

An outdated system can sometimes cause compatibility problems that prevent an application from starting correctly.

• Open Settings > Windows Update.
  
• Check for available updates.

  

• Install any available updates and restart Windows.

Windows updates are not a replacement for the Visual C++ Redistributable, but keeping Windows updated can resolve system problems that affect application startup.

5. Repair Windows System Files

If several applications are failing or you are seeing Windows errors along with the Missing DLL message, Windows itself may have corrupted files.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run: “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”.

  

• Let the system complete the process, and then run: “sfc /scannow”.

  

• Restart your PC after both commands complete

DISM command repairs the Windows component store, while SFC checks and repairs protected system files. These tools don’t install the Visual C++ Redistributable, so use them alongside the runtime fixes rather than a replacement. 

How to Prevent VCRUNTIME140.dll Errors?

You can’t guarantee that a runtime dependency will never break, but a few habits can lower the chances of seeing this error again.

• Install Software from Official Sources: Legitimate installers are more likely to include or correctly detect the dependencies they need.
• Keep Applications Updated: Newer versions may fix dependency or compatibility problems.
• Don’t Remove Visual C++ Redistributables: Different applications can depend on different runtime components, so multiple entries are not automatically a problem.
• Avoid Individual DLL Downloads: Use Microsoft’s official packages only.
• Back Up Important Application Data: Runtime repairs are usually straightforward, but a backup gives you extra protection when troubleshooting software you rely on.

Also, always match the runtime architecture to the application. A 32-bit app may need the x86 runtime even on 64-bit Windows.

Final Thoughts

The VCRUNTIME140.dll not found error usually happens due to a missing or damaged Redistributable, an architecture mismatch, or a problem with the application itself.

Start with the official C++ Redistributable. If that does not fix the error, repair the existing installation, check the application’s architecture, or reinstall the affected program. Most importantly, do not chase the individual DLL. Fix the runtime dependency that’s causing the problem.