If you see the message VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found, it means the app can’t start. Most of the time, this happens because a Microsoft Visual C++ runtime is missing or not working properly. You will see this error often in games, launchers, and other Windows programs that require Visual C++ files.
The good thing is you can usually fix this problem without doing anything hard. Most of the time, just repair or install the right Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, restart your PC, and try the app again. Here are the steps you can follow.
Why Is VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found?
This error comes up when the program needs Microsoft Visual C++ runtime files but Windows can’t find them. Most of the time, Microsoft support recommends installing the Visual C++ Redistributable. Sometimes you might see errors for other files, like MSVCP140.dll, too.
Main causes include:
- Missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
- Corrupted Runtime Installation
- x86 and x64 Mismatch
- Damaged App Files
- Windows System File Problems
- Antivirus Quarantine
- Incomplete App Reinstall
How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found
Try these fixes one by one. Start with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. It’s the most common fix and usually works. If the error is still there, then try reinstalling the app or fixing Windows files.
1. Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
This is the main fix. Microsoft support always says to install or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable if VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable page
- Download the required redistributable package
- Run the installer
- Choose Repair if the runtime is already installed
- Finish the setup
- Restart the PC after that
Don’t skip the repair option if you see it. Sometimes the runtime is already there but it’s broken, so you still get the error.
2. Install Both x86 and x64 Versions
A lot of people miss this fix. Even if you have 64-bit Windows, some apps still need the x86 runtime. Microsoft support says to install both x86 and x64 packages because many apps are 32-bit even if your Windows is 64-bit.
Here is the simple rule:
- Install x86 for 32-bit apps
- Install x64 for 64-bit apps
- On most 64-bit PCs, install both
If you only install x64, you might still see the error in games, launchers, or old software.
3. Restart Your PC
After you install or repair the runtime, restart Windows before you try the app again. Microsoft support always says to restart so the runtime works right.
This step is simple but important. Some people test the app too soon and think the fix didn’t work.
4. Reinstall the Program That Shows the Error
If you already installed the runtime and still see the error, maybe the app is broken. Try reinstalling the program. This is common for games, launchers, or device tools that need the runtime.
Try this order:
- Uninstall the App
- Restart the PC
- Download the Latest Installer
- Install the Program Again
- Launch the App and Test It
This can fix broken files or runtime parts that didn’t install right the first time.
5. Run SFC and DISM If the Error Still Stays
If you installed the runtime and reinstalled the app but still get the error, maybe Windows system files are damaged. Try the built-in repair tools.
Use these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Run SFC first. If that doesn’t fix it, then run DISM. Restart your PC and try the app again. These are normal Windows repair tools for fixing system files.
6. Check Whether Antivirus Quarantined a File
Sometimes antivirus removes or blocks files the app needs. If the error started all of a sudden and the app worked before, check your antivirus quarantine or security history.
Look for:
- Quarantined App Files
- Blocked Installers
- Removed Runtime Files
- Security Actions Around the Time the Error Started
If you find something important in quarantine, only restore it if you trust the app and got it from a safe place. This doesn’t happen as much as a broken redistributable, but it can still happen.
7. Avoid Downloading VCRUNTIME140.dll From Random DLL Sites
This is important. Don’t try to fix the problem by downloading a single DLL from some random website. Microsoft support always says to use the official Visual C++ Redistributable installer, not DLL download sites.
The safer route is simple:
- Use the Official Microsoft Redistributable
- Install the Correct x86 and x64 Packages
- Restart the PC
- Reinstall the Affected App if Needed
This way, Windows gets the right runtime. Just adding one unknown file is not safe.
8. Look for Related DLL Errors Too
VCRUNTIME140.dll errors often show up with other files like MSVCP140.dll. If you see both, it’s usually a Visual C++ runtime problem, not just one missing file.
If your error mentions both files, don’t try to fix them one by one. Just install the full redistributable.
9. Make Sure You Are Installing the Right Runtime Generation
Microsoft support usually tells people to install the Visual C++ 2015 to 2022 Redistributable. Older advice might say 2015, 2017, or 2019, but now you just need the latest supported packages. Most of the time, you need both x86 and x64.
If you installed a package a long time ago, don’t think it’s still enough. It’s better to repair or reinstall the latest redistributables.
What to Do If the Error Still Shows After Reinstalling Visual C++
If you already reinstalled the runtime and the problem remains, the cause is usually one of these:
- Only One Architecture Was Installed
- The App Itself Is Broken
- Windows System Files Are Damaged
- Another Related Runtime File Is Missing
- The App Needs a Full Clean Reinstall
That’s why you need to follow all the steps. Don’t stop after just one try. Install both x86 and x64, restart your PC, reinstall the app, and run SFC and DISM if you still have problems. Most of the time, the error goes away after you do everything.
How to Prevent This Problem From Happening Again
These small steps can help stop the same DLL error from coming back.
- Keep Windows Updated
- Install Apps From Official Sources
- Keep Microsoft Visual C++ Runtimes Healthy
- Avoid Random DLL Download Sites
- Reinstall Broken Apps Fully
- Restart After Runtime Installs
- Keep Both x86 and x64 Packages Installed on 64-bit Windows
These steps help keep your apps working, especially games or launchers that need Visual C++ runtime.
Final Thoughts
When VCRUNTIME140.dll is not found, it’s usually not just the DLL. Most of the time, Windows is missing the right Microsoft Visual C++ runtime or the app is broken. The safest way is to install or repair the official Visual C++ Redistributable, install both x86 and x64, restart your PC, and reinstall the app if you need to.
Try the fixes in order and don’t use shortcut DLL downloads. Most of the time, the error goes away when you install the right runtime packages.