How To Resolve the “MSVCP140.dll is Missing” Error Efficiently

The error “MSVCP140.dll is missing” or “MSVCP140.dll not found” is pretty common and can drive you nuts, especially when trying to run an app or game. Basically, this DLL file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which is necessary for lots of programs built with Visual Studio 2015 or newer. Usually, when it just vanishes or gets corrupted—maybe after a Windows update, or you accidentally delete it—you’re stuck with these annoying error messages. Not sure why it works, but fixing this can be surprisingly straightforward once you know what to do.

Don’t worry—these fixes are well-trodden ground. Hopefully, they save you some head-scratching and time.

1. Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

This is kinda the first thing to try. When the DLL is missing or corrupted, repairing the Visual C++ package often fixes the problem since it rechecks and replaces the damaged files. This is better than blindly downloading DLL files from shady sites, which can mess up your system more.

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. This will open the “Programs and Features” window where all your installed programs live.
2. Scroll down to find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable. If you see both x86 and x64 versions, do them both—repair each one. Right-click on each and pick Repair. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
3. Follow the prompts—just click through until it finishes. Once done, restart your PC and see if the error pops up again. Usually, that’s the fix, because repairing these redistributables tends to fix the missing DLL issue.

2. Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable

If repairing didn’t do the trick, then a complete reinstall is the way to go. Sometimes, the files get so broken or just totally gone, a repair isn’t enough. This clears out the old files and installs fresh copies, like a reset for the DLLs. Remember—download directly from Microsoft, not sketchy third-party sites, to keep everything safe.

1. Head over to the official Microsoft download pages: 64-bit or 32-bit. Pick the right one based on your system.
2. Run the installer, follow the instructions, and install. It’s usually straightforward—click “Yes” when UAC pops up, and let it do its thing.
3. After installing, reboot your computer and check if the error is gone. You might need to run both the x86 and x64 versions depending on what software you’re using.

3. Roll Back Windows to a Previous State

If the error suddenly showed up after a recent Windows update, driver change, or new app install, System Restore might help. It’s like undoing recent changes that broke your system, and it’s faster than a full reinstall—sometimes you just gotta go back in time.

1. Type rstrui into the Start menu search box and hit Enter. This opens the System Restore tool.
2. Select a restore point from before the DLL error started showing up. If you’re lucky, there’s one from a week ago or earlier. Click Next.
3. Follow the prompts, and don’t be surprised if your PC restarts a couple of times during the process. That’s normal. Once it’s done, see if the error has vanished.

If none of these solutions work, sometimes the app that throws the DLL missing message needs a fresh install. And if all else fails, a full Windows reset—keeping your files—can bring back missing system files without wiping everything out. Just remember, these fixes aren’t guaranteed, but they’re the main culprits that usually do the trick.