How to Fix MSVCP140.dll Missing on Windows

Meta description: Fix the MSVCP140.dll missing error and clean leftover software traces that may cause conflicts with Kudu.

What Causes This?

The MSVCP140.dll missing error usually means a program cannot find the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime file it needs to start. This often happens when the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is missing, damaged, or replaced by an incomplete app uninstall or failed update.

It can also be caused by leftover program files, broken registry entries, or corrupted system files after software removal. In some cases, malware or disk errors can damage the DLL or related runtime components.

Common Symptoms

• A pop-up says “MSVCP140.dll is missing” or “The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP140.dll was not found”
• An app or game fails to launch after installation or update
• The error appears after uninstalling another program
• Reinstalling the affected app does not fully fix the problem
• Windows shows similar runtime or Visual C++ errors

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC

   • Save your work and restart Windows.
   • If the error was caused by a temporary file lock or incomplete update, a reboot may clear it.

2. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

   • Open Settings with Windows + I.
   • Go to Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11, or Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10.
   • Search for Microsoft Visual C++.
   • If you see existing entries for 2015-2022 Redistributable, select them and choose Modify if available, then run Repair.
   • If repair is not available or does not help, download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages from Microsoft:
     • vc_redist.x64.exe
     • vc_redist.x86.exe
   • Install both versions, then restart your PC.

3. Reinstall the program that shows the error

   • Go back to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find the app or game showing the MSVCP140.dll error and select Uninstall.
   • Restart your PC.
   • Download a fresh installer from the official website and install it again.
   • This replaces missing app files and reconnects the program to the correct Visual C++ runtime.

4. Run System File Checker

   • Click Start, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Enter this command and press Enter:

     sfc /scannow

   • Wait for the scan to finish, then restart your PC.
   • If Windows repaired files, test the app again.

5. Run DISM if SFC does not fix it

   • Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
   • Run these commands one at a time:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     sfc /scannow

   • Restart your PC after both commands complete.

6. Check for leftover software traces

   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and make sure the affected app is not still running.
   • In Settings > Apps, uninstall old versions of the same program or related utilities you no longer use.
   • Delete leftover folders in:
     • C:\Program Files
     • C:\Program Files (x86)
     • C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local
     • C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming
   • Be careful to remove only folders tied to the broken app. Leftover files can keep loading the wrong runtime components and trigger the same error again.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan for broken app leftovers, invalid uninstall traces, and software conflicts that often sit behind recurring MSVCP140.dll errors. It helps clean out old program remnants and fix startup or runtime issues without digging through folders and registry entries manually.

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