How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll Missing on Windows

If you see a VCRUNTIME140.dll missing error, it usually means a program can’t find the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime file it needs to start. This is common after a broken app uninstall, a failed update, corrupted system files, or a missing Visual C++ Redistributable package. In some cases, old app leftovers or registry entries keep Windows pointing to the wrong runtime files.

Common Symptoms

• A popup says “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” or “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found”
• An app crashes immediately when you open it
• The error started after uninstalling or updating a program
• Reinstalling the app does not fully fix the problem
• Multiple programs that rely on Visual C++ stop launching

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC

   • Save your work and restart Windows.
   • Try opening the app again after restart. Temporary file or service issues can sometimes cause the error.

2. Repair or reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

   • Press Windows key + S, type Apps & features, and open it.
   • In the search box, type Microsoft Visual C++.
   • Look for entries named Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable for both x64 and x86.
   • Select each one, click Modify, then choose Repair if available.
   • If they are missing, download the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft’s official site and install both the x64 and x86 versions.
   • Restart your PC and test the app again.

3. Reinstall the app showing the error

   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find the affected program, click the three dots next to it, and choose Uninstall.
   • After uninstalling, restart your PC.
   • Download the latest version of the app from the developer’s official website and install it again.
   • This helps replace missing runtime files bundled with the app.

4. Run System File Checker and DISM

   • Press Windows key + S, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run this command:

     sfc /scannow

   • Wait for it to finish, then run:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Restart your PC after both scans complete.

5. Install Windows updates

   • Open Settings > Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates.
   • Install all available updates, including optional quality updates if offered.
   • Restart your PC. Missing runtime dependencies are sometimes fixed through Windows component updates.

6. Remove old app leftovers

   • Press Windows key + R, type:

     %ProgramFiles%

     and press Enter.
   • Check for leftover folders from the app you removed.
   • Also check:

     %AppData%

     and

     %LocalAppData%

   • Delete only folders clearly tied to the broken app. Leftover files can interfere with reinstalling the correct runtime components.

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