Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found Error (Easy Guide)

Encountering the “VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found” error can be frustrating, disrupting your ability to run certain applications or games on your Windows system. This error typically indicates that a required component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package is missing or corrupted. Fortunately, resolving this issue is usually straightforward and involves a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through the process of identifying the cause of the VCRUNTIME140.dll error and implementing effective solutions to restore your system’s functionality. By following these instructions, you can quickly get back to using your favorite programs without further interruption.

What causes the VCRUNTIME140.dll error and how can I fix it?

Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The most common solution is to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. This package contains the VCRUNTIME140.dll file and other essential components.

1. Go to the official Microsoft website and search for “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads.”
2. Download the version appropriate for your system architecture (x86 or x64). If you are unsure, download both.
3. Run the downloaded installer.
4. If prompted, choose “Repair” or “Reinstall.” If not, follow the installation instructions.
5. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

If reinstalling doesn’t work, try repairing the existing installation.

1. Open “Apps & Features” in Windows Settings (search for it in the Start Menu).
2. Locate the “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” entries. There may be multiple entries for different years.
3. Click on the specific entry related to VCRUNTIME140.dll (usually the one from 2015-2019 or later).
4. Click “Modify.”
5. In the setup window, choose “Repair.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) tool can scan for and repair corrupted system files, including DLL files.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”)
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
4. If any errors are found, the SFC tool will attempt to repair them.
5. Restart your computer after the scan is complete.

Update Windows

An outdated operating system can sometimes cause DLL errors.

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to “Update & Security.”
3. Click “Check for updates.”
4. Install any available updates.
5. Restart your computer.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the error.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
4. Check the box “Hide all Microsoft services.”
5. Click “Disable all.”
6. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
7. In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
8. Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and “OK” in the System Configuration window.
9. Restart your computer.
10. After the restart, check if the error persists. If it’s gone, enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

Reinstall the problematic application

If the error only occurs with a specific application, try reinstalling it.

1. Uninstall the application through “Apps & Features” in Windows Settings.
2. Download the latest version of the application from the official website.
3. Reinstall the application.

Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes corrupt or delete DLL files.

1. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.
2. If you don’t have antivirus software, consider using Windows Defender or a reputable third-party option.
3. Remove any detected malware.

Manually Copy the DLL File (Not Recommended)

While not recommended, you can try manually copying the VCRUNTIME140.dll file from another computer or a trusted source. This is risky and should only be done as a last resort.

1. Find a trusted source for the VCRUNTIME140.dll file.
2. Copy the file to the appropriate directory (usually C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64).
3. Register the DLL file by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing regsvr32 VCRUNTIME140.dll and pressing Enter.

Tips

• Always download software from official sources to avoid malware.
• Keep your operating system and drivers up to date.
• Regularly scan your system for malware.
• Create a system restore point before making significant changes to your system.

Comparison of Solutions

Solution	Difficulty	Risk Level	Effectiveness
Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable	Easy	Low	High
Repair Visual C++ Redistributable	Easy	Low	Medium
Run System File Checker (SFC)	Medium	Low	Medium
Update Windows	Easy	Low	Medium
Perform a Clean Boot	Medium	Low	Medium
Reinstall Problematic Application	Easy	Low	High
Check for Malware	Easy	Low	Medium
Manually Copy the DLL File (Not Recommended)	Hard	High	Low

Resolving VCRUNTIME140.dll Issues

The VCRUNTIME140.dll error can be resolved by reinstalling or repairing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, running the System File Checker, updating Windows, or reinstalling the problematic application. Following these steps should help you restore your system’s functionality and prevent the error from recurring.

FAQ

What is VCRUNTIME140.dll? VCRUNTIME140.dll is a dynamic link library file that is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. It contains runtime components required for applications developed with Visual C++.

Why am I getting the VCRUNTIME140.dll error? The error typically occurs when the VCRUNTIME140.dll file is missing, corrupted, or not properly registered on your system. This can happen due to incomplete installations, software conflicts, or malware infections.

Is it safe to download VCRUNTIME140.dll from the internet? Downloading DLL files from untrusted sources is risky and can expose your system to malware. It is always recommended to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package from the official Microsoft website.

How do I know which version of the Visual C++ Redistributable to install? You should install the version that corresponds to the application that is causing the error. If you’re unsure, you can try installing the latest version of the Redistributable package.

Can updating Windows fix the VCRUNTIME140.dll error? Yes, updating Windows can sometimes fix the error by installing the latest system files and updates, which may include the necessary components for the Visual C++ Redistributable package.

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