An “MSV DLL missing” message means a Windows program cannot find a Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library that it needs to start. The safest fix is to install the official Visual C++ Redistributable for the DLL’s runtime generation and the application’s architecture. On 64-bit Windows, install both Microsoft’s x86 and x64 packages when you do not know whether the game or application is 32-bit or 64-bit. If Windows itself may have damaged components, run DISM before System File Checker (SFC).
What “MSV DLL missing” means
Windows displays several closely related launch errors, including “The program can’t start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer,” “msvcp120.dll was not found,” and “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing.” These are not usually requests for one arbitrary file. They indicate that the program was built with a particular Microsoft Visual C++ toolset and that the corresponding runtime is absent, damaged or installed for the wrong processor architecture.
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The exact filename is the key diagnostic detail. Copy it exactly from the dialog before downloading anything. A one-character difference can identify a different runtime generation.
| Filename in the error | Runtime family | Correct first action |
|---|---|---|
msvcp140.dll |
Visual C++ v14 runtime | Install the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (matching the application architecture). |
vcruntime140.dll |
Visual C++ v14 runtime | Install the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (matching the application architecture). |
msvcp120.dll |
Visual C++ 2013, version 12 runtime | Install the separate Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable for the application architecture. |
msvcr120.dll |
Visual C++ 2013, version 12 runtime | Install the separate Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable for the application architecture. |
Newer packages do not replace every older family. In particular, a current v14 package does not satisfy a game compiled against the Visual C++ 2013 (v12) runtime, so installing only the newest package may leave msvcp120.dll or msvcr120.dll errors unresolved.
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Why the architecture matters
Visual C++ Redistributables are compiled for specific targets. An x86 (32-bit) game needs the x86 runtime even when it runs on 64-bit Windows. A native 64-bit game needs x64. An ARM64 application needs ARM64-compatible binaries.
- x86: required by 32-bit games and applications. This is common with older Windows games.
- x64: required by 64-bit games and applications on conventional Intel or AMD PCs.
- ARM64: required by native ARM64 applications. Microsoft’s x64 package includes x64 and ARM64 binaries when installed on an ARM64 device, according to Microsoft’s package documentation.
If you are using 64-bit Windows and cannot determine the game’s architecture, installing both the current official x86 and x64 packages is a reasonable coverage step. They can coexist; installing x86 does not convert a 32-bit program into a 64-bit one.
Before you start: identify the file and your Windows architecture
Copy the filename
- Read the entire error dialog and copy the DLL name, including its number, such as
msvcp140.dllormsvcp120.dll. - Note the name of the game or application that fails. If only one title fails, the problem is likely local to that installation or its runtime dependency.
- Do not download a DLL from a search-result “DLL library” or copy one from another computer. A standalone file can be the wrong version, architecture or build and can introduce security and servicing problems.
Check whether Windows is 64-bit or ARM64
- Open Settings and choose System > About.
- Look at System type. It will identify a 64-bit or 32-bit operating system and, on supported devices, an ARM-based platform.
This check describes Windows, not necessarily the game. A 64-bit operating system can run a 32-bit game, which is why the x86 redistributable may still be necessary.
Install the correct Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
For msvcp140.dll or vcruntime140.dll
Install the latest supported v14 Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft’s official download page. Microsoft states that this v14 line supports applications built with Visual Studio 2017 through the 2026 toolsets. Choose x86, x64 or ARM64 to match the application. On an unknown application running under 64-bit Windows, install both x86 and x64.
- Close the game, launcher and any installer that may be using Visual C++ files.
- Download the official Microsoft installer for the required architecture. The executable names commonly identify the target, such as
vc_redist.x86.exeorvc_redist.x64.exe. - Run the installer, accept the license terms and select Install. If it reports that a newer version is already installed, use Repair when that option is offered.
- Restart Windows, then launch the affected program again.
For msvcp120.dll or msvcr120.dll
Install the separate Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable. Microsoft lists version 12.0.40664.0 packages for x86 and x64. Select the architecture of the game or application; on 64-bit Windows with an unknown architecture, install both official packages.
- Download the Visual C++ 2013 package from Microsoft, not a standalone DLL site.
- Run the installer that matches the application. Install the other architecture as well if the program’s target is unknown.
- Restart Windows and test the program.
Installing a v14 package alongside Visual C++ 2013 is normal. Different runtime generations use different files and are designed to coexist.
How to determine a game’s architecture
If the error continues after installing one package, determine whether the executable is x86 or x64 instead of guessing.
Use Task Manager while the game is running
- Start the game until it reaches the error or opens briefly.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and select Details.
- On versions of Windows that show it, right-click a column heading, choose Select columns, and enable the architecture column. A 32-bit process is commonly marked (32 bit).
Check the executable’s properties
Right-click the game’s executable, choose Properties and inspect the Details tab for publisher and product information. This tab does not always state architecture, so the game’s publisher documentation or launcher support page may be more definitive. Do not rename the executable or DLL to force a match.
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Repair Windows components with DISM and SFC
If several unrelated programs report missing runtime files, the redistributable installer fails, or Windows has recently suffered an interrupted update or storage problem, repair the component store and protected system files. Microsoft’s supported order is DISM first and SFC second: DISM provides files required to repair corrupted files, while SFC scans protected system files and replaces corrupted copies.
- Save work and connect the PC to the internet. DISM may need Windows Update as a repair source.
- Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it and choose Run as administrator. Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Run this command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth - Wait for DISM to finish. Do not close the window if progress appears to pause.
- After DISM completes, run:
sfc /scannow - Let SFC reach 100 percent, then read its result. Restart Windows even if it reports that no integrity violations were found.
- Launch the game again.
Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt, not in a normal application window. If DISM reports that source files cannot be found, ensure Windows Update is working and retry; use Windows recovery options only after the supported repair path is exhausted.
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When only one title fails, its own files or installer may be the problem rather than Windows globally.
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Use the launcher’s repair or verify feature
Open the launcher that installed the game and use its Verify, Repair or equivalent file-integrity command. The exact label differs by launcher. This replaces missing or altered game files without deleting save data in most installations, but check the launcher’s warning before confirming.
Run the publisher’s installer again
If the game includes a Redist, Prerequisites or Support folder, use the Visual C++ installer supplied by the publisher only when it is an authentic part of the official game distribution. Prefer Microsoft’s current redistributable when the bundled installer is old, unavailable or fails. Restart after a successful installation.
Reinstall as a last application-level step
Back up saves and configuration files according to the publisher’s instructions, uninstall the game, restart Windows and install a fresh copy from the official store or publisher. Reinstalling is not a substitute for choosing the correct runtime architecture; install the matching package afterward if the error returns.
What not to do
- Do not use random DLL download sites. They may provide a tampered file or one built for a different architecture.
- Do not copy a DLL into
C:WindowsSystem32orSysWOW64manually. The official redistributable registers and services its files correctly and keeps the runtime under Windows servicing. - Do not delete other Visual C++ entries in Apps. Older games can depend on older generations, and the packages are intended to coexist.
- Do not assume “64-bit Windows” means x64 for every program. A 32-bit game still needs x86.
- Do not disable security software merely to install a DLL. If a legitimate Microsoft installer is blocked, use your security product’s documented quarantine and allow-list procedure and verify the installer’s source.
Use the symptom to choose the next step
| Symptom | Most useful next action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Only one game reports msvcp140.dll |
Install v14 for the game’s architecture, then verify or repair the game. | A local dependency or game installation is more likely than system-wide corruption. |
Only one older game reports msvcp120.dll or msvcr120.dll |
Install the Visual C++ 2013 package, not only the current v14 package. | The 2013 runtime is a separate legacy family. |
| Several unrelated programs fail with different MSV filenames | Install required official runtimes, then run DISM followed by SFC. | Multiple failures can indicate damaged Windows components or several missing generations. |
| The installer says the runtime is already installed but the error remains | Use the installer’s Repair option, confirm x86 versus x64, restart, and verify the application. | An installed package can be the wrong architecture or have damaged files. |
| The error names a DLL not covered above | Search Microsoft’s runtime documentation using the exact filename and follow the application publisher’s requirements. | Different filenames can belong to other Visual C++ generations or unrelated components. |
When to escalate to Windows recovery
Escalate only after the correct Microsoft redistributable, DISM, SFC and application repair steps fail. Record the exact filename, Windows edition and architecture, the package installers you ran, and the final DISM/SFC messages. That information helps the game publisher or Microsoft support distinguish an application defect from broader component-store damage.
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Quick checklist
- Copy the exact missing filename.
- Map
msvcp120.dll/msvcr120.dllto Visual C++ 2013; mapmsvcp140.dll/vcruntime140.dllto the v14 family. - Download only Microsoft’s official redistributable installer.
- Match x86, x64 or ARM64 to the application; on 64-bit Windows with an unknown target, install both x86 and x64.
- Restart Windows and test the game.
- If failures are broader, run DISM first and
sfc /scannowsecond. - Verify or reinstall the affected application if its files are damaged.
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