msvcp140.dll Was Not Found – How to Fix It Easily (A Simple Guide for Everyone)

Have you ever tried to open a game or app on your computer and suddenly seen an error saying “msvcp140.dll was not found” or “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcp140.dll is missing”?
If yes, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common Windows errors that can appear when a certain system file goes missing or gets corrupted. The good news is — it’s easy to fix, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it.

The msvcp140.dll file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which helps many applications and games run properly on Windows. When this file is missing, those programs can’t start because Windows doesn’t have what it needs to run them.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what msvcp140.dll is, why it goes missing, and how you can fix it step-by-step for Windows 10, Windows 11, and even older versions like Windows 7.
We’ll keep everything simple, clear, and practical — just the way you like it.

What Is msvcp140.dll?

Before fixing the problem, let’s understand what this mysterious file does.

The msvcp140.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file developed by Microsoft. It’s included in the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and is required by many modern software programs — including games, design tools, and productivity apps.
This file contains small pieces of code that programs use to perform tasks without having to write those functions from scratch.

If the msvcp140.dll file is missing or damaged, your system will show an error like:

• “msvcp140.dll was not found”

• “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcp140.dll”

• “msvcp140.dll is either not designed to run on Windows”

Without this file, your software simply can’t start.

So, in short — msvcp140.dll is essential for running many Windows applications, and its absence causes your PC to throw this error.

Common Causes of the msvcp140.dll Error

There are several reasons why this error might appear on your screen. Let’s look at the most common ones in simple terms:

1. You accidentally deleted or moved the file.
   Sometimes, antivirus software or manual cleanups can remove the DLL file by mistake.

2. Incomplete software installation.
   If an app didn’t install properly, the required Visual C++ component might be missing.

3. Windows updates went wrong.
   An interrupted or corrupted update can lead to system file mismatches.

4. Virus or malware infection.
   Harmful programs can delete or corrupt important system files like msvcp140.dll.

5. The Visual C++ Redistributable is outdated or damaged.
   Many programs rely on the latest version of this package to work properly.

These are the main reasons behind the msvcp140.dll missing error on Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

How to Fix “msvcp140.dll Was Not Found”

Now that we know why it happens, let’s fix it. Here are the most effective and safest ways to solve this issue.

Step 1: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The simplest and most reliable fix is to reinstall the Visual C++ package that includes the msvcp140.dll file.

1. Go to the official Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributables.

2. Download the latest versions (both x64 and x86 if you have a 64-bit PC).

3. Install them and restart your computer.

This process replaces any missing or corrupted DLL files.
After restarting, try reopening the program — in most cases, the msvcp140.dll not found error will be gone.

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Step 2: Use Windows System File Checker (SFC)

If reinstalling didn’t work, your system files might be corrupted. Luckily, Windows has a built-in tool to fix this.

1. Press the Start button and type cmd.

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the command below and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow


4. Wait for Windows to scan and repair your files.

Once it’s done, restart your computer. The missing msvcp140.dll issue should be fixed.

Step 3: Repair or Reinstall the Problematic Program

Sometimes, the app showing the error is the problem itself. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it.

• Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.

• Find the program that shows the msvcp140.dll error.

• Click Uninstall, then reinstall it from the official source.

This ensures the app includes all necessary components.

Step 4: Run a Virus Scan

Viruses can remove or damage important system files. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program.
After removing threats, reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable again just to be safe.

Step 5: Download msvcp140.dll (Safely)

If you still see errors like “msvcp140.dll download 64 bit” or “msvcp140.dll missing Windows 11”, you can manually replace the file.

⚠️ Important:
Only download the DLL file from Microsoft’s official website — never from third-party sites. Many of those offer infected or modified files that can harm your PC.

Step 6: Update Windows

Make sure your Windows is up to date:

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  Updates often include patches and fixes for missing DLL problems.

Step 7: Reinstall Windows (Last Option)

If all else fails, reinstalling or resetting Windows can fix deep system-level corruption.
Before doing this, back up your data.

When Does the Error Appear Most Often?

You may see the msvcp140.dll is missing error while launching:

• Games like Fortnite, PUBG, or GTA

• Design software such as Photoshop or AutoCAD

• Business tools like TurboTax or Origin

For example, users have reported messages like “TurboTax msvcp140.dll not found” or “msvcp140.dll missing Origin”.
In each of these cases, reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable usually fixes it.

Why You Should Avoid Unofficial DLL Download Sites

You might find websites offering “free DLL downloads” — but beware.
These files can contain malware, viruses, or unstable versions that crash your PC.

Always download from Microsoft’s official site, which ensures that the file is safe and compatible.
Trusting unknown websites could cause even more serious problems than the original error.

Benefits of Fixing the msvcp140.dll Error

Fixing this issue gives you multiple benefits:

• Your programs run smoothly again without crashes.

• Improved system stability, especially for games and software that depend on Visual C++.

• Better Windows performance because there are no missing components.

• Peace of mind, knowing your system files are complete and secure.

So, even though it’s a small file, it plays a big role in keeping your PC healthy.

msvcp140.dll File Details (Specifications)

What’s in the Download / Installer

When you download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, it includes:

• All necessary runtime components

• The msvcp140.dll file

• Other related files like vcruntime140.dll, mfc140.dll, and msvcp140d.dll

So, you don’t need to search for individual files — installing this package automatically restores everything your apps need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is msvcp140.dll?

It’s a core system file that helps Windows run software built using Visual C++. If it’s missing, you’ll see “msvcp140.dll was not found” or similar errors.

2. Why do I get the message “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcp140.dll”?

This means Windows can’t find the file required to start your program. It’s usually fixed by reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable.

3. How do I fix msvcp140.dll missing in Windows 11 or Windows 7?

Just download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package from Microsoft’s website.

4. Is it safe to download msvcp140.dll manually?

Only from Microsoft’s official website. Never trust third-party DLL download sites.

5. What is msvcp140d.dll — is it different?

Yes, msvcp140d.dll is the “debug” version of the file used by developers. Regular users usually need msvcp140.dll.

6. What if msvcp140.dll is either not designed to run on Windows?

This means the file is corrupted or incompatible. Reinstall Visual C++ or perform an SFC scan to fix it.

7. Do I need to install both 32-bit and 64-bit Visual C++ packages?

Yes, if you have a 64-bit system, install both versions — some apps use the 32-bit library even on 64-bit Windows.

Conclusion

The “msvcp140.dll was not found” error might look scary, but it’s actually one of the easiest Windows issues to fix.
This problem usually happens when the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is missing or corrupted — and reinstalling it solves the issue for most people.

Remember these quick takeaways:

• Always download DLL files and redistributables from Microsoft’s official site.

• Avoid shady “free DLL” websites.

• Keep your system updated and protected from malware.

Once fixed, your apps, games, and programs should launch smoothly again — no more “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcp140.dll” messages.