How to Fix Msvcp140.dll Was Not Found

Encountering the error message "msvcp140.dll was not found" can be frustrating for Windows users, especially when trying to launch a game or open a program. This error typically indicates that a crucial Visual C++ Redistributable component is missing or corrupted on your system. Fortunately, resolving this issue is usually straightforward with a few targeted troubleshooting steps. In this guide, we will explore the causes of the "msvcp140.dll was not found" error and provide practical solutions to fix it efficiently.

How to Fix Msvcp140.dll Was Not Found

The "msvcp140.dll" file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019. When this DLL file is missing or damaged, programs that depend on it cannot run properly. Here are the most effective methods to resolve this issue:

1. Restart Your Computer

Before diving into more complex solutions, a simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or system hiccups that cause DLL errors. Restart your computer and try opening the affected program again.

2. Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

The most common cause of the msvcp140.dll error is a missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable package. To fix this, follow these steps:

• Visit the official Microsoft Download Center.
• Search for "Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019."
• Download the latest version compatible with your system (x86 for 32-bit, x64 for 64-bit systems).
• Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
• Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Note: Installing the latest redistributable package often replaces or repairs missing DLL files, resolving the error.

3. Manually Download the msvcp140.dll File

If reinstalling the redistributable package doesn't work, you can manually download the specific DLL file. However, be cautious and only download DLL files from reputable sources to avoid malware.

• Visit the official Microsoft DLL download page or a trusted DLL repository.
• Download the "msvcp140.dll" file compatible with your system architecture.
• Copy the downloaded DLL file to the directory of the program that is giving the error, usually located in:
• C:\Windows\System32 (for 64-bit DLL on 64-bit systems)
• C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit DLLs on 64-bit systems)
• Alternatively, place the DLL in the application's installation folder.
• Restart your computer and test if the error has been resolved.

Note: Replacing DLL files manually can sometimes cause issues if the file version is incompatible. Always back up your system before making manual changes.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The SFC tool scans your system files and repairs corrupted or missing files, including DLLs. To run an SFC scan:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing "cmd" in the Start menu, right-clicking on "Command Prompt," and selecting "Run as administrator."
• Type the following command and press Enter:

 sfc /scannow 

The scan will begin and may take some time to complete. Follow any on-screen instructions.

Once finished, restart your computer and verify whether the DLL error persists.

5. Update Your Windows Operating System

Outdated Windows versions can cause DLL errors due to compatibility issues. To ensure your system is up-to-date:

• Open Settings from the Start menu.
• Navigate to Update & Security.
• Click on Check for updates.
• If updates are available, download and install them.
• Restart your computer after updates are installed and check if the error is resolved.

6. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party applications or background processes interfere with system files, causing DLL errors. Performing a clean boot helps identify such conflicts:

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items.
• Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
• Restart your computer and see if the error persists. If it is fixed, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

7. Repair or Reset Affected Applications

If the error occurs only when opening a specific program, try repairing or reinstalling that application:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Locate the problematic application.
• Right-click and select Repair if available, or uninstall and then reinstall the program.
• Check if the DLL error is resolved after reinstallation.

8. Run a Malware Scan

Malware infections can corrupt or delete DLL files. Use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool to scan your system thoroughly:

• Download and install reputable security software such as Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or Norton.
• Run a full system scan.
• Follow the software’s instructions to quarantine or remove any threats.
• Restart your computer and verify if the DLL error persists.

9. Restore Your System to a Previous State

If the error started recently, restoring your system to an earlier point can undo recent changes that caused the problem:

• Open the Start menu and type System Restore.
• Select Create a restore point.
• Click on System Restore... and follow the prompts to choose a restore point from before the error appeared.
• Complete the restoration process and check if the DLL error is resolved.

10. Seek Professional Help if Necessary

If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to consult a professional technician. Persistent DLL errors could indicate deeper system issues or hardware problems that require expert diagnosis and repair.

Summary of Key Points

Dealing with the "msvcp140.dll was not found" error involves a systematic approach:

• Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches.
• Reinstall the latest Visual C++ Redistributable packages from official sources.
• Manually download and replace the DLL file with caution.
• Run system tools like SFC and perform Windows updates.
• Identify conflicting software via clean boot procedures.
• Repair or reinstall the affected application if the error is specific to one program.
• Scan for malware to eliminate malicious interference.
• Use System Restore to revert recent changes if necessary.
• Seek professional help for unresolved issues.

By following these steps, most users can effectively resolve the "msvcp140.dll was not found" error and restore their system's stability and functionality. Ensuring your Windows and all related components are kept up-to-date and free from malware is key to preventing similar issues in the future.