How to Fix Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found

If you've encountered the error message "Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found" while trying to launch a program or game on your Windows computer, you're not alone. This issue typically indicates a problem with the Visual C++ Redistributable packages, specifically missing or corrupted DLL files essential for running applications developed with Microsoft Visual Studio. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this error and get your applications running smoothly again.

How to Fix Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found

When you see the "Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found" error, it usually means that your system cannot locate the required DLL file, or the file is damaged. This DLL is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019. The following steps will guide you through troubleshooting and fixing this issue.

1. Restart Your Computer

Before diving into more complex solutions, it's always a good idea to restart your PC. Sometimes, temporary glitches or incomplete updates can cause DLL errors. A simple restart may resolve the issue if it was caused by a minor system hiccup.

2. Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

The most common cause of the Vcruntime140_1.dll error is a missing or corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable package. Reinstalling or updating these packages often resolves the problem.

• Download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019. Ensure you select the correct version (x86 or x64) based on your system architecture.
• Uninstall existing redistributables: Before installing the new version, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find any existing Visual C++ Redistributable entries related to Visual Studio, and uninstall them.
• Install the new package: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Restart your computer after installation.

This process replaces any missing or corrupted DLL files associated with the Visual C++ Redistributable, which often fixes the error.

3. Manually Download and Replace Vcruntime140_1.dll

If reinstalling the redistributable doesn't resolve the issue, you can try manually replacing the DLL file.

• Download the DLL file from a trusted source: Be cautious and only download DLL files from reputable websites or directly from Microsoft. Avoid shady sites to prevent malware infections.
• Place the DLL in the correct directory: Copy the downloaded Vcruntime140_1.dll file to the folder of the application throwing the error. Typically, this is located in C:\Program Files or C:\Windows\System32 (for 64-bit systems) or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit systems).
• Register the DLL (if necessary): Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type regsvr32 Vcruntime140_1.dll, and press Enter. This registers the DLL with Windows.

Note: Manually replacing DLL files can be risky. It's preferable to fix the root cause via reinstallations, as described above.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can also cause DLL errors. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair damaged Windows files.

• Run SFC: Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions to repair corrupted files.
• Run DISM: In the same Command Prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This process can take several minutes. Afterward, rerun the sfc /scannow command.

This method can fix underlying system issues that cause DLL errors.

5. Update Your Windows Operating System

Keeping Windows up to date ensures you have the latest security patches and system files, which can resolve compatibility issues causing DLL errors.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
• Restart your computer after updating.

Updating Windows can often resolve missing DLL errors by replacing outdated or corrupted system files.

6. Scan Your Computer for Malware

Malware infections can corrupt or delete DLL files, leading to errors like "Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found." Running a full system scan with reputable antivirus or anti-malware software can identify and eliminate infections.

• Use Windows Defender or your preferred security software.
• Perform a full system scan and follow the prompts to quarantine or remove threats.
• Reboot your PC and check if the error persists.

7. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

If the error appears after installing new software or drivers, a conflicting program might be causing the issue. Performing a clean boot helps identify and troubleshoot such conflicts.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items, close Task Manager, and click OK in System Configuration.
• Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

If the problem is resolved, enable services and startup items gradually to identify the conflicting software.

8. Consider Reinstalling the Application

If the error occurs only with a specific application, reinstalling that program might fix missing or corrupted DLL references.

• Uninstall the application via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Download the latest version from the official website.
• Follow the installation instructions and restart your PC.

This ensures that all necessary files, including DLLs, are properly installed.

Concluding Summary: Key Points to Fix Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found

Encountering the "Vcruntime140_1.dll Was Not Found" error can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be resolved efficiently. The primary solutions involve reinstalling or updating the Visual C++ Redistributable packages, repairing system files with SFC and DISM tools, updating Windows, and scanning for malware. Manually replacing DLL files should be a last resort, and caution is advised. Remember, keeping your system updated and maintaining a healthy security setup are vital to prevent such errors in the future. By following these steps, you can restore your application's functionality and ensure your Windows environment remains stable and secure.