WiseCleaner Think Tank
Encounter difficult computer problems?
All about maintenance and optimization of your Windows System.
Jan 20, 2026
One of the most annoying Windows errors is this: you double-click an app or game and get a pop-up saying, "The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem."
Don't worry—your computer isn't broken, and you haven't lost your files. This is one of the most common Windows errors, and it typically has a quick fix. Here is a straightforward guide to getting your apps up and running again.
VCRUNTIME140.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Many apps rely on that shared library for basic functions. If the file is missing or damaged, the app can't start.
Think of it like a shared library. Instead of every app developer writing their own code for basic functions, they "borrow" code from this Microsoft library. If that library is missing or corrupted, the app doesn't know how to talk to your hardware, so it simply refuses to launch.
The most effective way to fix this error is to provide Windows with the missing library. You shouldn't just download a single .dll file from a random website (more on that later); you should install the official package from Microsoft.
1. Go to the official Microsoft Download Center:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist
2. Look for the Latest supported redistributable version section.
3. You will see two main files:
vc_redist.x86.exe (for 32-bit systems)
vc_redist.x64.exe (for 64-bit systems)
4. Pro Tip: Even if you have a 64-bit computer, many apps are 32-bit. It is highly recommended to download and install both versions to ensure total compatibility.
5. Run the installers, restart your computer, and try launching your app again.
If the file is on your computer but "broken," Windows has a built-in "self-repair" tool called the System File Checker.
1. Type "cmd" in your Windows search bar.
2. Right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as Administrator".
3. Type the following command and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the process to finish (it might take 5–10 minutes). Windows will automatically replace any corrupted system files it finds.
If the error only happens with one specific game or app, the issue might be with the app's installation rather than Windows itself.
1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Find the program, uninstall it, and then reinstall it from the official source. Often, the app installer will automatically include the correct .dll files during setup.
When you search for this error, you'll find dozens of websites offering a "free download" of just the VCRUNTIME140.dll file.
Don't do it. These sites are often unverified and can bundle malware or viruses with the file. Furthermore, a single .dll file often depends on other files in the same package. Replacing just one is like putting a single new brick into a crumbling wall—it probably won't fix the underlying issue. Always use official Microsoft installers.
Q: Can I just copy VCRUNTIME140.dll into C:\Windows\System32?
A: Not recommended. Standalone DLLs can be incompatible and unsafe. Use official redistributables.
Q: Which redistributable includes VCRUNTIME140.dll?
A: Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015–2022 (download from Microsoft).
Q: Do I need both x86 and x64 installers?
A: Yes—install both to cover 32‑bit and 64‑bit apps.
Fixing a VCRUNTIME140.dll error usually comes down to updating your Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. If you ever encounter similar errors, such as MSVCP140.dll, MSVCP120.dll, or MSVCP110.dll missing, reinstalling the official Microsoft Redistributable will also resolve these issues. Keeping these libraries up to date ensures your Windows environment remains stable for all your favorite apps and games.
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