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# VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found Error: How to Fix It on Windows ![](https://i.ibb.co/Ldd3hNcg/VCRUNTIME140-dll-Not-Found-Error.png) When you come across the “VCRUNTIME140.dll not found” error on Windows, it’s usually bad news if you’re just trying to run a program. What’s happening is pretty simple: Windows can’t find a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file that comes with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, a bunch of shared files that lots of software needs to run. If this piece is missing or broken, the app you want just won’t start. Now, this article talks in detail about the error, the main causes behind it, and the methods that you can use to resolve it easily. ## Understanding the Causes Behind the “VCRUNTIME140.dll not found” error Why do you even face the ‘**[vcruntime140.dll not found](https://datarecovee.com/knowledge-base/vcruntime140-dll-not-found/)**’ error? For starters, you might be missing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, or maybe it’s outdated or damaged. Sometimes it’s about software architecture; a 32-bit app still sometimes needs its own 32-bit (x86) files, even on a 64-bit Windows machine. Broken installs, failed updates, messy uninstalls, or damaged Windows system files can also be at fault. And, occasionally, your antivirus app might have quarantined the DLL by mistake. Now, you can move forward and take a look at the solutions that will fix the issue for you. ### Method 1: Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Most of the time, just reinstalling the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package does the trick. Always grab it directly from Microsoft; skip random internet DLL downloads; they’re rarely safe or helpful. If you’re running 64-bit Windows, go ahead and install both the x64 and the x86 versions. Even 64-bit Windows has to support older 32-bit programs. When you finish installing, reboot your PC and try launching your program again. ### Method 2: Fix the Existing Visual C++ Installation There are situations when Visual C++ is already present on your device. Instead of reinstalling, open Control Panel and check under Programs and Features. Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, click Change or Modify, and try the Repair option. Restart afterward; the missing bits might get fixed without a full install. ### Method 3: Run System File Checker If that doesn’t work, Windows has built-in tools for deeper fixes. The first is System File Checker (SFC). Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type sfc /scannow, and let it scan and repair. Restart afterward and see if the problem's gone. SFC is especially handy when Windows system files in general are a mess, and it also allows you to fix the ‘**vcruntime140-dll**’ error. ### Method 4: Use DISM to Repair Windows Sometimes SFC can’t fix everything. In that case, use the DISM tool. Open Command Prompt again (admin mode) and type: ```DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth``` Then run sfc /scannow once more after it’s done. Reboot and hope for the best. Whatever you do, don’t just download random copies of VCRUNTIME140.dll from strange websites. That can expose your computer to security risks or make things worse. It’s always safer to fix the whole Visual C++ Redistributable package. In short, start by installing or repairing the official Visual C++ Redistributable, and then turn to Windows repair tools if you need a deeper fix. That almost always sorts out the problem. You can also use the website **[Datarecovee](https://datarecovee.com/)** to learn more about other solutions to use.