If you’ve encountered the “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing“ error on your Windows 10 system, you’re not alone. This error typically occurs when a program or game that depends on the VCRUNTIME140.dll file fails to find it. However, fixing this error is relatively straightforward. In this guide, we’ll show you several methods to resolve this issue and get your system running smoothly again.
Related Solution: Api-Ms-Win-Crt-Runtime-L1-1-0.Dll
Table of Contents
What is VCRUNTIME140.dll?
VCRUNTIME140.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file that is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. This file is essential for running programs developed using Visual C++. When this file is missing or corrupted, you may encounter errors when trying to run certain applications.
Common Causes of VCRUNTIME140.dll Error
There are several reasons why you might encounter the “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” error. Some of the most common causes include:
- Corrupted or missing VCRUNTIME140.dll file
- Outdated or incompatible Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package
- Malware or virus infection
- Corrupted system files
- Incomplete installation of a program
How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing Error
Here are several methods to fix the “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” error:
Method 1: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Uninstall the Existing Version:
1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Locate any entries for “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” in the list.
4. Right-click on each entry and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Download the Latest Version:
Visit the official Microsoft website or use this link to download the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Install the New Version:
- Once the download is complete, run the installer file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Restart your computer after the installation is complete.
Check for Errors:
- After restarting your computer, check if the “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” error has been resolved.
- Try running the program that was previously showing the error to verify that it now works correctly.
Method 2: Update Windows
Open Settings:
- Click on the Start menu located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Select the Settings gear icon, which resembles a gear cog.
Navigate to Update & Security:
- In the Settings window, click on Update & Security. This option typically appears as an icon with circular arrows.
Check for Updates:
- Once you’re in the Update & Security section, click on the Windows Update tab located on the left sidebar.
- Now, click on the Check for updates button. Windows will then start searching for available updates.
Download and Install Updates:
- If any updates are found, Windows will display them in a list.
- Click on the Download button to start downloading the updates.
- Once the download is complete, click on the Install now button to begin installing the updates.
Restart Your Computer:
- After the updates have been successfully installed, Windows may prompt you to restart your computer to complete the process.
- Click on the Restart now button if prompted, or you can choose to restart your computer later.
Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
To run a System File Checker (SFC) scan on Windows, follow these steps:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click on the Start menu, type “cmd” in the search bar.
- Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
- Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Run the SFC Scan:
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
sfc /scannow
- Press Enter to execute the command. The System File Checker will now scan your system files for any issues and attempt to repair them.
Wait for the Scan to Complete:
- The scan may take some time to complete, depending on your system’s speed and the number of files being scanned.
- Do not close the Command Prompt window until the scan is 100% complete.
Review the Scan Results:
- Once the scan is finished, you’ll see a message indicating whether any corrupt files were found and repaired.
- If the SFC scan was successful, restart your computer to apply the repairs.
Check for Further Issues:
- After restarting your computer, check if the original issue that prompted you to run the SFC scan has been resolved.
- If the problem persists, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.
Method 4: Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
- Open the Control Panel: Press the Windows Key, type “Control Panel,” and then select it from the search results.
- In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features,” depending on your view.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable in the list of installed programs. There may be multiple versions installed (e.g., 2010, 2013, 2015, etc.).
- Select the version you want to repair, then click on “Change” or “Repair” at the top of the list. If you’re not sure which version to repair, you can repair all of them.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process. This usually involves confirming that you want to repair the selected program and waiting for the process to finish.
- Once the repair is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
How to Prevent VCRUNTIME140.dll Errors
To prevent VCRUNTIME140.dll errors in the future, consider the following tips:
- Keep your Windows operating system and programs up to date
- Install a reputable antivirus program and perform regular scans
- Avoid downloading and installing software from untrusted sources
- Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders
Conclusion
The “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” error can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve it quickly. By reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, updating Windows, and taking preventative measures, you can keep your system running smoothly and error-free.
FAQs
What is VCRUNTIME140.dll used for?
VCRUNTIME140.dll is used by programs developed using Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. It provides essential functions and services required for these programs to run properly.
How do I know if VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing?
You may receive an error message indicating that VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing when trying to launch a program. Additionally, you may notice issues with the performance or functionality of certain programs.
Can I download VCRUNTIME140.dll separately?
While it’s possible to download the VCRUNTIME140.dll file from various websites, it’s not recommended. It’s best to obtain the file from a trusted source or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package to ensure the file is not corrupted.
What should I do if reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable doesn’t fix the error?
If reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan to repair any corrupted system files. You can also try reinstalling the program that is encountering the error or performing a malware scan to ensure your system is not infected.
Is the VCRUNTIME140.dll error a sign of a virus infection?
While the VCRUNTIME140.dll error can be caused by various factors, including malware or virus infections, it’s not always indicative of an infection. It’s important to run a reputable antivirus program to scan your system for any potential threats.