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How to fix "VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found" on Windows
"The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found" means a program built with Microsoft Visual C++ cannot find part of the runtime it needs. The file belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, so the fix is to install or repair that package from Microsoft, in the right architecture. A single DLL from a download site is not a fix.
Most PCs need two packages: x64 for 64-bit programs and x86 for 32-bit programs. If the message names VCRUNTIME140_1.dll instead, the program is 64-bit and needs the x64 package. If the error mentions MSVCP140.dll, the C++ standard library part of the same runtime, see how to fix MSVCP140.dll is missing; if you see the code 0xc000007b, read how to fix error 0xc000007b.
What VCRUNTIME140.dll is
Before Visual Studio 2015, the Microsoft C runtime shipped as one DLL per Visual Studio version. In Visual Studio 2015 Microsoft split it into two parts:
- The Universal C Runtime (UCRT, ucrtbase.dll) with the standard C library functions. It is a component of Windows 10 and Windows 11 and is updated through Windows Update.
- The vcruntime library with the compiler-specific code: exception handling and debugging support, runtime checks and type information. Its DLL is vcruntime140.dll, and it comes with the Visual C++ Redistributable, not with Windows.
The 140 refers to the v14 runtime, which Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2026 share. One current package therefore serves programs built with any of them. Programs need a runtime at least as new as the tools they were built with, so installing the latest package is always the right choice.
VCRUNTIME140_1.dll arrived with Visual Studio 2019. Microsoft's C++ team added it for a new, smaller exception-handling format on x64, and the redistributable installs it automatically. A message about VCRUNTIME140_1.dll therefore means a 64-bit program, and the x64 package is the one to install.
Method 1: Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable, x64 and x86
Microsoft publishes permanent download links that always point to the newest supported v14 build:
- Open Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads on learn.microsoft.com.
- Under Latest supported redistributable version, download X64 (vc_redist.x64.exe) and run it.
- Download X86 (vc_redist.x86.exe) and run it as well. 32-bit programs use the x86 libraries even on 64-bit Windows. Windows keeps 32-bit system DLLs in C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and 64-bit ones in C:\Windows\System32, so both copies can exist side by side.
- Restart the PC if the installer asks, then start the program again.
Ignore the ARM64 package unless your PC has an ARM processor; the x64 package already contains the ARM64 files for ARM devices. The latest package supports Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2016 or later.
Method 2: Repair the installed runtime
If the installer says setup failed, Microsoft explains that the package refuses to install when a newer version is already present. The DLL may still be damaged or deleted, so repair the installed copy:
- Open Start, Settings, Apps, Installed apps and type Visual C++ in the search box.
- Next to Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable (x64), select More (…), then Modify, and choose Repair. Older installs are listed as Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable; install the latest package from Method 1 over them.
- Repeat for the (x86) entry.
- If Settings shows no Modify option, open Control Panel, Programs and Features, right-click the entry and select Change, then Repair.
You can also run a downloaded package with the /repair option from an administrator Command Prompt, for example vc_redist.x64.exe /repair.
Method 3: Check whether antivirus quarantined the file
If the error appeared suddenly for a program that worked yesterday, check whether security software removed a file:
- Open Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection, then Protection history.
- Filter on Quarantined items and look for vcruntime140.dll or the program's own files.
- Restore a file only if it came from the program's official installer or from Microsoft. When restored, Defender detects it again and asks you to choose Allow on device.
Protection history keeps events for two weeks. Microsoft also notes that antivirus software often blocks installation of the redistributable; if Method 1 fails, its troubleshooting guide suggests turning real-time protection off for the installation only and turning it back on right after.
Method 4: Reinstall the program or let the launcher reinstall its runtimes
Many installers and game launchers install the Visual C++ runtime themselves. Reinstalling the program reruns that step:
- Uninstall the program in Start, Settings, Apps, Installed apps, restart, and install the current version from the developer's site.
- For a Steam game, open the Library, right-click the game, select Properties, then Installed Files, and select Verify integrity of game files. Steam can install shared components such as Visual C++ through Steamworks Common Redistributables when the game starts.
- If an uninstaller is broken, Revo Uninstaller Free or Geek Uninstaller can remove the leftovers before a clean install.
Microsoft's own redistributable page tells users who fix an app this way to contact the app vendor for instructions, so check the program's support page for its listed requirements.
If the redistributable will not install
Microsoft's troubleshooting guide for the redistributable lists these steps and error codes:
- Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
- Install all pending updates in Start, Settings, Windows Update, restart and try again.
- Code 5 means access denied: check antivirus and permissions. Code 32 means a file is locked: close running programs or restart. Code 1620 means a corrupt installer package, and 1714 that an older version cannot be removed because the Windows Installer cache is damaged.
- If extraction fails with a syntax error, move the installer to a folder whose path has no double-byte characters, such as C:\Temp.
Microsoft warns never to install a redistributable that was not downloaded from a Microsoft site or not signed by Microsoft. That rules out "all-in-one" runtime packs from other sites too.
Why not download VCRUNTIME140.dll from a DLL site
DLL download sites appear at the top of search results for this error, but a loose DLL causes more problems than it solves:
- The file may be the wrong architecture. A 32-bit DLL in a 64-bit program's path leads straight to error 0xc000007b.
- The file may be older than the version the program needs, which causes "entry point not found" errors.
- A copy dropped into a program folder is not updated by Windows Update. Microsoft recommends central installation through the redistributable precisely so that it can update these libraries through Windows Update.
- You cannot verify who built the file. Microsoft notes that whoever controls a folder Windows searches for DLLs can plant a malicious copy there.
If you already downloaded and ran something from such a site, scan the PC and read how to check if an EXE file is safe.
Free tools for this job
| App | Best for | License | Price | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable |
The official source of VCRUNTIME140.dll and VCRUNTIME140_1.dll | Freeware | Free | Review |
 Malwarebytes |
A second-opinion scan after using a DLL download site | Freeware | Free | Review |
 Revo Uninstaller Free |
A clean reinstall of the program that shows the error | Freeware | Free | Review |
 Geek Uninstaller |
Removing a broken program before reinstalling it | Freeware | Free | Review |
1. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable — Runtime Library
Best for: The official source of VCRUNTIME140.dll and VCRUNTIME140_1.dll
- Freeware
- Free
- Utilities
The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installs vcruntime140.dll and the rest of the v14 runtime. Microsoft's permanent links always fetch the latest build. Install both the x64 and x86 packages; Visual C++ 2013 and older programs need separate legacy packages.
Pros
- Official Microsoft package
- Permanent link always gets the latest version
- Fixes common missing-DLL errors
Cons
- Does not include the legacy 2013 and older runtimes
- Latest version supports only Windows 10, 11 and Server 2016 or later
- 32-bit apps need the separate x86 package
2. Malwarebytes — Malware Scanner
Best for: A second-opinion scan after using a DLL download site
- Freeware
- Free
- Security
If you already downloaded a DLL or a "DLL fixer" from a third-party site, Malwarebytes Free can scan the PC on demand next to Microsoft Defender and remove what it finds. Real-time protection is part of the paid Premium plan, and the app installs with a 14-day Premium trial.
Pros
- Free on-demand scanning and removal
- Clear list of free and paid features
- Trial can be turned off right away
Cons
- No real-time protection in the free version
- Installs with a 14-day Premium trial and shows upgrade prompts
- Closed source
3. Revo Uninstaller Free — Uninstaller
Best for: A clean reinstall of the program that shows the error
- Freeware
- Free
- Utilities
Revo Uninstaller Free runs the program's own uninstaller and then scans for leftover files and registry entries, so a reinstall starts clean. Forcing out a program whose uninstaller is already broken requires the paid Pro version.
Pros
- Thorough leftover scan after uninstall
- Removes Windows apps
- Hunter Mode for unknown programs
Cons
- Forced Uninstall, batch uninstall and install monitoring require Pro
- Download page pushes the paid Pro version
- Closed source
4. Geek Uninstaller — Uninstaller
Best for: Removing a broken program before reinstalling it
- Freeware
- Free
- Utilities
Geek Uninstaller is a single portable EXE with Force Removal for programs whose own uninstaller fails. It is free for personal use only and comes without support.
Pros
- Single portable EXE, about 5 MB
- Force Removal for broken programs
- Removes Store apps
Cons
- Personal use only and no support in the free version
- No install monitoring; the site upsells the paid Uninstall Tool
- Closed source
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to download VCRUNTIME140.dll from a DLL site?
No. You cannot check the file's origin, version or architecture, it never receives Windows Update fixes, and a wrong copy can cause error 0xc000007b. Install Microsoft's Visual C++ Redistributable instead.
Which Visual C++ version do I need for VCRUNTIME140.dll?
The latest supported v14 Redistributable. It covers programs built with Visual Studio 2015 through 2026, and a newer runtime works for programs built with older v14 tools.
Do I need the x64 or the x86 package?
Install both on 64-bit Windows. 64-bit programs use x64, 32-bit programs use x86. For VCRUNTIME140_1.dll, the x64 package is the one that matters.
What is VCRUNTIME140_1.dll?
An extra DLL of the same v14 runtime, added in Visual Studio 2019 for a smaller exception-handling format on x64. The Visual C++ Redistributable installs it automatically.
The installer says setup failed. What now?
A newer version is probably already installed. Open Settings, Apps, Installed apps, find Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable, select More, then Modify, and choose Repair.
Will SFC /scannow restore VCRUNTIME140.dll?
Do not count on it. SFC repairs Windows' protected system files, while vcruntime140.dll is installed by the Visual C++ Redistributable. Repairing or reinstalling that package is the direct fix.
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