Windows DLL Not Found Error — How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Reinstall the program showing the DLL error — the DLL was part of that program's installation and got deleted or corrupted. For msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll, or similar: install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft's website. Never download a DLL from a random website — these are often malware.

Affected Models

Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 7

Common Causes

The program was not fully installed or its files were partially deleted
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package missing or corrupted
The DLL was accidentally deleted or moved by the user or antivirus
Malware disguised as a legitimate DLL replaced the original file
The program requires a 32-bit DLL but only 64-bit is installed (or vice versa)

How to Fix It

Reinstall the program that shows the error

Uninstall the program via Settings → Apps → find the app → Uninstall. Then reinstall it from the original source. Most DLL errors are caused by incomplete installs — reinstalling restores the missing file.
Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

Search 'Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable' on Microsoft's website and download both the x64 and x86 (32-bit) versions of the latest and 2015–2022 packages. Install all of them. This fixes vcruntime140.dll, msvcp140.dll, and similar errors.
Run SFC to restore system DLLs

Open Command Prompt as Administrator → run: sfc /scannow — press Enter and wait. SFC scans for corrupted Windows DLL files and replaces them from a protected cache. Restart when done.
Check if antivirus quarantined the DLL

Open your antivirus → Quarantine or Virus Chest → look for the missing DLL filename. Some antivirus programs incorrectly flag legitimate DLLs as threats. Restore it from quarantine if found.
Run DISM to repair Windows image

Open Command Prompt as Administrator → run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth — this repairs the underlying Windows image that SFC uses as a source. Run SFC again afterward.

When to Call a Professional

If SFC /scannow reports corrupted files it cannot repair, a Windows repair install (keeping your files) is the safest resolution — contact a technician if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download a DLL from a DLL download site?

No — DLL download sites are frequently used to distribute malware. Always fix a missing DLL by reinstalling the program or the official Microsoft Redistributable package, never by downloading a loose DLL file.

Which DLL errors does Visual C++ Redistributable fix?

It fixes: msvcp140.dll, vcruntime140.dll, msvcp120.dll, msvcr120.dll, msvcp100.dll, and other msvc*.dll errors. Install both the x64 and x86 versions to cover 32-bit and 64-bit programs.

DLL error only happens with one specific game — why?

That game requires a specific version of DirectX, Visual C++, or .NET that is not installed. Check the game's system requirements page — it usually lists which redistributable packages need to be installed.