Error “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing” means that Windows cannot find or load the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime library that is needed for the application to run.
Usually, the problem is resolved by installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022.
How the error looks
Common variations of the messages:
- The program can’t start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing
- Запуск программы невозможен, так как отсутствует VCRUNTIME140.dll
- Sometimes, this is accompanied by:
- MSVCP140.dll is missing
- api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing
Main causes
- The required version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is not installed
- The wrong architecture is installed (x86 instead of x64 or vice versa)
- The VC++ package is corrupted or partially removed
- Windows files/CRT components are corrupted
- The application is installed incorrectly (corrupted files, "repack", incomplete distribution)
Method 1 (recommended): Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022
- Determine the architecture of Windows:
Settings → System → About → System type. - Download the official installers for VC++ 2015–2022:
vc_redist.x64.exe(for 64-bit programs)vc_redist.x86.exe(for 32-bit programs)
On Windows x64, it is often necessary to install both packages: x86 + x64 (this is normal and often required).
- Install, then restart the computer.
Important: do not download separate DLLs from "DLL sites". This often leads to incompatibility and infected files.
Method 2: Perform Repair of the installed VC++ package
If the package is already installed but the error persists:
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or "Apps & features").
- Find:
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x86)
- For each: Modify → Repair.
- Restart the PC.
Method 3: Check if the application architecture is confused
Symptom: you installed VC++ x64, but the error did not go away (or vice versa).
- If the application is 32-bit, it needs the x86 runtime even on 64-bit Windows.
- If the application is 64-bit, it needs the x64 runtime.
Hints:
- The program folder may be
Program Files (x86)→ more often 32-bit. - In Task Manager (Windows 10/11), 32-bit processes may be marked as (32 bit).
Method 4: Restore Windows system files (SFC/DISM)
If VC++ installs, but the DLL is still not recognized, check the integrity of Windows.
- Open Command Prompt/Windows Terminal as administrator.
- Execute:
sfc /scannow
- Then (especially if SFC found errors):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart the PC and try again.
Method 5: Reinstall the application or check file integrity
- Steam: Game properties → Installed files → Verify integrity
- Epic Games: Library → three dots → Verify
- Regular programs: uninstall and reinstall from the official source
If it’s a "build/repack", the error may recur due to an incorrect installer.
Frequently Asked Questions and Quick Answers
Do I need to install older VC++ 2010/2012/2013?
If the error is specifically about VCRUNTIME140.dll, usually 2015–2022 is sufficient. However, some programs require older versions — it depends on the application.
Why is api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll missing along with VCRUNTIME140.dll?
This is related to Universal CRT components. It is usually resolved by installing VC++ 2015–2022 and Windows updates.
Conclusion
In 90% of cases, the error VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing is fixed as follows:
- Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022
- On Windows x64 — install both x86 and x64
- If necessary — perform Repair, then SFC/DISM and reinstall the application