How to fix “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” in Windows 11

You click to launch a game or a program, and instead of opening, Windows hits you with a frustrating system error: "The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found." This file is a critical component that applications rely on to run properly.

This issue happens because the application requires the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library, but the library is either missing, corrupted, or wasn't installed correctly with the program. Fortunately, fixing it is entirely free and takes less than two minutes.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Do not download standalone .dll files from third-party "DLL downloader" websites. These files are unregulated, often outdated, and frequently contain hidden malware or spyware. Always use official Microsoft channels to restore system files.

Solution 1: Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The safest and most effective solution is to install or reinstall the entire runtime package directly from Microsoft's official servers. This instantly replaces the missing file.

  1. Go to the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
  2. Scroll down to the Latest supported redistributable version section.
  3. Download the version that matches the software causing the error:
    • For standard modern games and programs, download the vc_redist.x64.exe file.
    • If the error is coming from an older game or a legacy 32-bit program, download the vc_redist.x86.exe file.
    (Tip: Because 64-bit Windows 11 runs both modern and older 32-bit software, installing both the x64 and x86 packages is highly recommended to permanently fix the issue for all apps.)
  4. Open the downloaded installer, check the "I agree to the license terms" box, and click Install.
  5. Restart your PC once the installation finishes.
Selecting the architecture downloads on the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable page

Solution 2: Repair an existing Visual C++ installation

If you already have the runtime package installed but the file has become corrupted or broken, you can run a quick built-in repair sequence.

  1. Press Windows Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Type Visual C++ into the search bar.
  4. Locate the latest version (usually labeled 2015-2022), click the three dots (...) next to it, and select Modify.
  5. In the pop-up window that appears, click the Repair button.
  6. Allow the process to complete, then restart your system.
Clicking the Repair button in the Microsoft Visual C++ installer modification menu