VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found — what it means and how to fix it

VCRUNTIME140.dll is the core C runtime library for programs built with Visual C++ 2015 through 2022 — a huge share of modern Windows software, games included. When Windows says it “was not found,” the runtime package it belongs to is missing, damaged, or the wrong flavour for the program asking.

The fix, in order

  1. Install the Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable from Microsoft, running both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe. A 32-bit game on a 64-bit PC needs the x86 runtime; installing only x64 is the most common reason this error “survives the fix.” Restart afterwards.
  2. If present already, repair it: Settings → Apps → “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable” (x64 and x86 entries) → Modify → Repair.
  3. Verify the program's own files (Steam: right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity) — a half-downloaded game folder throws the same error with a healthy runtime.
  4. Complete Windows Update and restart so no servicing operation is half-applied.
Never fetch VCRUNTIME140.dll from a DLL site. Version roulette plus bundled junk. The DLL is one piece of a signed Microsoft package; installing the package registers the whole matched set correctly, in both flavours, in about two minutes.

Also seeing MSVCP140.dll?

Same package, other half — the MSVCP140.dll page covers it. Programs name whichever DLL they reach for first, so the two errors alternate on the same underlying problem: the 2015–2022 runtime isn't whole.

If it still happens

Check the failing program's folder for a private VCRUNTIME140.dll — an old or corrupt local copy wins over the system one. Rename it to VCRUNTIME140.dll.bak and relaunch. If the error names a slightly different file — VCRUNTIME140_1.dll — that's still the same package (the _1 file belongs to newer builds); reinstalling the current redistributable covers it.

Common questions

Why both x86 and x64? Because the runtime must match the program, not the operating system. Plenty of programs and games are 32-bit on 64-bit Windows, and they look for the x86 DLL specifically.

Did a Windows update break it? Occasionally a servicing update or an uninstall leaves the set inconsistent. A repair or reinstall of the redistributable re-syncs it — no files need hunting down by hand.

Related errors

MSVCP140.dll missing · api-ms-win-crt-runtime missing · Visual C++ Runtime Library error