If you are missing DLL files, then this is your worst nightmare coming true. This error message appears out of nowhere and can put a complete stop to your work. The program can’t start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem error message is regrettably quite common among Windows users. As many applications rely on Microsoft Visual Studio runtime library, seeing this error can be frustrating as the said apps would no longer function. Thus, we will guide you how to fix VCRUNTIME140.dll missing or not found error on Windows 11.
How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing or Not Found Error on Windows 11
You may think that VCRUNTIME140.dll not found error is malware that prevents you from accessing a specific program. But, this is not true. VCRUNTIME140.dll is a Microsoft runtime library that aids to access and execute programs created with Microsoft Visual Studio. DLL files contain the codes that programs need to run properly. To access these codes, MS Visual Studio 2015-2019 based applications require the runtime directory. Following are some common reasons behind VCRUNTIME140.DLL is missing error:
- Corrupt Programs or applications
- Files that may have been mistakenly removed.
- Malware and viruses in the system
- Vulnerabilities introduced by Windows updates.
Note: Error loading vcruntime140_1.dll. The specified module could not be found and error 80090016 has also been reported by several users. This usually occurs when 2019 update and Visual C++ 2015 is installed on your computer. This leads to incompatibility issues.
Method 1: Repair Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64 and x86 Both)
Follow the given steps to fix VCRUNTIME140.dll missing or not found error on Windows 11 by repairing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 redistributable:
1. Press Windows + X keys simultaneously to open Quick Link Menu.
2. Click on Apps and Features from the given menu.
3. In the Apps & features window, type Visual C++ in the App list search box.
4. Click on the three vertical dots corresponding to Microsoft Visual C ++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64).
5. Then, click on Modify, as depicted below.
6. In the Microsoft Visual C ++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) Wizard, click on the Repair button.
7. After you see Setup Successful message, click on Close, as shown.
8. Repeat Steps 4-8 for Microsoft Visual C ++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x86) as well.
9. Restart your Windows 11 PC.
Method 2: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64 and x86 Both)
If repairing the said apps doesn’t help fix the problem, the try to fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error in Windows 11 by reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 redistributable.
1. Launch Apps & Features & search for Visual C++ by following Steps 1-3 of Method 1.
2. Click on the three vertical dots pertaining to Microsoft Visual C ++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64).
3. Then, click on Uninstall, as depicted below.
4. Click on Uninstall in the confirmation pop-up.
5. Let the uninstallation process finish. Then, repeat steps 3-4 for Microsoft Visual C ++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x86) too.
6. Restart your Windows 11 PC.
7. Open a web browser and go to the Microsoft Download Center.
8. Click on Download after selecting the language of your preference. e.g. English.
9. Check the boxes marked vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe and click on Next, as illustrated below.
Wait for the download process to be completed.
10. Open File Explorer and go to the location where the files are downloaded, e.g. Downloads.
11. Install both downloaded .exe files by double-clicking on them.
Method 3: Run DISM and SFC Scans
To fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing or not found error in Windows 11, run Deployment Image Servicing and Management as well as System File Checker tools to fix & rule out issues related to corrupt files in the system.
Note: Your computer must be connected to the internet to execute these commands properly.
1. Search for Command Prompt in search bar and click on Run as administrator, as shown.
2. Type the following commands and press the Enter key after each command.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. After the DISM process is completed, type SFC /scannow & hit Enter.
4. Once the Verification 100% complete message is displayed, restart your computer.
Method 4: Reinstall Affected Application
If only a particular program is affected by this error then, you need to reinstall that program. As programs have their own copy of VCRUNTIME140.dll files, reinstalling such apps may solve this problem.
1. Launch Apps & Features via Quick Link menu, as earlier.
2. Scroll through the list of installed apps and click on the three dots icon for the app that you want to uninstall.
Note: We have shown BlueStacks 5 as an example in this method.
3. Click on Uninstall, as shown.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, if any, to uninstall the app.
5. Re-download the uninstalled app from its official website. For example, click on Download BlueStacks on Bluestacks download page.
6. Repeat the same for all apps facing VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error.
Method 5: Restore .DLL Files from Antivirus Quarantine Zone
In case, the said files were misconstrued as malware and deleted or disabled by the antivirus program installed on your computer, the same can be retrieved. Follow the given steps to fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error in Windows 11 by restoring .dll files from Quarantine zone of Antivirus program.
Note: We have shown Bitdefender app as an example in this method. Your antivirus program may or may not provide this feature. Also, steps may vary depending upon the antivirus software installed on your Windows PC.
1. Click on the Search icon, type Bitfender and click on Open.
2. Go to the Protection section of your antivirus, then click on Antivirus as shown highlighted.
3. Select the Settings menu and click on the Manage quarantine option for Quarantined threats.
4. Check the box for the .dll file, if present, and click on the Restore button.
Method 6: Manually Download .DLL Files
You can download and install missing DLL files manually to resolve this issue.
1. Navigate to dll-files.com from your Web Browser.
2. Search for VCRUNTIME140 in the search bar.
3. Select the VCRUNTIME140.dll option.
4. Scroll down to the download section and click on Download with respect to the desired Version.
5. After downloading process is finished, extract the downloaded zip file by double-clicking on it.
6. Copy the .dll file along with the readme text file by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + C keys.
7. Paste files in the Directory where you were facing the error by pressing Ctrl + V keys.
Method 7: Update Windows
To fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing error in Windows 11, update your Windows operating system by following these steps:
1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
2. Click on Windows Update in the left pane.
3. Then, click on Check for updates button.
4A. If there is any update available, click on Download & install option. Restart your PC.
4B. If this option is not visible, then your Windows 11 PC is already running on the latest available updates.
Method 8: Perform System Restore
If all else fails, fix VCRUNTIME140.dll missing or not found error in Windows 11 by performing system restore.
1. Click on the Search icon and type control Panel, then click on Open.
2. Set View by: > Large icons, and then click on Recovery.
3. Click on Open System Restore option.
4. Click on Next > in the System Restore window twice.
5. From the list, select the latest Automatic Restore Point to restore your computer to the point when you were not facing the issue. Click on the Next > button.
Note: You can click on Scan for affected programs to see the list of applications that will be affected by restoring the computer to the previously set restore point. Click on Close to close the newly opened window.
6. Finally, click on Finish.
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We hope you found this article helpful on how to fix VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing or not found error on Windows 11. You can send your suggestions and queries in the comment section below.