The Windows operating system may fail to start because of a corrupted or missing dll file. A DLL is a dynamic link library, which means it’s a library of prewritten code that can be used as needed by multiple programs at the same time.

Below are some common reasons for msvcp140.dll missing:

  1. You may have a virus or spyware in your system.
  2. You accidentally removed some critical system files.
  3. Corrupted Windows registry from a recent software change (install or uninstall).
  4. Faulty or missing hardware device drivers.
  5. If you are attempting to run an older program that requires msvcp140.dll, it is possible that the file msvcp140.dll was deleted, corrupted, or misplaced. In this case, you will have to find another copy of msvcp140.dll or obtain another copy of the software you are trying to run.

The Microsoft Windows operating system is composed of a series of files that are used by multiple unneeded software applications. When a program is installed, it creates shortcuts on the desktop, Start menu, and in various other places. Each shortcut contains executable code that is necessary for the proper running of the program. As each application is updated and new software needed for its proper running, the files (dlls) may be updated. As applications are uninstalled, shortcuts for the programs may be deleted, and in some cases, the dll files needed to run the program may be deleted or lost.

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library file is a part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package. It provides run-time support for several applications developed by Microsoft that are released after June 2015. This runtime library can be installed on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, and other machines that are running an OS version of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or later.

The msvcp140.dll file is required by all of the following Microsoft Visual C++ programs;

– Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 for Windows Desktop and Windows phone [This is not a complete list].

– Microsoft Office 16 applications.

– Adobe Flash Player. It can also be used by other products from Adobe in providing support for certain multimedia items such as animations and video clips.

You should never need to install any of these programs if you do not use them. So, even if you have not installed the above-mentioned programs, then you should run the msvcp140.dll file to get rid of the trouble.

What is the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package? How do I get it?

If you own a computer running Windows 7 or later and want to update your software in order to reap maximum benefits from your operating system, then we suggest installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package. The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installs runtime components in your system that are required for the programs developed by Microsoft to run properly. This package is offered for free on the official website of Microsoft, and all that you need to do is download, install, and run it as soon as you can.

How can I fix the “msvcp140.dll is missing” error?

For best results, follow the Troubleshooting Guide steps below:

 Step 1: Download the latest version of msvcp140.dll and copy the file to the installation folder.

Step 2: Run every program that is giving you the ‘msvcp140.dll file missing’ error as an administrator.

Step 3: If you’re not sure how to run your program as administrator, right-click on your program’s shortcut, choose Properties, select Compatibility, and then select Run this program as administrator.

Step 4: If your program is not installed in the default directory or if you’re not automatically running it after installation, change the default installation directory by modifying the “Startup” item in the msvcp140.dll file properties: Right-click on your program’s shortcut, choose Properties -> Compatibility

Step 5: If you’re still having trouble, then try using the following steps 1-4 for all programs that report the ‘msvcp140.dll file missing’ error

Conclusion

In the case of msvcp140.dll missing error, you may want to try reinstalling the entire Windows OS. This will not be necessary in most cases, because most of the time, a missing file or driver is an easy fix.