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Windows displays “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found” when an application cannot load a Microsoft Visual C++ runtime component it needs to start. The file is supplied through the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, not through a separate DLL download.
The usual fix is to install the current Microsoft-supported Visual C++ v14 Redistributable for the application’s architecture. A 32-bit program needs the x86 package even when it runs on 64-bit Windows. If the error remains, the application may require an older Visual C++ runtime, or the Redistributable installation may be damaged.
What is VCRUNTIME140.dll?
VCRUNTIME140.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime libraries. Developers who build Windows applications with Microsoft Visual C++ can require these libraries on the computer where the application runs.
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The current supported runtime family is Visual C++ v14. It is shared by applications built with Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026. Microsoft maintains the package as a frequently updated Redistributable, so the installer’s exact version number can change.
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Do not download an individual VCRUNTIME140.dll file from a third-party DLL website. Copying a random DLL into System32, SysWOW64, or an application folder can leave you with the wrong version, the wrong architecture, or an untrusted file. Install the signed Microsoft Redistributable instead.
1. Install the correct Visual C++ Redistributable
Use Microsoft’s permanent download links:
| Application or device | Package | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 32-bit application | x86 | vc_redist.x86.exe |
| 64-bit application | x64 | vc_redist.x64.exe |
| ARM64 application or device | ARM64 | vc_redist.arm64.exe |
The package must match the application’s target architecture, not just your Windows edition:
- A 32-bit application needs the x86 Redistributable.
- A 64-bit application needs the x64 Redistributable.
- An ARM64 application needs the ARM64 package.
On a 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, installing both x86 and x64 is normal if you use applications of both types. Installing only x64 does not satisfy a 32-bit application.
- Download the appropriate installer from Microsoft.
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer.
- Accept the license terms.
- Select Install. If the package is already present, the installer may offer Repair instead.
- Restart Windows if the installer or the application requests it.
- Try opening the affected program again.
To check the downloaded installer’s exact version before running it, right-click the file, select Properties, open Details, and read File version. Microsoft does not publish one permanently fixed “latest” v14 version because the package is updated regularly.
2. Run the installer as administrator
File-access permissions are a common reason for Redistributable installation failures. Right-click the downloaded installer and select Run as administrator. Approve the User Account Control prompt, then choose Install or Repair.
If you want to install it from an elevated Command Prompt, open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), change to the folder containing the installer, and run:
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /passive /norestartReplace the filename with vc_redist.x86.exe or vc_redist.arm64.exe when appropriate. The available switches include:
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| Switch | Purpose |
|---|---|
/?, /h, /help |
Show installer options |
/install |
Install the package |
/repair |
Repair the package |
/uninstall |
Remove the package |
/passive |
Show progress without normal interaction |
/quiet |
Run without a user interface |
/norestart |
Prevent the installer from restarting Windows |
/log filename.txt |
Write installation details to a log |
For example, this command installs silently while recording a log:
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestart /log vc-runtime-install.txtBe aware that a Redistributable installer checks whether a newer version is already installed. It may return an installer error instead of simply reporting that no action is needed. With /quiet, the error may not appear on screen, but it is recorded in the log and returned to the calling process.
3. Repair the existing Visual C++ installation
If the runtime is installed but the application still reports the missing DLL, repair the package:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps → Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft Visual C++.
- Find the relevant x86 or x64 Redistributable.
- Select the three-dot menu next to it and choose Modify.
- Choose Repair and follow the prompts.
If the entry is not obvious, repair or reinstall the package downloaded directly from Microsoft. Make sure you repair the architecture the application actually uses.
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The current v14 Redistributable is binary-compatible with applications built using the Visual Studio 2015 MSVC Build Tools, and Microsoft recommends using the supported latest v14 runtime. Visual Studio 2015 support ended on October 15, 2025; its old 14.0.24212.0 Redistributable is now a legacy package rather than the preferred choice for a new installation.
However, v14 is not a universal replacement for every Visual C++ runtime. Visual C++ 2013 and earlier packages remain installed side by side because older applications can depend on separate runtime families.
| Application built with | Possible required package |
|---|---|
| Visual Studio 2013 | Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable, version 12.0.40664.0 |
| Visual Studio 2012 Update 4 | Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable, version 11.0.61030.0 |
| Visual Studio 2010 or earlier | The corresponding older Microsoft Redistributable |
If the program is older, check its official support page or installer requirements for the required runtime. Do not assume that installing the newest v14 package will replace Visual C++ 2013, 2012, 2010, or earlier.
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5. Confirm the installed runtime in the Registry
Advanced users can check the installed v14 version in Registry Editor:
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- Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Browse to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftVisualStudio14.0VCRuntimes{x86|x64|arm64}In practice, open the key for the architecture you want to inspect, such as x86 or x64. The Version value is a REG_SZ. The key also contains Major, Minor, Bld, and Rbld component values.
The Wow6432Node path is particularly relevant when checking the x86 package on 64-bit Windows. Do not delete or edit these values to try to force an application to start.
6. If installation fails with error 1603
Installer error 1603 means a generic Windows Installer failure. It does not identify the underlying cause by itself.
- Run the installer as administrator.
- Download a fresh copy from one of Microsoft’s links above.
- Close applications that may be using Visual C++ components.
- Run the installer again with a log, for example:
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /log vc-redist-x64.txtSearch the resulting log for Error, Failed, or System Error. If an older Redistributable cannot be removed because its cached installer or uninstall data is missing, Microsoft recommends using the Windows Installer Troubleshooter or downloading the installer for that specific old version and running it to uninstall the damaged entry.
7. Repair Windows system files only when other programs also fail
A missing VCRUNTIME140.dll message normally points to the Visual C++ Redistributable, not Windows system-file corruption. Still, if multiple applications are failing or Windows itself is behaving abnormally, run Microsoft’s system checks from an elevated Terminal or Command Prompt.
First run System File Checker:
sfc /scannowSFC scans protected Windows system files and repairs incorrect versions when possible. It requires administrator privileges.
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If SFC reports problems it cannot repair, use the Microsoft DISM sequence:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthScanHealth scans for component-store corruption, CheckHealth reports the image state, and RestoreHealth repairs a repairable image. Restart Windows after the repairs, then reinstall or repair the Visual C++ package and test the application.
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8. Check the application’s own installer
If the correct runtime is installed and other Visual C++ applications work, the affected program may have been packaged incorrectly. Microsoft notes that missing runtime DLL errors can occur when an application installer fails to deploy the required Redistributable libraries.
Download the latest version of the application from its official website, then reinstall it using an administrator account if appropriate. Contact the application developer if it still fails; they may require a specific older runtime, a particular architecture, or a repair release.
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- Do not download VCRUNTIME140.dll from a DLL repository. Use the Microsoft Redistributable.
- Do not copy the DLL into System32 or SysWOW64 manually. This can create architecture and servicing problems.
- Do not install packages from unknown download sites. Microsoft warns against VC Redistributables that were not downloaded from Microsoft or signed by Microsoft.
- Do not assume Windows Update alone will install the missing runtime. Microsoft’s documented remedy is the appropriate Visual C++ Redistributable with the application’s matching architecture.
Quick diagnosis
| What you observe | Most likely next step |
|---|---|
| One program reports the error immediately after installation | Install the x86, x64, or ARM64 package matching that program. |
| A 32-bit program fails on 64-bit Windows | Install the x86 package; x64 alone is not sufficient. |
| The current v14 package is installed but an old application still fails | Check whether it needs Visual C++ 2013 or an earlier side-by-side runtime. |
| The Redistributable installer returns 1603 | Run as administrator and inspect a verbose installer log. |
| Several Windows applications fail | Run sfc /scannow, followed by DISM if necessary. |
| Only one application remains broken after runtime repair | Repair or reinstall that application; its deployment may be incomplete. |
FAQ
Can I fix VCRUNTIME140.dll by downloading the DLL by itself?
No. Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable instead. A standalone DLL from a third-party site may be the wrong architecture, outdated, modified, or unsafe.
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Do I need x86 or x64 on Windows 11 64-bit?
Choose according to the application. A 32-bit application needs x86, while a 64-bit application needs x64. If you use both types, installing both packages is valid.
Will the latest Visual C++ Redistributable replace Visual C++ 2013?
No. Visual C++ 2013 and earlier Redistributables remain side by side. An older application can still require its separate 2013, 2012, 2010, or earlier runtime.
Is VCRUNTIME140.dll part of Windows?
It is a Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime component. Applications built with Microsoft Visual C++ may require a Visual C++ Redistributable installed on the target PC.
What does Visual C++ installer error 1603 mean?
It is a generic Windows Installer failure, not a specific diagnosis. Run the installer as administrator and inspect its log for entries containing Error, Failed, or System Error.
Which Windows versions support the current v14 runtime?
The current Visual C++ v14 Redistributable supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft also lists support for Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 with the Visual Studio 2026 v14 runtime.
The Bottom Line
Start with the Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable that matches the application: x86 for 32-bit programs, x64 for 64-bit programs, and ARM64 where applicable. On 64-bit Windows, install both x86 and x64 if you run applications built for both architectures. If that does not clear the message, repair the package, check for an older side-by-side runtime such as Visual C++ 2013, and investigate the application’s own installation. Avoid standalone DLL downloads.
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