Seeing the message “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found” can feel scary. Your app refuses to start. A game crashes. Or a program that worked yesterday suddenly gives up. The good news? This error is common. And it is usually easy to fix.
TLDR: The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll error usually happens because Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable files are missing or broken. Reinstalling or repairing the Visual C++ Redistributable package fixes the problem in most cases. You can also run system scans or reinstall the affected program. Avoid downloading random DLL files from unknown websites.
Let’s break it down in simple words. No tech headache. Just clear steps.
What Is VCRUNTIME140_1.dll?
First, what even is this strange name?
VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is a file used by programs built with Microsoft Visual Studio. It is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Many apps and games need it to run.
Think of it like this:
- Your app = a car.
- VCRUNTIME140_1.dll = a small but important engine part.
- No part = no drive.
If this file is missing, damaged, or not installed properly, Windows cannot start the program. That is when you see messages like:
- “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found.”
- “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found.”
- “Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.”
Let’s fix it.
Why This Error Happens
Before fixing it, it helps to know the cause.
Here are the most common reasons:
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributable package
- Corrupted installation
- Deleted DLL file (sometimes by mistake)
- Malware infection
- Windows update issues
Now let’s go step by step through the solutions.
Fix #1: Install or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
This is the fix that works most of the time.
Since VCRUNTIME140_1.dll belongs to Microsoft Visual C++, reinstalling it usually solves everything.
Step 1: Uninstall Old Versions (Optional but Recommended)
- Press Windows + R.
- Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable entries.
- Uninstall versions from 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 (x86 and x64).
Don’t worry. You will reinstall them in a minute.
Step 2: Download the Latest Version
- Go to the official Microsoft website.
- Download both:
- x64 version
- x86 version
Even if you have a 64-bit system, many programs still need the 32-bit version.
Step 3: Install and Restart
- Run the installers.
- Follow the setup wizard.
- Restart your computer.
Now try launching the program again.
In most cases, the error is gone.
Fix #2: Repair Visual C++ Instead of Reinstalling
If you do not want to uninstall everything, try repairing.
Here is how:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Click Change.
- Select Repair.
Wait for it to finish. Restart your PC.
Test your app again.
Simple. Fast. Often effective.
Fix #3: Reinstall the Problem Program
Sometimes the issue is not Windows. It is the specific app.
The program might have:
- Installed incorrectly
- Lost files during an update
- Been damaged by a crash
What to Do
- Uninstall the program.
- Restart your computer.
- Download a fresh copy from the official website.
- Install it again.
This often restores missing DLL files bundled with the app.
Fix #4: Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)
Windows has a built-in repair tool. It is called System File Checker.
It scans and repairs corrupted system files automatically.
How to Run SFC
- Click Start.
- Type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as Administrator.
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter.
The scan can take 10–20 minutes.
If Windows finds problems, it tries to fix them.
Restart your PC when done.
This fix is great if system corruption caused the issue.
Fix #5: Run DISM Tool (Advanced but Easy)
If SFC does not help, try DISM.
DISM stands for Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool. Sounds scary. It is not.
Steps
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following commands one by one:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter after each command.
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your system.
This repairs deeper Windows image issues.
Fix #6: Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes the problem exists because Windows is outdated.
Updates often include:
- Security fixes
- System file updates
- Visual C++ patches
To Check for Updates:
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
Install everything available.
Restart your PC.
Test again.
Fix #7: Scan for Malware
Yes, malware can delete or damage DLL files.
If the error appeared suddenly, especially after installing unknown software, consider scanning your system.
What to Do
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Run a Full Scan.
You can also use a trusted antivirus tool.
Remove any detected threats.
Restart your system.
What NOT to Do
This part is very important.
When people see a DLL error, they search online and download the missing file from random websites.
Do not do this.
Here is why:
- DLL sites often contain malware.
- The file may be the wrong version.
- It may not fix the real problem.
- You risk bigger system issues.
The safe way is always reinstalling Visual C++ from Microsoft.
How to Prevent This Error in the Future
You fixed it. Great.
Now let’s prevent it.
1. Keep Windows Updated
Regular updates reduce system errors.
2. Avoid Force-Shutdowns
Sudden power cuts can corrupt files.
3. Install Software from Trusted Sources
Unofficial downloads cause missing files and malware.
4. Use Antivirus Protection
Prevention is easier than repair.
5. Do Not “Clean” System Files Manually
Some PC cleaning tools delete important DLL files. That is risky.
When Nothing Works
If you tried everything and still see the error:
- Create a new Windows user profile and test there.
- Try a System Restore point.
- As a last resort, reset Windows (keep your files).
But honestly, in 90% of cases, reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable fixes it.
Final Thoughts
The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found error looks complicated. But it is usually simple to fix.
Most of the time, Windows just needs its Visual C++ package repaired or reinstalled.
No need to panic.
No need to download shady DLL files.
Just follow the steps:
- Reinstall Visual C++
- Repair if needed
- Run system scans
- Update Windows
- Reinstall the affected program
That is it.
Your apps should run smoothly again. Your games should launch without complaints. And that scary DLL message should be gone.
Simple problem. Simple fix. You’ve got this.