Windows says the game cannot start because MSVCP140.dll was not found. Related popups mention VCRUNTIME140.dll or MSVCP140_1.dll. This is almost always a Visual C++ redistributable problem — and it is easy to make worse by downloading random DLL files.
Deep Dive: Why This Error Occurs
Modern game EXEs link against Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries. If the matching redistributable was never installed, was removed by a cleaner tool, or became corrupt, Windows fails before the game’s own code runs. Shipping a lone DLL into System32 is unsafe and often still fails because sibling runtime files remain mismatched.
Primary Root Causes
- Visual C++ redistributable not installed.
- Only x64 installed while a game helper needs x86 (or the reverse).
- Runtime files quarantined or deleted by “PC cleaner” apps.
- Broken side-by-side assembly after a partial Office/runtime update.
How to Fix This Error (Step-by-Step)
Method 1 — Install official redistributables
- Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages from Microsoft only.
- Install both x64 and x86 versions.
- Reboot Windows.
- Launch the game again.
Method 2 — Repair existing packages
- Settings → Apps → find Microsoft Visual C++ entries.
- Select Modify → Repair for recent VC++ packages.
- Verify game files afterward.
Method 3 — Avoid unsafe DLL sites
- Do not download standalone MSVCP140.dll packs from third-party mirrors.
- If you already dropped a random DLL into the game folder, delete it and repair with Method 1.
Essential Troubleshooting FAQs
I installed x64 and still get the error.
Install x86 as well. Many launchers ship 32-bit helpers.
Could this be malware?
The missing-DLL message itself is common and legitimate. The dangerous part is “fixing” it with unofficial DLL downloads.
Summary
Install and repair official Visual C++ x86/x64 redistributables, reboot, and verify the game. Never replace MSVCP140.dll from random websites.
