How to Download msvcp140.dll and Fix the “Program Can't Start” Error

The error “The program can’t start because msvcp140.dll is missing” often appears when a program requires the Microsoft Visual C++ library. This DLL file is essential for applications developed with Visual Studio to run smoothly. In this guide, we'll cover how to correctly download msvcp140.dll and resolve this error.

What is msvcp140.dll and Why Does This Error Occur?

msvcp140.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable library. It plays a critical role in executing commands necessary for C++ applications. If the file is missing or damaged, the operating system cannot complete the command, resulting in an error message.

How to Download msvcp140.dll

The most reliable solution is to install the complete Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which includes msvcp140.dll along with other essential DLL files.

Step 1: Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from the Official Website

  1. Visit the official Microsoft site through this link.
  2. Select the appropriate version (e.g., x86 for 32-bit systems or x64 for 64-bit systems).
  3. Download and install the package by following the on-screen instructions.

Once installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.

Step 2: Install the DLL Manually

If installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable did not fix the issue, you can download the msvcp140.dll file separately. Ensure you download from a reputable source.

  1. Download the msvcp140.dll file from a trusted source, such as DLL-Files.com.
  2. After downloading, move the file to the required folder:
    • For 32-bit systems: C:\Windows\System32
    • For 64-bit systems: C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  3. Restart your computer.

This approach can work if a specific application requires the msvcp140.dll file but does not install it automatically.

Additional Recommendations

If the error persists, try the following:

  • Check for Windows Updates: In rare cases, installing the latest updates can fix the issue.
  • Reinstall the Problematic Application: Some programs include necessary libraries during installation.
  • Run a System Check: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow. This can restore any corrupted system files.