Windows OS Repair & Troubleshooting

How to Fix DLL Missing Errors (e.g., msvcp140.dll) in Windows

Step-by-Step Complete Beginner Guide: Asdullah.com Tech Desk

What is a DLL File and Why Does This Error Happen?

DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library. In simple terms, DLL files are small helper files built into Windows that help programs and video games perform shared tasks. Instead of writing new code for animations, audio, or memory handling, software developers use these ready-made Windows DLL files.

The most common missing DLL errors include:

• MSVCP140.dll (Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime file)
• VCRUNTIME140.dll (C++ Runtime helper library file)
• D3DX9_43.dll (Microsoft DirectX file used for gaming graphics)
• XINPUT1_3.dll (Gaming controller and peripheral library file)

When you start a game and Windows cannot locate the necessary library file, it stops execution immediately and throws a popup error. Let’s look at the easiest ways to solve this problem step-by-step.

Method 1: Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

In over 90% of cases, errors like msvcp140.dll and vcruntime140.dll occur simply because the official Microsoft Visual C++ library is missing from your Windows operating system. Installing this package resolves the error immediately.

Step Screenshot 1.1: Downloading official Microsoft C++ Runtime packages (x86 and x64 versions).

Method 2: Run SFC Scan (System File Checker) in CMD

Windows includes a built-in repair utility called the **System File Checker (SFC)**. This tool scans your entire C: drive to verify system file integrity. If it detects corrupt or missing DLL files, it replaces them automatically using original system copies.

Step Screenshot 2.1: Opening Command Prompt as Administrator and running the sfc /scannow command.

How to Run the SFC Scan:

1. Press the Windows Key on your keyboard and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.
3. Inside the terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. Wait until verification reaches 100% (this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes).
5. Once you see “Windows Resource Protection successfully repaired them,” reboot your computer.

Method 3: Run DISM Repair Tool (Deployment Image Servicing)

If the SFC scan fails to fix the issue and states “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation,” the core Windows system image itself may be corrupted. You can fix this by running the **DISM Command**, which downloads clean system files directly from official Microsoft servers.

Step Screenshot 3.1: Executing DISM Online Cleanup Image RestoreHealth in Windows.

How to Execute DISM Repair:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Ensure your computer has an active internet connection.
3. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. When the progress bar reaches 100%, close the command window and restart your PC. Additional DISM guides are available on the Asdullah OS Portal.

Method 4: Update Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtimes

If you get missing DLL errors such as d3dx9_43.dll, d3dx11.dll, or xinput1_3.dll when launching modern games, your computer is missing updated DirectX runtime components.

Step Screenshot 4.1: Updating DirectX graphics web installer for seamless gaming performance.

• Search online for “DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer Microsoft”.
• Download the web setup file directly from the official Microsoft site.
• Launch the installer, accept the license terms, and click Next.
• The setup program will automatically scan, download, and repair all legacy 3D gaming DLL libraries on your PC.

Method 5: Restore Blocked DLL Files from Windows Security

Sometimes, Windows Defender or your third-party antivirus software mistakes a safe DLL file for a security threat (known as a false positive). When this happens, it blocks or quarantines the file, causing your software to crash.

Step Screenshot 5.1: Opening Windows Defender Protection History to restore blocked DLL files.

Steps to Unblock and Restore DLL Files:

1. Double-click the shield icon in your taskbar tray to open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Select Protection history.
4. Look through the list of recent blocks. If your missing DLL file appears, click Actions > Restore.

Method 6: Re-register System DLL Files via regsvr32

If a DLL file is present in your Windows system folder but your operating system cannot locate it, you can re-register the library file manually using Command Prompt commands.

Step Screenshot 6.1: Re-registering system libraries using regsvr32 utility.

“Re-registering DLL files refreshes the Windows Registry entry for that particular library, resolving registration mismatches immediately.” — Asdullah Windows Software Team

How to Re-register:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following commands (replace filename with your specific missing file name):
   regsvr32 /u msvcp140.dll
   regsvr32 msvcp140.dll
3. Press Enter. A popup will confirm: “DllRegisterServer succeeded.”

Method 7: Clean Reinstall the Affected Software or Game

If all other applications work correctly on your PC and only one specific game throws the missing DLL popup, the local software installation files may be damaged.

1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Find the problematic game or application and click Uninstall.
4. Reboot your PC, then perform a fresh installation using the original installer setup file.

Conclusion

Getting MSVCP140.dll, VCRUNTIME140.dll, or similar missing library errors on Windows is a common system issue. You do not need to panic or download unknown files from untrusted internet sources. Reinstalling the official **Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages (x86 and x64)** and running an `sfc /scannow` system check will resolve your issue 100% of the time.

For more easy computer repair guides, PC gaming fixes, and software tutorials, visit Asdullah.com.