Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) are essential components of the Windows software environment. They allow applications to use shared functions and resources without including every component inside their own program files. However, when a required DLL is missing, damaged, incompatible, or inaccessible, Windows applications may fail to start or display unexpected errors.

Errors such as “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found,” “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is missing,” and “The code execution cannot proceed because the DLL was not found” commonly appear when an application cannot locate a required runtime component. These messages can be frustrating, especially when a program worked correctly before a software update, reinstall, or system change.

The right solution depends on the cause. A missing Visual C++ runtime may require an official Microsoft Redistributable package, while a damaged Windows installation may need system-file repair. This guide explains how DLLs and Visual C++ runtime libraries work, why common errors occur, and how to troubleshoot them safely without introducing additional problems.

This article is part of Software & Apps

Understanding Visual C++ and DLL Files

Microsoft Visual C++ is a development environment used to create Windows applications. Programs built with supported versions of Visual C++ may rely on runtime libraries that provide functions required during execution.

Instead of packaging every shared component separately inside each application, developers can use Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to provide the required runtime libraries. If the appropriate runtime is missing or incompatible, an application may display an error when launched.

DLL files can contain executable code, functions, resources, and other components used by applications. Windows loads these libraries when programs need them. The exact files required depend on how the software was developed and which components it uses.

What Do DLL Files Do?

DLLs serve several important purposes:

  • Code reuse: Multiple applications can use shared functions instead of implementing the same functionality independently.
  • Modular development: Developers can maintain and update certain components separately from the main application.
  • Resource management: Libraries can provide functionality needed by different programs.
  • Compatibility: Applications depend on particular library versions and interfaces to operate correctly.

Although DLLs are important, not every missing DLL error is caused by a problem with Windows itself. An application may have been installed incorrectly, a security program may have quarantined a file, or a required runtime package may not be present.

Common Visual C++ and DLL Errors

Understanding the exact error message helps narrow down the possible cause and prevents unnecessary troubleshooting.

1. VCRUNTIME140.dll Is Missing

This error indicates that an application cannot locate or load the required VCRUNTIME140.dll component. It is associated with the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime used by certain Windows applications.

Possible causes include a missing or damaged Redistributable installation, an incomplete application setup, or a mismatch between the software’s requirements and the installed runtime.

The most appropriate first step is to identify the application displaying the error and repair its required runtime through an official source.

2. VCRUNTIME140_1.dll Was Not Found

The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll error is related to another component of the Visual C++ runtime. Although the message looks similar to the previous error, the missing filename is different.

Downloading a file with the correct name from an unfamiliar website is not a reliable solution. A DLL may be outdated, modified, incompatible, or malicious. Instead, install or repair the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and then restart the affected application.

3. DLL File Is Corrupted

A corrupted DLL may prevent a program from loading correctly or cause it to crash. Possible causes include interrupted updates, storage problems, incomplete installations, or unwanted software.

However, a crash does not automatically prove that the DLL itself is corrupted. The application may have a separate defect or depend on another component that is failing.

If several Windows applications develop similar problems, investigating system-file integrity may be more useful than replacing individual files.

4. Access Violation or Permission Errors

Access violations and permission-related errors can occur when an application attempts to access memory or resources incorrectly. They may be associated with software defects, incompatible components, damaged files, or access restrictions.

These errors should not automatically be attributed to faulty registry entries. The exact message, application logs, and circumstances in which the problem occurs can help identify the cause.

5. Application Fails After an Update

An application that worked before a Windows or software update may stop launching afterward. The update might have changed a dependency, exposed an existing compatibility issue, or left the installation incomplete.

In this situation, users should check the application’s official support information and repair its installation before attempting more advanced system changes.

How to Fix Visual C++ and DLL Errors

The following troubleshooting steps move from common, relatively low-risk solutions to more advanced repairs. Try one step at a time and test the affected application after each change.

Step 1: Restart the Computer

A restart can resolve temporary problems involving running processes, pending installations, or updates that have not completed.

Save your work, restart Windows, and launch the application again. If the same DLL error appears, continue to the next step rather than repeatedly restarting the system.

Step 2: Repair or Reinstall the Affected Application

If only one application displays the error, its installation may be incomplete or damaged.

  1. Close the application and any related background processes.
  2. Open Windows Settings and navigate to the installed apps section.
  3. If the application offers a Repair or Modify option, use it where appropriate.
  4. Otherwise, uninstall the application and restart the computer.
  5. Download a fresh installer from the application’s official website.
  6. Reinstall it and check whether the error remains.

Before uninstalling, make sure you have access to any required license information and back up important application data. Avoid uninstalling unrelated software simply because it was installed around the same time.

This approach is especially useful when the error affects a single program rather than several applications.

Step 3: Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

For errors involving VCRUNTIME140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll, checking the Visual C++ Redistributable installation is an important troubleshooting step.

Microsoft provides supported Redistributable packages through its official documentation:

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable downloads

Choose the appropriate package based on the application’s requirements and the computer’s architecture.

  • X64: Commonly required by 64-bit applications.
  • X86: Required by 32-bit applications, including many 32-bit programs running on 64-bit Windows.
  • ARM64: Intended for supported Windows devices using ARM64 architecture.

A 64-bit version of Windows can run many 32-bit applications, so installing only the x64 runtime may not resolve an error from a 32-bit program. Depending on the software, both x86 and x64 packages may be needed.

After downloading the appropriate installer from Microsoft, run it and follow the instructions. If the package is already installed, select the available repair option if provided. Restart Windows if requested, then test the application again.

Older applications may also require an earlier Visual C++ Redistributable version. These packages can coexist with newer versions, so do not assume that installing the latest runtime replaces every older dependency. Follow the affected application’s official requirements.

Step 4: Run Windows Update

Outdated Windows components can sometimes contribute to compatibility problems. Installing available updates may resolve issues related to the operating system or supporting components.

Open Settings → Windows Update, check for updates, and install relevant available updates. Restart the computer if required.

If the error began immediately after a particular update, investigate the application’s compatibility notes and the update’s known issues before attempting to remove system updates.

Step 5: Repair Windows System Files

If multiple applications experience DLL-related problems or Windows itself behaves unexpectedly, built-in system repair tools may help.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Allow the command to finish. It may take several minutes or longer, depending on the computer and the condition of the system image.

Next, run:

sfc /scannow

System File Checker scans protected Windows system files and attempts to repair corrupted files when possible. DISM helps service and repair the Windows image used by these system repair operations.

When both commands finish, read the results and restart the computer if necessary. These tools do not guarantee that every third-party application’s missing DLL will be restored, but they can help when the underlying issue involves protected Windows files.

Step 6: Check Security Software and Scan for Malware

Security software may quarantine a suspicious or infected file. In some cases, users may notice that an application stops working after a detection or security cleanup.

Open your security software’s protection history or quarantine section and check whether the affected application’s files were detected. Do not restore a file automatically just because an application requires it. Verify the detection and obtain a clean copy from the software publisher if necessary.

Run a security scan if you suspect malware or if several unexplained system problems have appeared.

Avoid disabling antivirus protection permanently to make an application launch. If the original installer or DLL came from an untrusted source, remove it and obtain legitimate software instead.

Step 7: Use System Restore When Appropriate

System Restore may help if the error began after a significant system change and a suitable restore point is available.

Search Windows for Create a restore point, open the System Protection settings, and select System Restore if the feature is available. Review the proposed restore point and affected applications before confirming.

A restore operation can reverse certain system changes, drivers, and installed applications. It is not a substitute for backing up personal files, and it may not resolve every application-specific problem.

Use this option only when simpler fixes have failed and the timing of the problem suggests that a recent system change is responsible.

Why You Should Avoid Random DLL Download Websites

Searching the internet for a missing DLL can produce websites offering individual files for download. Although the filename may match the error message, the file may not be the correct version or may have been altered.

Windows uses defined search rules to locate DLLs. If an application loads a malicious library from an unsafe location, the program may execute unwanted code. Microsoft documents this risk in its guidance on Dynamic-Link Library Security.

For this reason, avoid copying unknown DLL files into Windows system folders or downloading individual runtime components from unofficial websites.

A safer approach is to use the official Microsoft Redistributable installer, repair the affected application, or obtain the required file through the software publisher’s legitimate installation process.

Preventing Future DLL Errors

Although not every software error can be prevented, a few habits can reduce the risk of recurring problems.

  • Use official installers: Download applications and updates from trusted publishers.
  • Keep Windows updated: Install appropriate updates and restart when necessary.
  • Avoid unnecessary system changes: Do not delete DLLs or edit registry entries without understanding their purpose.
  • Maintain security protection: Use reputable security software and investigate suspicious downloads.
  • Back up important files: Keep copies of essential documents before major repairs or software changes.
  • Record the exact error: Note the filename, affected application, and when the issue began. This information helps narrow down the cause.

If the problem appears while using a particular application, focus first on that application’s dependencies rather than making broad changes to Windows.

For example, a DLL error that appears while launching a media utility such as WinX DVD Ripper may require checking the application’s installation and runtime dependencies. The goal is to identify which component the program needs, not to replace unrelated system files.

Windows setup and configuration can also affect how applications behave. If the problem occurs alongside activation or licensing issues, a separate guide on activating Windows 10 may help clarify that aspect of the system. Activation errors and missing DLL errors are different problems, however, and should be diagnosed separately.

PDF-related problems can sometimes be confused with Windows runtime errors, but they may require a different approach. If the issue involves accessing or decrypting a PDF document rather than a missing DLL, readers can explore the PDFBears Decryption Tool for information related to PDF document access. Always identify the specific problem before choosing a troubleshooting method.

Conclusion

Visual C++ runtime libraries and DLL files support many Windows applications, but missing, damaged, or incompatible components can prevent programs from launching. Errors involving VCRUNTIME140.dll and VCRUNTIME140_1.dll are often associated with Visual C++ runtime requirements, although the exact cause can vary.

Start by restarting the computer and repairing the affected application. If the error involves the Visual C++ runtime, install or repair the appropriate official Microsoft Redistributable package and check both application architecture and version requirements. Windows Update, DISM, System File Checker, and security scans can help when the problem has a broader system cause.

Most importantly, avoid downloading individual DLL files from unfamiliar websites or making unnecessary registry changes. A careful, step-by-step diagnosis is safer and more effective than applying random fixes. By identifying the source of the error and using trusted repair methods, users can resolve many DLL-related problems while reducing the risk of creating new ones.