If your Windows PC throws a notification about Msvcp110.dll, don’t panic. Thousands of users face this every day. Here’s what this file does and how to get rid of the problem.
What Is the Msvcp110.dll File?
Msvcp110.dll belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable suite. It is a shared library. Programs on your machine use it to perform specific tasks. The “110” tag points to the 2012 release of Visual C++.
Shared libraries like Msvcp110.dll let multiple apps tap into identical code at once. This saves space and keeps your system efficient. Popular apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk tools, Microsoft Office, and many PC games depend on Msvcp110.dll. When it goes missing, these programs refuse to open. Our guide on fixing DLL file errors on Windows covers broader troubleshooting steps.
Typical Notifications You Might See
| Notification Text | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “The application was unable to launch because Msvcp110.dll was absent.” | The file has been deleted or was never installed. |
| “Msvcp110.dll could not be located.” | Windows cannot find the file in expected folders. |
| “This app has stopped working because Msvcp110.dll was unavailable.” | The file is either damaged or absent entirely. |
Why Does the Msvcp110.dll Problem Occur?
| Root Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Absent or damaged file | Msvcp110.dll got deleted or became corrupt. |
| Old redistributable package | Your Visual C++ 2012 suite is outdated or uninstalled. |
| App conflicts | Another program interferes with the one needing Msvcp110.dll. |
| Harmful software | Viruses can destroy shared library files like Msvcp110.dll. |
Steps to Fix the Msvcp110.dll Error
1. Run DISM and SFC Tools
Open Command Prompt with admin rights. Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter. After it finishes, type sfc /scannow. Reboot your PC. These built-in utilities detect and repair broken files, including Msvcp110.dll. For similar runtime issues, check our Msvcr100.dll troubleshooting article.
2. Reinstall the Affected Program
Remove the software that triggered the Msvcp110.dll notification. Download a fresh installer from the official source and set it up again.
3. Check for Malicious Software
Use a reputable antivirus tool to scan your entire system. Malware often targets shared library files. Quarantine any threats and reboot. Our Kernel32.dll repair guide explains how malware damages core Windows files.
4. Install Pending System Patches
Go to Settings > Windows Update and tap “Check for updates.” Outdated components are a frequent source of Msvcp110.dll failures.
5. Disable Unneeded Startup Apps
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager. Head to the Startup tab. Disable apps you don’t need at boot. Fewer startup programs mean fewer conflicts with Msvcp110.dll.
6. Test Your Memory Modules
Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter. Run the diagnostic on your next reboot. Faulty RAM can corrupt files randomly, including Msvcp110.dll.
7. Restore Windows to an Earlier State
Search for “system restore” and pick a saved checkpoint from before the Msvcp110.dll error appeared. Follow the prompts to roll back. Our guide on fixing Msvcr71.dll errors covers a similar approach for older runtime files.
8. Reset Your Machine
As a last resort, go to Settings > System > Recovery and select “Reset PC.” Back up your data first. This wipes third-party apps but restores all system files, eliminating Msvcp110.dll issues for good.
FAQs
What is Msvcp110.dll and why does Windows need it?
Msvcp110.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable. It gives multiple programs access to shared C++ runtime code. Without it, apps built on Visual Studio 2012 cannot run.
Is it safe to download Msvcp110.dll from third-party sites?
No. Third-party DLL sites often bundle malware or outdated versions. Always install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable to get a clean, verified copy of Msvcp110.dll.
Which programs most commonly trigger the Msvcp110.dll error?
Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk software, Microsoft Office, and various PC games frequently depend on Msvcp110.dll. Any app compiled with Visual Studio 2012 can trigger the error if the file is missing.
Will reinstalling Windows fix the Msvcp110.dll error?
Usually unnecessary. Installing the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable, running SFC, or using System Restore resolves the Msvcp110.dll error without a full Windows reinstall in most cases.
Why does the Msvcp110.dll error keep coming back after I fix it?
Recurring errors usually point to active malware or an overly aggressive antivirus quarantining the file. Run a full system scan and check your antivirus quarantine log for Msvcp110.dll entries.
