Windows users encounter errors related to msvcp120.dll when launching applications. This file belongs to Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable and provides essential functions for programs built with Visual C++. Missing or corrupted msvcp120.dll files prevent applications from running.
What Is Msvcp120.dll
The msvcp120.dll file is a dynamic link library from the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package. This component stores functions and resources that applications need to execute properly on Windows systems.
Programs developed using Visual C++ programming tools require this specific runtime library. The file works alongside other system libraries to provide the necessary execution environment for compiled applications.
Why Msvcp120.dll Matters
Applications cannot launch without msvcp120.dll when they depend on Visual C++ 2013 components. The file provides critical resources these programs call during execution.
Systems missing this library display error messages when users attempt to start affected software. The same issues occur with related runtime files like msvcr100.dll and vcruntime140.dll.
Common Msvcp120.dll Error Messages
| Error Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Missing File | Application cannot start because msvcp120.dll was not found |
| File Not Found | System unable to locate msvcp120.dll |
| Compatibility Issue | msvcp120.dll not compatible with Windows or damaged |
| Access Violation | msvcp120.dll access denied during execution |
How to Fix Msvcp120.dll Errors
1. Run System File Checker and DISM
Windows includes repair utilities that restore damaged system files. These tools automatically fix corrupted components.
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Search for cmd in the Start menu. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
Execute the DISM command first:
# dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthRun the System File Checker:
# sfc /scannowRestart the computer after both scans complete.
2. Reinstall the Affected Application
Specific programs may have corrupted msvcp120.dll dependencies. Remove and reinstall the problematic software.
Open Settings and navigate to Apps. Locate the application causing errors. Click Uninstall and remove it completely.
Download the latest installer from the official website. Run the installation to restore all required files.
3. Scan for Malware
Malicious software damages system files and registry entries. Download a reputable anti-malware scanner and perform a full system scan.
Quarantine any detected threats immediately. Malware often targets runtime libraries including msvcp120.dll and msvcp140.dll.
4. Install Windows Updates
Outdated operating systems cause compatibility problems with runtime libraries. Open Settings and select Windows Update.
Check for available updates. Install all pending patches and restart the system.
5. Disable Startup Programs
Excessive startup applications create conflicts with system resources. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
Navigate to the Startup tab. Disable unnecessary applications by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
6. Run Memory Diagnostics
Defective RAM modules trigger random errors and system crashes. Press Windows+R and type mdsched.exe.
Select Restart now and check for problems. The system will test memory during the next boot.
Replace RAM modules if the diagnostic tool reports errors.
7. Check Hardware Connections
Physical damage causes persistent system problems. Verify all internal connections remain secure.
Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the search box. Yellow warning icons indicate hardware issues requiring driver updates.
8. Use System Restore
Restore points revert the system to previous configurations. Search for “system restore” in the Start menu.
Select a restore point created before msvcp120.dll errors began appearing. Follow the wizard to complete the restoration.
9. Reset Windows
Factory reset serves as the final solution when other methods fail. Back up important data before proceeding.
Open Settings and navigate to System > Recovery. Click Reset PC and select the appropriate options.
This process removes third-party applications but resolves persistent msvcp120.dll failures.
Install Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package directly from Microsoft. This provides the correct msvcp120.dll version for your system.
Select the appropriate architecture (x86 for 32-bit, x64 for 64-bit). Install both versions if unsure about application requirements.
Restart the computer after installation completes.
FAQs
Missing or corrupted Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable files cause msvcp120.dll errors. Malware infections, incomplete installations, or system file corruption also trigger these issues.
Download the complete Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package from Microsoft instead of individual DLL files. Single file downloads from third-party sites may contain malware.
Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (both x86 and x64 versions). Run system file checker commands and update Windows to prevent future errors.
Windows reset resolves persistent msvcp120.dll issues by restoring system files to default state. Try simpler solutions like reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable first.
No, msvcp120.dll belongs to Visual C++ 2013 while msvcp140.dll belongs to Visual C++ 2015-2022. Applications require specific versions matching their build environment.
