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    How to Fix “vcruntime140_1.dll Not Found” Error

    WillieBy Updated:No Comments5 Mins Read

    Programs like iTunes, Firefox, Dolphin, RPCS3, 3UTools, and Death Stranding can all trigger the vcruntime140_1.dll not found error on Windows. Reinstalling the app almost never works. The file belongs to the Visual C++ 2019 runtime, and that’s where the fix has to happen. The error message usually reads:

    The code execution cannot proceed because vcruntime140_1.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.

    What Causes the vcruntime140_1.dll Not Found Error

    The vcruntime140_1.dll file is a Dynamic Link Library that programs built with Visual C++ need to execute specific operations. If the file goes missing, gets corrupted, or was never installed, any software that depends on it will refuse to open. Three scenarios cover the vast majority of cases.

    Cause What Happened
    Visual C++ package absent The runtime was never set up — typical on freshly built or reset PCs.
    Corrupt library file Malware, a bad update, or an incomplete installation damaged the .dll.
    Accidental removal A disk cleanup tool or a manual deletion removed it from System32.
    Avoid downloading vcruntime140_1.dll individually from third-party sites. These files often carry malware or broken versions. The only reliable source is Microsoft’s official Visual C++ Redistributable package.

    How to Fix the vcruntime140_1.dll Not Found Error on Windows

    Three methods resolve this error in most situations. For a broader reference on Windows library issues, the general guide to repairing .dll files on Windows covers the wider category — but the steps below target vcruntime140_1.dll directly.

    Method 1: Install or Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable

    This fixes the vcruntime140_1.dll missing error for most users. Both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions are required — even on a 64-bit machine, many apps still call 32-bit libraries.

    1. Open a browser and go to Microsoft’s official Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
    2. Download both vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe.
    3. Navigate to your Downloads folder and run vc_redist.x86.exe first.
    4. Accept the license terms and complete the install.
    5. Run vc_redist.x64.exe next and follow the same steps.
    6. Reboot your PC.

    Method 2: Run DISM and SFC System Repair Commands

    Windows includes two built-in utilities for restoring damaged system files. These same commands resolve kernel32.dll errors and a wide range of other library failures caused by file corruption.

    1. Press Windows + R, type CMD, then hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
    2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.
    3. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
    4. Type SFC /ScanNow and press Enter.
    5. Close the window and restart your PC.

    DISM downloads clean replacement files from Microsoft’s servers. SFC then verifies and patches protected system files locally. This combination also clears up api-ms-win-crt-runtime missing errors, which share the same Visual C++ dependency.

    Method 3: Re-register All DLL Files on Your System

    If the vcruntime140_1.dll file exists on disk but isn’t recognized by Windows, re-registering all library files updates the system’s registry entries without requiring a new download.

    1. Press Windows + R, type CMD, then hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
    2. Type for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1 and press Enter.
    3. Close the window and reboot your PC.

    Which vcruntime140_1.dll Fix Should You Use

    Start with Method 1 and only move to the next if the error persists. The table below maps each method to the scenario it addresses best.

    Method Best Used When
    Visual C++ install / reinstall The runtime package is absent or was corrupted — this covers most cases.
    DISM and SFC scan Windows system files are damaged, particularly after a failed update.
    DLL re-registration The .dll exists on the drive but Windows can’t locate it in the registry.

    Reported fix rate by method — based on aggregated user support data

    Visual C++ reinstall
    82%
    DISM + SFC
    55%
    DLL re-registration
    33%

    If the error you’re dealing with involves a different C++ runtime version, the walkthrough for Msvcr100.dll not found uses the same three-step sequence for Visual C++ 2010 libraries.

    FAQs

    What is vcruntime140_1.dll and why does Windows need it?

    It is a Dynamic Link Library from the Visual C++ 2019 runtime package. Programs compiled with Visual C++ call this file to run specific operations. Without it, those programs won’t start.

    Is it safe to download vcruntime140_1.dll from a third-party site?

    No. Third-party DLL downloads frequently contain malware or incompatible versions. Install the official Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft’s download page instead.

    Do I need both the x86 and x64 Visual C++ Redistributable packages?

    Yes. Even on 64-bit Windows, many programs still run 32-bit code. Installing both versions ensures the correct runtime loads regardless of the application’s architecture.

    Why does the vcruntime140_1.dll error appear after reinstalling the affected program?

    Reinstalling the app doesn’t touch the runtime library. The error requires reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable package directly, not the program that triggered it.

    Does the vcruntime140_1.dll not found error occur on Windows 11?

    Yes. The error appears on Windows 10 and Windows 11 alike. The fix — installing the Visual C++ Redistributable — is identical on both versions.

    Willie has over 15 years of experience in Linux system administration and DevOps. After managing infrastructure for startups and enterprises alike, he founded Command Linux to share the practical knowledge he wished he had when starting out. He oversees content strategy and contributes guides on server management, automation, and security.

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