Summary
Struggling with sudden game crashes or app failures on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? You’re likely facing the frustrating msvcp140_2.dll missing error—a common issue that can halt your productivity and entertainment. This essential file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, and when it goes missing, your system’s performance takes a hit. But don’t worry—our 2025 guide is here to help! Whether you need to fix msvcp140_2.dll error Windows 11 or restore functionality on Windows 10, we provide clear, step-by-step solutions—from reinstalling VC++ redistributables to running an SFC scan. Keep reading to quickly resolve the problem and get back to what matters.
Reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
The most direct and often successful method to resolve the msvcp140_2.dll missing error is to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. As established, this file is not a standalone component but an integral part of that specific runtime library. A reinstallation effectively replaces any missing or corrupted files, including msvcp140_2.dll, with a clean, official version. Given that multiple versions of the redistributable can coexist on a single system, it’s crucial to target the correct one—typically the 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 release, as they all share the version 14.0 runtime files (e.g., msvcp140.dll and msvcp140_2.dll).
Begin by navigating to the official Microsoft Download Centre. Search for the latest “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio”. You will likely find downloads for both the x64 (64-bit) and x86 (32-bit) versions. For comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to install both, even on a 64-bit Windows system, as many applications are still built on 32-bit architectures.
Crucial Pre-installation Step: Before proceeding, access “Apps & features” in Windows Settings. Search for “Microsoft Visual C++” and note the installed versions. Uninstall any existing 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 redistributables (both x86 and x64) to prevent conflicts during the fresh installation.
Once the old versions are removed, download and run the latest installer from Microsoft. Follow the on-screen prompts—the process is typically quick and requires a system restart to finalise. This action ensures that all applications dependent on the VC++ 14.0 runtime libraries have a consistent and intact foundation to build upon. This method directly addresses the common causes of corruption or accidental removal discussed earlier, making it the first port of call for anyone looking to fix msvcp140_2.dll error Windows 11 or Windows 10 efficiently.
If this straightforward reinstallation does not resolve the issue, the problem may lie slightly deeper within the Windows system file protection mechanism, which we will explore next.
Running Windows System File Checker (SFC)
If the direct reinstallation of the Visual C++ Redistributable fails to resolve the issue, the problem may be more deeply rooted in the operating system’s core file protection. This is where the built-in Windows System File Checker (SFC) utility becomes an indispensable tool. The sfc /scannow command is designed specifically to repair Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable files and other critical system components that may have become corrupted, offering a powerful next step when a simple reinstall is insufficient.
To execute an SFC scan, you must open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).” Once the terminal window opens, simply type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter. The tool will then initiate a comprehensive scan of all protected system files, comparing their integrity against a cached copy stored in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache\. If it detects that a protected file like msvcp140_2.dll is missing or has been tampered with, it will automatically attempt to replace it with the correct version from this cache.
Understanding the Process: The scan can take several minutes to complete. It is crucial not to interrupt it. If the tool finds and successfully repairs corruption, you will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.
The strength of this method lies in its ability to address file corruption that a standard reinstallation might not touch, particularly if the Windows file protection mechanism itself is involved. It is a core part of the Windows 11 DLL error repair guide methodology, providing a sanctioned and secure alternative to risky manual fixes. However, if the SFC tool reports that it found corrupt files but was unable to repair some of them, this indicates a problem with the local cache, requiring a more advanced procedure using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to restore the health of the component store—a topic for a more advanced troubleshooting guide. For the vast majority of users, a successful SFC scan will conclusively solve msvcp140_2.dll error Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, restoring application stability and closing the book on this frustrating episode.
Conclusion
By following this guide’s systematic approach—from reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable to performing an SFC scannow fix DLL error—you can efficiently resolve the msvcp140_2.dll missing error and restore your system’s stability. For a lasting solution, we recommend beginning with the VC++ redistributable reinstallation as your primary action. This will ensure your applications have the necessary components to run smoothly again.
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