2025 guide to fix msvcr110.dll missing error in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Summary

Is your gaming session or crucial software crashing with a frustrating msvcr110.dll missing error? You’re not alone. This common but disruptive issue can halt your productivity and fun in its tracks. Our definitive 2025 guide cuts through the confusion, offering clear, step-by-step solutions tailored for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. We’ll help you understand the root causes and provide proven methods to permanently fix the msvcr110.dll error. Stop the crashes and get back to what matters—read on to restore your system’s stability now.

Introduction to the msvcr110.dll Missing Error

That dreaded pop-up. You’re ready to dive into your favorite game or launch a critical work application, and instead of smooth performance, you’re greeted with a cryptic error message: “The program can’t start because msvcr110.dll is missing from your computer.” It’s a moment of pure frustration that halts your progress completely. But what exactly is this mysterious file, and why does its absence cause such widespread disruption?

The msvcr110.dll file is not some piece of malware or a random system glitch; it’s a core component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Think of it as a shared library of code—a set of instructions that many applications, especially games and creative software built with Visual Studio 2012, rely on to function. Instead of every developer rewriting the same fundamental code, they can use these pre-built functions. This makes software development more efficient, but it creates a dependency. When you encounter the msvcr110.dll missing error, it simply means that a program you’re trying to run needs this specific library, but for some reason, your system can’t locate it.

Key Insight: The msvcr110.dll file is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012. It’s a legitimate system file, and its absence typically points to a problem with the software installation or the Windows system files themselves, not a virus (though malware can sometimes corrupt it).

This error is surprisingly common across both Windows 10 and Windows 11, proving that it’s not an issue tied to an older operating system. The causes can range from a simple accident, like accidentally deleting the file during a cleanup, to a corrupted installation of the Visual C++ Redistributable. Sometimes, a recent Windows update or a new graphics driver installation can inadvertently disrupt the file’s registration. Understanding that this is a solvable dependency issue is the first step toward a permanent fix. Let’s now explore the typical culprits behind this error to better diagnose your specific situation.

What is msvcr110.dll and Why It’s Important

To truly grasp why the msvcr110.dll file is so critical, imagine it as a master key for a vast software library. This particular Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is an integral part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012. Its core function is to provide a standardized set of programming routines and functions that developers use to build applications. When a software developer creates a program—be it a high-end video game, a video editing suite, or financial software—they often rely on these pre-built libraries to handle common tasks like memory management, mathematical calculations, and input/output operations. This saves immense development time and ensures a level of consistency across different applications.

However, this efficiency creates a dependency. The application you’re trying to run expects to find msvcr110.dll on your system. If it’s missing, corrupted, or improperly registered, the program literally cannot start because it lacks access to these essential instructions. It’s akin to trying to assemble a complex piece of furniture without the page of the manual that explains how to attach the legs. The error is not a sign of a faulty application, but rather a missing link in the chain of dependencies on your PC. This is precisely why simply downloading the DLL file from a random website is a risky and often ineffective fix for the msvcr110.dll error; it doesn’t address the root cause, which is typically the installation state of the entire Redistributable package.

A Quick Analogy: Think of the Visual C++ Redistributable as a public utility, like the electrical grid. Individual programs (houses) plug into it. If the grid is down, no house has power, regardless of how well-built it is. Reinstalling the Redistributable is like restoring power to the entire grid.

This dependency model explains the error’s prevalence on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. While the core Windows system has its own set of libraries, applications built with specific versions of Visual Studio require the corresponding Redistributable package to be present. It’s a separate, installable component. Now that we understand its fundamental role, we can logically explore the common events that lead to its disappearance or corruption.

Common Causes of the msvcr110.dll Error

So, what triggers this specific disruption to your software’s “power grid”? The msvcr110.dll missing error rarely occurs out of the blue; it’s usually a symptom of a more specific event on your system. Pinpointing the cause is your first strategic move toward an effective resolution.

One of the most frequent culprits is an incomplete or corrupted installation of a program that requires the Visual C++ 2012 redistributable. The installation process should automatically check for and install the necessary dependencies, but if it’s interrupted—perhaps by a sudden loss of power, an accidental click of the cancel button, or even an overzealous antivirus program—the crucial msvcr110.dll file might not be correctly placed or registered. Conversely, uninstalling an application can sometimes mistakenly remove the redistributable package if it’s the only program using it, creating a problem for other software that still relies on it.

A Common Scenario: You download a new game, but the installer gets blocked by Windows Security. You click “allow,” but the interruption corrupts the dependency installation. The game seems to install, but it crashes on launch with the DLL error.

Another common trigger is system file corruption, which can affect any DLL. A faulty storage drive, an unexpected system crash, or even conflicts between software can damage system files. While Windows is resilient, these events can leave the msvcr110.dll file unusable. Furthermore, major system changes like a Windows feature update or a new graphics driver installation can, in rare cases, alter system configurations or overwrite existing files, leading to compatibility issues that manifest as this error. It’s worth noting that while malware is not a primary cause, a virus can corrupt or delete system files, making a security scan a prudent step if other fixes fail.

Understanding these typical causes demystifies the error and shifts the perspective from panic to a logical troubleshooting process. With this knowledge, you’re ready to accurately diagnose the issue on your own machine.

• Accidental Deletion: Manually removing the file during a disk cleanup.
• Corrupted Installation: A faulty program install that fails to set up dependencies.
• Problematic Uninstall: Removing an app that also deletes the shared Visual C++ package.
• System File Corruption: From drive errors, crashes, or conflicting software.
• Windows/Driver Updates: Major system changes that inadvertently disrupt file registration.

Diagnosing the msvcr110.dll Missing Issue

Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to correctly identify the problem. The msvcr110.dll missing error message can appear in several ways, and paying close attention to the exact wording provides valuable clues. You might see it as a pop-up window when launching an application, or the error could be logged in Windows Event Viewer. The most common phrasing is: “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcr110.dll was not found.” Another variation is: “The program can’t start because msvcr110.dll is missing from your computer.” The key is to note which program is triggering the alert. Is it a specific game’s executable file (e.g., game_launcher.exe), or a piece of creative software like a video editor? This information is your first diagnostic step, as it points directly to the application whose dependencies are broken.

Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of the error message. This creates a reference point and can be incredibly helpful if you need to seek support from the software’s developer or online forums later.

Once you’ve identified the error, the next logical step is to scan your system for the file’s presence. A simple Windows File Explorer search for “msvcr110.dll” can reveal if the file exists at all. However, its absence isn’t the only issue; corruption is a real possibility. This is where built-in tools for system diagnosis become invaluable. The most direct tool is the System File Checker (SFC), a command-line utility that scans for and restores corrupted Windows system files. While we’ll cover running the SFC scan in detail as a fix in the next section, its initial use here is diagnostic. If the scan finds and repairs integrity violations, it confirms that system file corruption was the root cause. This systematic approach—from identifying the error message to using tools to verify the system’s state—transforms a vague problem into a defined, actionable issue.

• Verify the File Location: A correct installation of the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable should place msvcr110.dll in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. Its absence here is a strong indicator.
• Check Event Viewer: For a more technical look, open Event Viewer (type “Event Viewer” in the Start menu), go to Windows Logs > Application. Look for error-level events around the time your application crashed; they often contain more detailed information about the DLL failure.

By accurately diagnosing the msvcr110.dll issue, you move from random guessing to targeted troubleshooting, setting the stage for the specific, step-by-step fixes that follow.

How to Identify the Error Message

When the msvcr110.dll missing alert pops up, don’t just dismiss it—interrogate it. The specific wording and context of the error message are your first and most critical clues for an accurate diagnosis. While the core message is consistent, the details surrounding it can point to different underlying issues. Is the error triggered immediately upon double-clicking the application’s executable, or does it occur after a loading screen, perhaps when the software attempts to access a specific function within the DLL? This timing can hint at whether the file is entirely absent or merely corrupted and unreadable at a critical moment.

Pay close attention to the full path mentioned, if any. Sometimes, the error dialog might specify a location, such as a folder within the program’s own directory instead of the expected C:\Windows\System32. This is a significant clue, indicating the application might be trying to use a local, bundled version of the DLL that has become problematic, rather than the system-wide version. Jotting down the exact text is more valuable than you might think.

For example, an error stating, “The procedure entry point _except1 could not be located in the dynamic link library msvcr110.dll,” suggests a deeper mismatch. The file exists, but it’s the wrong version or is corrupted in a way that a specific function is missing. This moves the diagnosis beyond a simple “missing file” scenario.

Here’s a quick diagnostic checklist based on the error message:

What to Look For	What It Might Indicate
Error on application launch	The DLL is missing or the Visual C++ Redistributable is not installed/corrupted.
Error mentioning a specific function	The msvcr110.dll file is present but corrupted or is an incorrect version.
Error pointing to a non-system directory	A program-specific copy of the DLL is faulty; the system-wide version may be fine.
Error after a recent software install/update	A new program overwrote or conflicted with the existing DLL file.

This initial investigation is not just about confirmation; it’s about direction. A clear understanding of the error’s specifics will tell you whether you need to reinstall a single application, restore a system file, or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package entirely. With the problem accurately identified, you can confidently proceed to use the appropriate system tools for a definitive resolution.

Tools for System Diagnosis

Having accurately identified the error message, the next phase in your diagnostic journey involves leveraging the powerful utilities built directly into Windows. These tools move you from observation to confirmation, helping you pinpoint whether the msvcr110.dll missing alert stems from a localized software issue or a broader system file corruption. While the previous section mentioned System File Checker (SFC) in passing, its true power, along with other tools, is realized here in a dedicated diagnostic capacity.

The most direct tool for this task is the System File Checker (SFC). Running an SFC scan should be one of your first actions after noting the error details. This command-line utility performs a deep scan of all protected Windows system files, comparing their checksums against a known good version stored locally. If it detects a mismatch or corruption—including in critical DLL files like msvcr110.dll—it automatically attempts to replace the faulty file with a cached copy. To use it, open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and execute sfc /scannow. The scan can take 15-20 minutes, but its findings are definitive:

Interpreting the SFC Results:
* “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” This suggests the core system file is intact. The issue likely lies with the application’s installation or the Visual C++ Redistributable package itself.
* “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” This confirms system file corruption was the root cause of your DLL error.
* “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” This indicates a more serious issue, requiring advanced steps like running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair the Windows component store before re-running SFC.

For a more granular view, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) can be useful, especially if the error is related to gaming or graphics-intensive software. It provides a summary of your system’s components and drivers, which can reveal conflicts that might be contributing to the problem. Additionally, checking the integrity of your local Visual C++ installations via “Apps & features” in Settings can show if the necessary 2012 redistributable is even present. This systematic use of diagnostic tools transforms a vague system error into a clearly defined problem, paving the way for the precise, step-by-step fixes for the msvcr110.dll error detailed in the next section.

Step-by-Step Fixes for msvcr110.dll Missing

Excellent. You’ve correctly identified the problem, and now it’s time for action. This section details the most effective and safest methods to fix the msvcr110.dll error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. We’ll start with the most direct solution, which directly addresses the core dependency issue explained earlier.

The methods are listed in a logical order of escalation. Begin with Method 1, as it reinstalls the very library the error complains about. If the problem persists, Method 2 will scan for and repair broader system file corruption. Method 3 ensures your operating system and drivers aren’t causing a conflict. Follow these steps carefully.

A Word of Caution: Avoid the temptation to download the msvcr110.dll file from a “DLL download” site. This is a common pitfall. These files can be outdated, mismatched, or bundled with malware. The correct approach is to install the official Microsoft package that contains and properly registers the file, which is exactly what we’ll do first.

Proceeding through these structured fixes will methodically restore your system’s stability. Let’s begin with the primary solution.

Now, let’s move to the first and most crucial method: reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package.

Method 1: Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The most direct and reliable way to resolve the msvcr110.dll missing error is to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package it belongs to. As we established, this file is a component of the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable. Simply grabbing the DLL file from an unofficial website is a gamble with security and stability; the proper fix involves letting Microsoft’s installer place the file in the correct system directory (like C:\Windows\System32) and register it properly with the system. This method addresses the root cause for the vast majority of users.

Here is the precise, step-by-step process to reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable:

1. Uninstall the Existing Package: First, we need to remove the potentially corrupted installation. Press the Windows key, type “Apps & features”, and open the Settings page. In the search bar, type “Microsoft Visual C++”. Look for the entries specifically for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable” – you will likely see both x64 and x86 versions. Select each one and click “Uninstall”. Restart your computer after this step. This clean slate is crucial for a successful reinstall.

2. Download the Official Package: Visit the official Microsoft Download Center. For the 2012 version, you need the package labeled “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012”. Ensure you download both the x64 and x86 (32-bit) versions, as many applications require the 32-bit version even on 64-bit Windows. The official source guarantees you get a clean, virus-free file.

3. Install and Restart: Run the downloaded installers as an administrator (right-click the file and select “Run as administrator”). Follow the on-screen prompts. Once both installations are complete, restart your PC one final time. This restart ensures all system processes recognize the newly registered DLL files.

Why this works: This process doesn’t just add a file; it recreates the essential registry entries and system links that allow applications to find and use the msvcr110.dll library. It’s the equivalent of properly reconnecting a house to the electrical grid instead of just dangling a live wire nearby.

After the restart, try launching the application that was causing the error. In most cases, this will permanently resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the next step is to check for broader system file corruption, which we will cover in the following method.

Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)

If reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable didn’t resolve the issue, the problem may lie deeper within your Windows system files. This is where the System File Checker (SFC), a powerful built-in Windows utility, becomes your next line of defense. The msvcr110.dll file, while part of a separate package, is a protected system file once installed. Corruption can occur due to disk errors, failed updates, or other system glitches, leading to the persistent msvcr110.dll is missing error. The SFC tool is specifically designed to scan for and repair such corruption, making it an essential step for a comprehensive DLL error repair.

Running the SFC scan is a straightforward process, but it requires administrative privileges to function correctly.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Click the Start button, type “cmd”, right-click on “Command Prompt” in the results, and select “Run as administrator”. Click “Yes” if prompted by the User Account Control (UAC).

2. Execute the Scan Command: In the black command window, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
   The scan will immediately begin, checking the integrity of every protected system file. This process can take 15-30 minutes, so be patient and avoid interrupting it.

3. Analyze the Results: The tool will provide a clear report upon completion. The outcome dictates your next steps:

Understanding the SFC Scan Report:
* “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” Your system files are intact. The DLL error is likely application-specific.
* “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” This is a success! The corrupted msvcr110.dll has been replaced. Restart your PC and test the application.
* “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” This indicates a deeper issue with the Windows component store. In this case, you would need to run the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command before re-running SFC.

The SFC scan offers a robust, official method to fix DLL errors without third-party tools. By replacing a corrupted file with a known good version from a local cache, it directly addresses one of the common causes we identified earlier. If this scan repairs your system, the issue is resolved. If not, it’s time to ensure your entire system is up to date, which we will cover next.

Method 3: Update Windows and Drivers

If the first two methods haven’t resolved the msvcr110.dll missing error, it’s time to consider the bigger picture: your system’s overall ecosystem. Sometimes, the culprit isn’t a missing file or local corruption, but a compatibility rift caused by outdated software. Windows updates and driver installations are designed to improve security and performance, but they can occasionally introduce conflicts that disrupt existing dependencies. Ensuring your entire system is current is a crucial, often overlooked, step in achieving a permanent fix for the msvcr110.dll error.

An outdated Windows OS or an incompatible graphics driver can interfere with how applications access essential libraries. A recent Windows update might change core system behaviors that older redistributable packages rely on, while a new game-ready driver could optimize rendering in a way that inadvertently breaks the link to a required DLL. Updating forces a refresh of these core components, often resolving subtle conflicts.

Here’s how to perform a comprehensive update check:

1. Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install all available feature, security, and optional updates. These updates can include revised system files that improve compatibility with software dependencies. A restart is mandatory after this process.

2. Update Hardware Drivers: While Windows Update handles many drivers, for critical components like your graphics card, visit the manufacturer’s website directly.

   • For NVIDIA GPUs: Use the GeForce Experience app or the NVIDIA driver download page.
   • For AMD GPUs: Use the AMD Adrenalin software or the AMD driver support page.
   • For Intel GPUs: Use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

Why this works systematically: Updates patch known bugs and improve interoperability between the OS, hardware, and software layers. This holistic approach ensures that the environment in which the msvcr110.dll file operates is stable and current, eliminating version mismatch as a potential cause.

After completing these updates and restarting your PC, attempt to run the problematic application again. This method solidifies the repairs made by the previous steps, ensuring your Windows 10 or 11 system provides a fully compatible foundation for all your software. With the core software fixes complete, the next logical step is to explore advanced manual recovery options if the issue stubbornly persists.

Conclusion

By following this 2025 guide, you are now equipped with proven methods to permanently fix the msvcr110.dll error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you reinstalled the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable or ran an SFC scan, these steps are designed to restore your system’s stability. To ensure long-term performance, remember to regularly check for Windows updates, as this can prevent similar msvcr110.dll missing issues from reoccurring and keep your software running smoothly.