Reparar 2025 msvcp120.dll y socialclub.dll missing errors en Windows 10 y 11

Summary

Frustrated by a sudden “msvcp120.dll missing” or “socialclub.dll error Windows 11” message that stops your favorite game or app from launching? You’re not alone. These critical file errors are a common headache on both Windows 10 and 11, often disrupting your experience unexpectedly. But don’t worry—fixing them is easier than you think. This clear, step-by-step guide is designed to help you repair DLL files Windows 10 and newer systems quickly, starting with simple solutions and moving to advanced tools if needed. Let’s get your system running smoothly again.

Introduction to Missing DLL Errors in Windows

That dreaded pop-up. You’re moments away from diving into a game or launching a critical application on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, only to be halted by an abrupt error message about a missing .dll file. Specifically, the msvcp120.dll or socialclub.dll errors are among the most frequent and frustrating culprits. These errors don’t discriminate; they can strike any user, at any time, turning a smooth computing experience into a troubleshooting session.

But what exactly is a DLL file? Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) are essential shared code modules that multiple applications can use simultaneously. Think of them as common instruction manuals that different programs on your PC can reference, which helps avoid redundancy and saves system resources. However, this shared nature is also their Achilles’ heel. When a required DLL file like msvcp120.dll—a key component of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package—is accidentally deleted, becomes corrupted, or is overwritten by an older version, any application depending on it will fail to start. Similarly, the socialclub.dll is integral to Rockstar Games’ launcher and titles; if it goes missing, your access to those games is blocked.

A single missing or corrupted DLL can act as a linchpin, preventing otherwise perfectly functional software from running. The error is often a symptom of a deeper issue, not the cause itself.

The impact is immediate: applications crash on launch, games refuse to load, and you’re left with an unhelpful error code. While alarming, these DLL file errors are almost always repairable. The key is to approach the problem methodically, starting with the simplest solutions before moving to more advanced system tools. Understanding that these files are often casualties of larger system events—like incomplete software installations, problematic updates, or even malware—sets the stage for an effective repair strategy.

Let’s explore the common triggers for these disruptions to build a foundation for the fixes ahead.

Common Causes of msvcp120.dll and socialclub.dll Issues

Before you can effectively fix a problem, it helps to know what caused it in the first place. The sudden disappearance of critical files like msvcp120.dll or socialclub.dll rarely happens in a vacuum. These errors are typically symptoms of a few common system events. Pinpointing the likely trigger can save you time and help you choose the most effective repair strategy right from the start.

One of the most frequent culprits is an incomplete or faulty software installation or uninstallation. When you install a new game or application, it often places its required DLL files in specific system directories. If the installation process is interrupted—perhaps by a lost internet connection or a power outage—these files might not be copied correctly, leaving them corrupted or entirely absent. Conversely, when you uninstall a program, an overzealous or poorly designed uninstaller might mistakenly remove a DLL that other applications still depend on. This is a classic case of the shared nature of DLLs becoming a liability.

Another major cause is the installation of an older program that overwrites a newer DLL with an outdated version. For instance, an older game might install an ancient version of the msvcp120.dll file, replacing the current one that your modern system and other applications rely on. This version conflict can instantly break software that expects specific functions from the newer file. Similarly, Windows updates, while generally beneficial, can occasionally introduce conflicts. A system update might change a core component that interacts with these DLLs, leading to unexpected errors even if the files themselves are present.

Malware is a less common but serious cause. Some viruses and trojans deliberately corrupt or delete system files to destabilize your computer. While most modern antivirus software is good at preventing this, it’s a possibility worth considering if your system is behaving erratically beyond just the DLL error.

For Rockstar Games users, the socialclub.dll error on Windows 11 often has a more specific origin. It can be triggered by an outdated Rockstar Games Launcher, a corrupted game cache, or even a conflict with security software that incorrectly flags the launcher’s activity as suspicious and quarantines its essential files.

Common Cause	Typical Scenario	Affected DLL(s)
Faulty Installation/Uninstall	Interrupted game install; using a “cleaner” tool	Both
Version Conflict	Installing an old application after a new one	msvcp120.dll
Problematic Windows Update	A recent system update changes core dependencies	Both
Security Software Interference	Antivirus quarantining a file it deems suspicious	socialclub.dll

Understanding these common triggers demystifies the error message and shifts it from a random, frustrating event to a solvable technical issue. Now that we know what we’re up against, we can move on to the practical steps to get your games and applications running again.

Symptoms and Impact on Windows 10 and 11 Performance

The immediate consequence of a missing msvcp120.dll or socialclub.dll file is unmistakable: a hard stop. Your application or game simply won’t launch. Instead of the expected splash screen, you’re greeted with a modal error dialog that typically reads something like, “The code execution cannot proceed because msvcp120.dll was not found,” or “socialclub.dll is missing from your computer.” This is the primary symptom, a clear signal that a critical dependency is broken. However, the impact can ripple further, subtly degrading your system’s performance and stability. You might notice other, seemingly unrelated applications beginning to behave erratically or crash, especially if they rely on the same underlying Microsoft Visual C++ libraries. On Windows 11, in particular, these errors can sometimes interfere with the fluidity of the operating system, causing minor hiccups or delays as the system attempts and fails to load the required modules.

Unlike a full system crash, a DLL error is a targeted failure. It doesn’t mean your entire Windows installation is broken; it means a single, crucial link in the chain of commands needed to run your software has been severed.

The frustration is compounded by the fact that these errors often appear out of the blue. One day, your game runs perfectly; the next, after a routine Windows update or the installation of a new piece of software, it’s completely inaccessible. This unpredictability is a hallmark of shared library conflicts. For users trying to enjoy Rockstar Games titles, the socialclub.dll not found error is particularly disruptive, as it blocks access to the launcher itself, making any attempt to verify game files or update the software from within the application impossible. This effectively locks you out of your game library until the core issue is resolved.

Symptom	Direct Impact	Broader System Effect
Application Fails to Launch	Game/Software is unusable	None, if the DLL is app-specific
Error Message on Startup	Clear indication of the missing file	User confusion and frustration
Corrupted System File	N/A (if the cause)	Potential for multiple, cascading application failures

Fortunately, the very specificity of these errors makes them ideal candidates for a systematic DLL error repair guide. The problem is isolated, and the solutions are well-established. By addressing the root cause—whether it’s a missing runtime component, a corrupted system file, or an incorrect version—you can restore functionality completely. Recognizing these symptoms for what they are is the first step toward a fix, moving from panic to a methodical troubleshooting process.

Let’s move from understanding the problem to solving it with our first and often most effective repair method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repair Missing DLL Files

Excellent. The application reinstalling process is often the quickest path to resolving these specific DLL issues, as it directly addresses the most common cause we just identified. Let’s get started.

When that “msvcp120.dll missing” or “socialclub.dll not found” error first appears, your instinct might be to search for the individual file online. Resist that urge. Downloading DLLs from unofficial websites is a significant security risk; these files can be outdated, mismatched, or bundled with malware. The safest and most logical first step is to reinstall the application that’s generating the error. This process forces the installer to verify and replace all its necessary components, including the missing or corrupted DLLs, with clean, official versions.

For a game from Rockstar Games triggering the socialclub.dll error, the fix typically begins with the Rockstar Games Launcher itself.
1. Open the Settings menu in Windows (type “Apps” in the Start menu search).
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or “Apps & features” on Windows 10).
3. Locate the affected application—be it the specific game or the “Rockstar Games Launcher.”
4. Select it and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.
5. Once uninstalled, restart your computer. This crucial step clears any lingering processes from memory.
6. Finally, download the latest version of the software or launcher directly from the official Rockstar Games website and run the installer.

This method is highly effective because it resolves issues stemming from faulty installations, accidental file deletion, or version conflicts specific to that application. It’s a targeted repair that restores the ecosystem the software expects to run in. If the error persists after reinstalling the one program, it suggests a broader system-level issue, which is our cue to employ a more powerful tool. The System File Checker is designed for exactly this scenario.

Method 1: Reinstall the Affected Application

This direct approach is your first and best line of defense. When an application like a game or the Rockstar Games Launcher fails to start due to a missing DLL, the most straightforward explanation is that its own files have become compromised. A reinstallation doesn’t just replace one file; it refreshes the entire application environment, ensuring all dependencies are correctly registered and present. This method efficiently tackles the common causes we identified earlier, such as incomplete installations or accidental file removal by a cleanup utility.

The process is simple but requires attention to detail to be fully effective. Here’s how to properly reinstall an application on Windows 10 or 11 to resolve a DLL file error:

1. Access Your Installed Apps: Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings. Navigate to Apps and then Installed apps (on Windows 11) or Apps & features (on Windows 10).
2. Locate and Uninstall: Scroll through the list to find the problematic application. For a socialclub.dll missing error, this would be the “Rockstar Games Launcher.” Select it and click the “Uninstall” button. Follow any additional prompts to complete the removal.
3. The Critical Restart: After uninstallation, restart your computer. This is not an optional step. It ensures that any components of the application still loaded into your system’s memory are completely cleared out.
4. Perform a Clean Install: Now, visit the official website of the software (e.g., the Rockstar Games website) to download the latest version of the installer. Run it with administrative privileges (right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator”) to avoid any permission-related issues during the file-copying process.

A clean reinstall is often the fastest way to a permanent fix because it uses the application’s own, verified installer to reconstruct its required environment correctly.

This method is particularly successful when the error is isolated to a single program. If the msvcp120.dll missing error persists across multiple applications after this step, it strongly indicates a system-wide issue with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package itself. This logical progression—from a simple, targeted fix to a broader system repair—is the core of efficient troubleshooting. When a reinstall isn’t enough, it’s time to leverage Windows’ built-in repair tools.

Method 2: Run Windows System File Checker (SFC)

If reinstalling the application didn’t resolve the issue, the problem likely extends beyond a single program’s files. This is where the Windows System File Checker (SFC) becomes your most valuable ally. Built directly into Windows, this powerful command-line tool is designed to scan for and restore corrupted or missing system files, including core DLLs that are shared across multiple applications. When you’re facing a persistent msvcp120.dll missing error that affects more than one piece of software, it’s a strong indicator that the underlying system cache has been compromised. The SFC tool compares the integrity of your system’s protected files against a known-good cache and automatically replaces any incorrect versions it finds.

Running the SFC scan is a straightforward process, but it must be executed with administrative privileges to have the necessary permissions to repair system files.

1. Open the Start menu, type “Command Prompt,” or “cmd.”
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator.”
3. In the black window that appears, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. The scan will now commence. This process can take 15-20 minutes, so be patient and avoid interrupting it. The tool will display a progress percentage.
5. Once complete, SFC will present one of several results. The most common ones are:
   • “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” This means your system files are intact, and the DLL error has a different cause.
   • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” This is the outcome you’re hoping for. Restart your computer to ensure the repairs take effect.
   • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” This indicates a deeper issue, which we will address with an even more advanced tool in the next section.

The SFC /scannow command is a first-line defense for system-wide file corruption. It’s a safe, Microsoft-approved method to repair DLL files in Windows 10 and 11 without manually tampering with sensitive system directories.

This tool addresses the core instability that can lead to widespread DLL errors, effectively reversing the damage caused by problematic updates or malware. If SFC successfully repairs the files, your application should launch without the dreaded error message. However, if the scan couldn’t fix the problem, it’s time to escalate to the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, which can repair the very source that SFC relies on.

Method 3: Download and Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

Sometimes, the issue isn’t a corrupted file on your system but the complete absence of a foundational component. This is precisely the case with the msvcp120.dll missing error. As identified earlier, this file is a core part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package. Many applications, especially games, are built using this specific version of Visual Studio and require these shared libraries to be present on your PC. If you’ve never installed this package, or if it has been severely corrupted, simply reinstalling a single application won’t help—the underlying dependency is still missing. This method directly addresses that system-level requirement.

The solution is to install the correct Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. It’s crucial to get this from the official Microsoft source to avoid security risks. You’ll need the x64 version for 64-bit systems (the most common today) and potentially the x86 version for 32-bit applications.

Here is the direct, safe process to resolve this:

1. Identify Your Need: The msvcp120.dll file corresponds to the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable. You need version 2013, not a newer one.
2. Official Download: Go to the official Microsoft Download Center and search for “Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013.” The direct link is often https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40784.
3. Choose the Correct Version: Download both vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe. Installing both ensures compatibility with all applications.
4. Install with Privileges: Right-click each downloaded installer and select “Run as administrator.” Follow the on-screen instructions, agreeing to the license terms, and restart your computer after both installations are complete.

Installing the Visual C++ Redistributable is like adding a universal language pack to your PC, allowing a wide range of software to communicate with Windows effectively.

This step is a definitive fix for errors related to msvcp120.dll and other similar C++ runtime files. It’s a one-time installation that can prevent countless future errors. If your problem was specifically with this DLL, your application should now launch successfully. However, if the error persists or you are dealing with a different file, it indicates that while the runtime is now present, your Windows system image might still have deeper inconsistencies, which is our next focus.

Method 4: Update Windows and Drivers

While the previous methods focus on repairing existing components, sometimes the solution is simply to ensure everything is up to date. Outdated system software, particularly Windows itself and critical hardware drivers, can create compatibility gaps that manifest as perplexing DLL errors. An older version of a graphics or chipset driver might conflict with a recent Windows update, or a pending system update might contain a crucial fix for a known issue affecting library files like socialclub.dll. This method proactively closes those gaps, ensuring your system has the latest stability and compatibility patches.

Initiating this process is straightforward and should be part of your regular maintenance routine.

1. Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install all available updates, including any optional or driver updates listed. A restart will likely be required.
2. Update Graphics Drivers: This is critical for gaming. Outdated GPU drivers are a common source of instability. Visit your manufacturer’s website directly:
   • NVIDIA: NVIDIA Driver Downloads
   • AMD: AMD Driver and Support Page
   • Intel: Intel Download Center
     Use their automatic detection tools or manually select your product to get the latest driver. Avoid using generic third-party driver updaters, which can sometimes cause more problems than they solve.
3. Update Other Key Drivers: Visit your PC manufacturer’s support website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) and use your model number to find the latest chipset, audio, and network drivers.

A system update is more than a feature delivery; it’s a consolidated package of fixes that can resolve conflicts you might be trying to troubleshoot manually.

This approach directly addresses the “problematic Windows update” cause we identified earlier, as a new update often rectifies issues introduced by a previous one. If your socialclub.dll error on Windows 11 was triggered by a recent system change, a subsequent update is the most direct path to a resolution. After completing these updates, attempt to launch your application again. If the DLL error stubbornly remains, it suggests a level of system corruption that requires our most advanced, underlying repair tool.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Errors

When the System File Checker (SFC) reports that it found corrupt files but couldn’t fix them, you’ve reached a critical juncture in your troubleshooting journey. This usually points to a deeper issue: the local Windows image—the core repository from which SFC draws its repairs—is itself damaged. In such cases, you need a tool that operates at a more fundamental level. This is where the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool enters the picture. Think of it as a surgeon that repairs the operating system’s own recovery mechanism, enabling SFC to do its job correctly afterward.

Running the DISM command is a robust next step for resolving stubborn system file corruption that simpler methods can’t touch. It requires an internet connection, as it can source clean replacement files directly from Windows Update.

Here’s how to execute this advanced repair:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, just as you did for the SFC scan.
2. First, type the following command and press Enter to check the health of your Windows image:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   This command runs quickly and simply reports whether corruption is detected.
3. If issues are found, proceed with the actual repair by entering:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   This process will take significantly longer, often 10-20 minutes or more, as it scans and repairs the Windows component store. Do not interrupt it.

The DISM tool essentially performs surgery on Windows’ own installation, replacing corrupted core files with pristine versions from Microsoft’s servers. It’s the definitive step before re-running SFC.

Once DISM completes successfully, you must restart your computer and then run the sfc /scannow command again. With the underlying image now repaired, SFC will almost certainly be able to fix the previously unreparable files, including the problematic msvcp120.dll or system-level conflicts causing the socialclub.dll error. This one-two punch of DISM followed by SFC is the most powerful built-in software solution for persistent DLL file errors on Windows 10 and 11.

Having addressed even the most entrenched system corruption, you are now equipped with a complete toolkit to restore your system’s stability.

Using DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

The DISM tool is your final, most powerful line of defense when all other repair methods have failed to resolve a persistent DLL error. As introduced in the previous section, the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command is designed to fix the Windows Component Store—the very source that the System File Checker (SFC) relies on to perform its repairs. If SFC reports it cannot fix corrupt files, it’s a clear signal that the local image is compromised, making DISM not just an option but a necessity for a complete Windows image repair.

Executing this command is straightforward, but understanding what happens under the hood is key. Unlike SFC, which scans and repairs the active Windows installation, DISM connects to Windows Update to download and replace corrupted core system files with known-good versions. This process is akin to refreshing the foundation of your operating system, ensuring the essential building blocks are intact. It’s particularly effective for resolving cascading issues that stem from a botched update or deep-seated corruption affecting shared libraries.

To maximize the effectiveness of this advanced DLL troubleshooting step, follow this precise sequence:

1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Run the command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Allow the process to complete without interruption. This can take over 20 minutes.
5. Once finished, restart your computer.
6. Immediately after restarting, run sfc /scannow again.

This one-two punch of DISM followed by SFC is the definitive software-based solution for repairing a corrupted Windows image, clearing the path for all applications to access their required DLLs correctly.

This method addresses the root cause with surgical precision, eliminating the need for risky manual file downloads. By restoring the system’s integrity at the deepest level, you create a stable environment where errors like msvcp120.dll missing or socialclub.dll not found are permanently resolved, allowing you to get back to your games and applications with confidence.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have systematically addressed the root causes of the msvcp120.dll missing and socialclub.dll errors. From quick application reinstalls to deeper system repairs with tools like the DISM tool, these methods are designed to restore stability. To ensure long-term system health, remember to regularly check for Windows updates, as this simple habit can prevent many common DLL conflicts from occurring in the first place.