Last updated: · Complete guide to fixing 0xc000007b errors and missing MSVCP140.dll issues on Windows with step-by-step solutions.
- Root Cause: Missing Visual C++ runtime or 32-bit/64-bit architecture conflicts
- First Step: Install Microsoft's official VC++ 2015-2022 redistributables for both x86 and x64
- Additional Fix: Run system file repair commands → Reinstall affected apps
- Warning: Avoid downloading individual DLL files from third-party websites
Complete Windows Visual C++ Runtime Error Fix Guide
The 0xc000007b error and missing MSVCP140.dll messages that appear when launching apps on Windows are common issues faced by many users. These problems are typically related to Visual C++ runtime libraries and can be easily resolved with the right approach.
Error Symptoms and Root Cause Analysis
| Error Message | Primary Cause | Solution Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 0xc000007b The app was unable to start correctly | 32-bit/64-bit library conflicts, corrupted Visual C++ runtime | Install VC++ 2015-2022 x86/x64 → Reinstall app |
| MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll missing | Visual C++ 2015-2022 runtime not installed | Install official VC++ redistributable package |
| Bad Image or 0xc000012f | Corrupted DLL files, compromised file integrity | System file repair → Official runtime reinstall |
Downloading individual DLL files (like msvcp140.dll) from the internet and copying them to the System32 folder can create security risks and compatibility issues.
Immediate Solution Steps
1️⃣ Install Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
- Visit the Microsoft Official VC++ Download Page
- Download the following files from the Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 section:
- vc_redist.x86.exe (32-bit)
- vc_redist.x64.exe (64-bit)
- Run both installers (choose 'Repair' if already installed)
- Restart your computer after installation
※ ARM64 devices automatically receive ARM64 binaries when the x64 package is installed. Regular Intel/AMD PCs only need x86 + x64.
On 64-bit Windows, install both x86 + x64 to support 32-bit apps.
Tip: Download both installers, then restart for changes to apply.
Source: Microsoft Learn Official Documentation
Even on 64-bit Windows, many apps are still developed as 32-bit. Installing both 32-bit and 64-bit runtimes ensures all apps can run properly.
2️⃣ Test the App
- Try running the problematic app again
- If errors persist, update or reinstall the app to its latest version
- For games, use the 'Verify file integrity' feature on platforms like Steam or Epic Games
Detailed Troubleshooting Process
System File Repair
If issues persist after installation, proceed with Windows image/system file repair. The recommended order is DISM → SFC, and it's beneficial to run SFC one more time after DISM completes.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
- Execute the following commands in order (Command Prompt as Administrator):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthsfc /scannowIf needed, run
sfc /scannowagain to verify the results.
Local DLL File Cleanup
Some app folders may contain individually downloaded DLL files that can conflict with the system's official runtime libraries.
- Navigate to the installation folder of the problematic app
- Check for files like
msvcp140.dll,vcruntime140.dll - If these files exist, either backup them first (add .bak to filename) then remove/test, or reinstall the app to restore official DLLs.
Do not delete or replace DLLs in C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Only check the app’s own installation folder.
Additional Verification Steps
- Windows Updates: Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security, Windows 11: Settings → Windows Update; install the latest updates
- Graphics Drivers: For games or graphics apps, install the latest graphics drivers
- DirectX: Windows 10/11 maintains the latest DirectX through Windows Update. Some older games may require DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010)
Note: The DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010) installs legacy components (e.g., D3DX) and does not modify your OS’s DirectX version; Windows 10/11 get DirectX updates via Windows Update.
Common Failed Attempts and Correct Methods
❌ Methods to Avoid
- Downloading individual DLL files and copying to system folders
- Installing only 64-bit runtime while skipping 32-bit runtime
- Overwriting with older versions of Visual C++ runtime
- Downloading DLL files from unreliable websites
✅ Recommended Solution Sequence
- Install Microsoft official VC++ 2015-2022 redistributable packages (x86 + x64)
- Restart computer and test app execution
- If issues persist, run system file repair commands
- Reinstall or update the problematic app
- If necessary, update Windows and drivers
Resolution Process Checklist
| Verification Items | Complete |
|---|---|
| Visual C++ 2015-2022 x86 version installed/repaired | ☐ |
| Visual C++ 2015-2022 x64 version installed/repaired | ☐ |
| Unofficial DLL files removed from app folder | ☐ |
System file check (sfc /scannow) executed | ☐ |
System image repair (DISM) executed | ☐ |
| Computer restarted | ☐ |
| Problematic app reinstalled or updated | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I'm using 64-bit Windows. Do I really need to install the 32-bit runtime?
Yes, absolutely. Even on 64-bit Windows, many apps are still developed as 32-bit. Without the 32-bit runtime, these apps will continue to show MSVCP140.dll missing errors.
Q. Is it okay to have multiple versions of Visual C++ runtime installed simultaneously?
No issues. Visual Studio 2015–2022 (MSVC 14.x) toolsets are binary-compatible, so apps built with 2015/2017/2019 can run on the latest 2015–2022 Redistributable.
Q. In what order should I run the SFC and DISM commands?
We recommend the DISM → SFC sequence. DISM repairs the component store first, then SFC replaces/repairs system files. After completion, run SFC once more to check for any remaining errors.
Q. Can't I just download the DLL from the internet and put it in the folder?
No, you shouldn't. Due to security risks and compatibility issues, you must always install through Microsoft's official redistributable packages.
References
- Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads (Microsoft Learn)
- Using System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools (Microsoft Support)
- Steam: Verify Integrity of Game Files
- Epic Games: Verify Game Files
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