Vcruntime140.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file that is essential for the proper functioning of certain software applications on Windows. It is a part of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, and it can be installed separately or through an application that requires it. However, there are times when you might encounter an error message saying that the vcruntime140.dll was not found, preventing you from using the related application. This error can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several ways to fix it. In this article, we will discuss some of the methods you can use to resolve a vcruntime140.dll was not found error in Windows.

Method 1: Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The most common cause of the vcruntime140.dll was not found error is the absence or corruption of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Hence, the first method to fix the issue is by installing or reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

Here are the steps to do so:

1. Go to the Microsoft website and download the appropriate package based on the version of Windows you’re using (x86 for 32-bit and x64 for 64-bit).

2. Run the setup file and click on the “Install” button.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Method 2: Restore vcruntime140.dll file

If you have accidentally deleted or lost the vcruntime140.dll file, you might receive the vcruntime140.dll was not found error. In this case, restoring the file from a backup or downloading it from a reliable source can fix the issue.

Here are the steps to restore vcruntime140.dll:

1. Open the Recycle Bin and check if you have accidentally deleted the file. If yes, restore it by right-clicking on it and selecting “Restore”.

2. If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, you can download the vcruntime140.dll file from a reliable source.

3. Open your web browser, search for “vcruntime140.dll download” and download the file from a reputable site.

4. Once downloaded, copy the file and paste it into the application’s folder that caused the error. For example, if you received the error message while opening Microsoft Office, paste the file to the Microsoft Office folder.

Method 3: Update Windows

An outdated or corrupted system file can also cause the vcruntime140.dll was not found error. Therefore, updating Windows to its latest version can fix this issue.

Here’s how to update Windows:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click on “Update & Security” and then click on “Check for updates”.

3. Windows will automatically check for updates and install them if any are found.

Method 4: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in Windows that scans for corrupted or missing system files and repairs them. Running SFC can fix the vcruntime140.dll was not found error if it’s caused by a corrupted system file.

Here are the steps to run SFC:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.

2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

3. The tool will now scan for corrupted system files and repair them if found.

Method 5: Perform a System Restore

If none of the above methods work, you can try performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous state where the vcruntime140.dll file was working correctly.

Here are the steps to perform a system restore:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “rstrui” and press Enter.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system.

In conclusion, the vcruntime140.dll was not found error can be fixed by following the methods mentioned above. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is an essential package that needs to be installed or updated depending on the requirement of the app. Also, restoring or downloading the DLL file and updating Windows are easy and effective solutions that can fix this issue. In case all the methods fail, you can try restoring your system to a previous state using System Restore.