The “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll Not Found” error is a common issue faced by users of Windows 11 and 10 when trying to launch or install applications like Firefox, Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019, or games such as League of Legends. The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is an essential file needed by programs developed using Visual Studio. If you’re facing this error, it indicates that the system is unable to find this file, thereby preventing the software from launching. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to fix this error.
Also see: Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library Error Windows 11/10
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What is VCRUNTIME140_1.dll?
The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Libraries) file associated with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019. These libraries are needed to run applications developed with the corresponding Visual C++ version.
When an application requires VCRUNTIME140_1.dll, Windows checks the application and system directories to find this file. If it can’t find the file or if the file is corrupted, you may receive the “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found” error. This error can prevent the application from functioning correctly and can appear in different ways, such as:
- “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is missing”
- “The program can’t start because VCRUNTIME140_1.dll is missing from your computer.”
- “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.”
Useful tip: How to Know Which Process is Using a File in Windows 11
Common Occurrences of “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll Not Found” Error
The most direct consequence of the “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll not found” error is the prevention of the affected application from launching. This error can impact various applications, including Firefox, Microsoft Office 2016, and games like League of Legends. The specific effects of this error may vary depending on the software in question. For instance:
- Firefox: When the DLL file is missing, the browser may fail to open, presenting the error message “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found”. Reinstalling Firefox often does not rectify this issue.
- Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019: Applications within this suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, may not function without the DLL file.
- League of Legends and other games: Certain games, including League of Legends, may display the “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found” error and fail to launch. In many instances, reinstalling the game does not resolve the problem.
Related issue: “File not found or no read permission” in Windows 11
Reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
A common solution for this error is reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. You can do this by visiting Microsoft’s official website and downloading the latest supported versions (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022). Here’s how:
- Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
- On the webpage, you’ll find a table with links to different versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. You’ll need to choose the correct version based on your system architecture:
- ARM64: If your system uses ARM64 architecture, choose the ARM64 version.
- x86: If your system is a 32-bit (x86) system, choose the x86 version.
- x64: If your system is a 64-bit (x64) system, choose the x64 version. The x64 Redistributable package contains both ARM64 and x64 binaries, making it easy to install required Visual C++ ARM64 binaries when the x64 Redistributable is installed on an ARM64 device.
Learn more: How to Know If Windows 11/10 is 64-bit, 32-bit or ARM
Note: If you are running a Windows 11 system, it uses exclusively X64 architecture, so you should choose the X64 version. If you’re on Windows 10, you can check your system type by right-clicking on “This PC” and selecting “Properties”. Your system type will be listed under “System”.
- Once you’ve clicked the correct link, the download will begin automatically. Once the download is complete, double-click on the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the package.
By reinstalling these packages, you are ensuring your system has the most recent C++ features, security, reliability, and performance improvements. These updates can help restore the missing VCRUNTIME140_1.dll file, enabling your applications to run smoothly again.
Manually Copying the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll File
In case reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages or running the SFC tool does not solve the issue, another possible workaround involves manually copying the “vcruntime140_1.dll” file from a directory of an application that has it and pasting it into the directory of the application that’s causing the error. We will use Firefox as an example to illustrate this process:
- Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
- Navigate to the directory of an application that has the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll. An example directory could be
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeCore\114.0.1823.58. You can also try to find the file in theC:\Windows\System32directory.
- Locate the “vcruntime140_1.dll” file, right-click on it, and select “Copy”.
- Navigate to the directory of the application throwing the error. In our example, this would be the Firefox directory, typically found at
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox. In this folder, right-click and select “Paste”.
This method copies the “vcruntime140_1.dll” file into the directory of the problematic application, providing it with the file it needs to run correctly. After performing these steps, attempt to relaunch the application to verify if the issue has been resolved.
Note: The provided directory is an example. The exact directory where you can find the “vcruntime140_1.dll” file may vary depending on your system configuration and installed applications.
Running System File Checker (SFC)
Another method you can try to fix the “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll Not Found” error is to run the System File Checker (SFC) tool. SFC is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in system files and restore them. Here’s how you can use it:
- Press the Windows + X keys and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- In the command line, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. The SFC tool will now scan all system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at
%WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
This process may take some time, and it’s essential not to interrupt it. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the error persists.
VCRUNTIME140_1.dll File Location
If you wish to verify the presence of the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll file on your system, you can use the Windows search function. Press the Windows + S keys, then type “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll” and press Enter. If the file is present on your system, it should appear in the search results.
Typically, if you have installed the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages correctly, the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll file should be located in the c:\windows\system32 directory. However, it’s worth noting that this file may also often be included in the directory of the application or game that uses it. The location of the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll file can vary based on your system configuration and installed applications. Be sure to check both the system32 directory and the directory of the specific application or game that’s causing the error.
Conclusion
Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files, like the VCRUNTIME140_1.dll, may not be something that everyday users interact with, but they play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of our applications and software. These files are fundamental building blocks of many programs, providing the code that helps them run as expected.
When DLL files go missing or become corrupted, it’s common for applications to show errors. They might stop working altogether, much like trying to read a book with missing pages. The VCRUNTIME140_1.dll file is no exception, and its absence can affect any application that relies on it.
Although these DLL file missing issues are quite common, resolving them requires careful attention. It’s essential to follow trusted methods such as reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, running the System File Checker (SFC), or manually copying the DLL file from a trusted source on your own computer.
One word of caution: downloading DLL files from untrusted sites can risk your system’s security, exposing it to malware or other harmful software. Always stick to official sources and verified methods when attempting to fix these errors.
