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How to Fix "The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found"

Have you encountered the infamous "VCRUNTIME140.dll not found" error when attempting to open a Windows application? As a veteran software developer, I know this frustrating runtime error prevents games, apps, and programs from functioning properly on your PC.

Not to worry though – with some targeted troubleshooting, we can get your software back up and running. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you‘ll understand what causes this error plus have the steps to fix it for good. Let‘s dig in!

The Crucial Role of DLL Files

First, what is VCRUNTIME140.dll and what does it do? To understand the error, you need to know the critical role of DLL files.

DLL, or Dynamic Link Library, files contain collections of code and data that programs rely on to operate correctly. They work in the background to perform essential functions.

Specifically, the various VCRUNTIME dll files are part of Microsoft‘s Visual C++ Redistributables packages. These contain runtime components like libraries and executable files that apps need to execute – no software works in isolation!

So if these crucial supplementary dll files go missing or become corrupted, apps dependent on them will fail at launch.

Why Do DLL Errors Happen?

Corrupted, out-of-date or missing dll files are major causes of errors like "VCRUNTIME140.dll not found". Based on my experience, the main offenders are:

  • Software upgrades – New app versions often require updated runtimes. Without them, you‘ll get errors.
  • Incorrect uninstalls – Carelessly removing software can strip out vital dlls.
  • Malware attacks – Viruses and malware sometimes modify or delete dll files.
  • System file corruption – File errors make dlls inaccessible to programs.

DLL errors lead to a whole host of problems – crashes, lag, failure to open apps. Let‘s get this fixed right away!

Consequences of the VCRUNTIME140 Error

Before we move onto solutions, I want to emphasize why it‘s critical to promptly fix the "VCRUNTIME140.dll not found" error:

All apps relying on the VCRUNTIME140 runtime library will fail to start. This includes games, software, Windows Store apps – anything requiring those Visual C++ libraries.

You may experience system instability or further errors as corruption spreads across system files. DLL issues can have a cascading effect.

Performance issues like freezes or crashes become more likely when fundamental dll files are unavailable.

So while a missing VCRUNTIME dll seems like a minor error at first glance, resolving it quickly prevents bigger problems down the line!

Fixing "VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found"

With the scale of problems caused by missing runtime errors established, let‘s systematically walk through each troubleshooting step:

Step 1: Update/Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Since corrupted Visual C++ libraries are the primary cause of “VCRUNTIME140.dll not found” errors, the first fix is to update or reinstall them:

  1. Download the latest Visual C++ Redistributables for your system (VC 2017 – 2022).
  2. Run the installer and select repair/modify if possible. Reinstalling will replace missing files.
  3. Restart your PC when done.

This will update the VCRUNTIME dlls like VCRUNTIME140.dll to their latest, non-corrupted versions. Then see if the problematic apps now work.

If not, we‘ll need to directly replace the files themselves…

Step 2: Manually Download and Replace VCRUNTIME140.dll

If reinstalling the Visual C++ packages didn‘t do the trick, the VCRUNTIME140.dll file itself likely needs replacing. Corrupted system files can prevent the reinstallers from correctly updating dll versions.

Here are the manual replacement steps:

  1. Download a clean VCRUNTIME140.dll file from a reputable site like DLL-Files. Use the 64-bit dll for 64-bit Windows and 32-bit dll for 32-bit Windows.
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and C:\Windows\SysWOW64 via File Explorer.
  3. Copy the downloaded VCRUNTIME140.dll into BOTH folders, replacing existing copies. You may need admin permissions.
  4. Reboot your PC when finished for changes to take effect.

This will directly overwrite the corrupted dll file with a fresh copy. Now try running your affected applications again – they should launch!

Step 3: Update Graphics and Audio Drivers

Another cause of "VCRUNTIME140.dll not found" errors are outdated graphics and audio drivers. Software relies on these drivers to interface between OS and hardware.

So updating your display and sound drivers eliminates any conflicts:

  1. Open Device Manager: right-click the Windows button > Device Manager
  2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers" and right-click each device
  3. Select "Update driver" > Search Automatically for updated driver software
  4. Repeat for every audio and video related device
  5. Reboot when finished and test!

This will fetch the latest stable drivers tailored for your hardware and Windows version – updating any runtimes in the process.

Bonus Steps: Check System File Health

I encourage running a couple quick system maintenance commands after updating visual C++ and drivers just to ensure Windows system files are intact:

DISM scan to repair corrupt OS files:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

SFC scan to replace missing system files: 

sfc /scannow

Both scans require admin access – run them from an elevated Command Prompt window. They‘ll restore corrupted system files and dlls like VCRUNTIME140.dll to their original state.

This helps eliminate any lingering issues preventing apps from accessing the required dlls and runtimes.

When All Else Fails: Uninstall & Reinstall Offending Software

If Visual C++ repairs, driver updates, and system file scans failed to resolve "VCRUNTIME140 not found", the nuclear option is reinstalling the problematic application:

  1. Fully uninstall the app showing the error via Apps & Features or Control Panel
  2. Download the latest installer from the official website
  3. Carefully reinstall the application and pay attention to dependency prompts

Reinstallation forces a clean sweep and replacement of all dll dependencies like VCRUNTIME140 during first-time setup. Just take care to not accidentally remove anything vital in the process!

Avoiding "VCRUNTIME140.dll Not Found" Going Forward

While I‘ve thrown a ton of fixes your way, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to missing dll errors:

✅ Keep Visual C++ packages updated using the in-app Modify option
✅ Don‘t mess with dll files unless you know what you‘re doing!
✅ Update drivers/Windows/software regularly
✅ Use reputable uninstall tools like Revo Uninstaller
✅ Run periodic SFC and DISM scans to fix corrupted files

Follow those best practices and the whole "VCRUNTIME140 not found" headache can be avoided completely!

I hope this comprehensive troubleshooting guide has helped get those vital C++ runtime libraries back on track. Let me know if you have any other questions – happy to help!