How to Fix Missing DLL Errors When Running a Program

How to Fix Missing DLL Errors When Running a Program

You double-click a program expecting it to launch, but instead Windows displays an error message such as:

• "The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found."
• "MSVCP140.dll is missing."
• "ucrtbased.dll was not found."
• "Application failed to start because a required DLL file is missing."

Many users immediately search Google and download DLL files from random websites.

Unfortunately, that approach often creates more problems than it solves.

In my experience as a support engineer, manually downloading DLL files is one of the most common causes of malware infections and application instability.

The correct fix depends on identifying why the DLL is missing in the first place.

What Is a DLL File?

DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library.

Think of a DLL as a shared toolbox that multiple programs use.

Instead of every application including the same code repeatedly, Windows and software developers place common functions inside DLL files.

When those files are missing, corrupted, or incompatible, the application cannot start.

Why DLL Errors Occur

Common causes include:

Cause	Description
Incomplete software installation	Required files were never installed
Corrupted application files	Files damaged during updates
Missing Visual C++ Runtime	Required Microsoft libraries absent
Antivirus quarantine	Security software removed a file
Accidental deletion	User deleted program files
Storage corruption	Drive errors damaged files
Developer packaging mistake	Application shipped incorrectly

Common DLL Error Messages

VCRUNTIME140.dll Missing

Usually indicates a Visual C++ Redistributable problem.

MSVCP140.dll Missing

Often appears with games and professional software.

api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Missing

Typically related to Universal C Runtime installation issues.

ucrtbased.dll Missing

This error is different.

The "d" at the end stands for Debug.

This file is normally used by developers during testing and is not included with standard Visual C++ Redistributables. If an application requires ucrtbased.dll, it may have been compiled in Debug mode rather than Release mode.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Program closes immediately
• Application never opens
• Windows error popup appears
• Games fail to launch
• Software crashes during startup
• Missing DLL message after update

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Reboot the Computer

Simple but worth trying.

Temporary file locking or update-related issues can sometimes trigger DLL errors.

Step 2: Reinstall the Application

This is often the fastest fix.

1. Open Settings
2. Apps
3. Installed Apps
4. Uninstall the affected program
5. Download a fresh copy from the official source
6. Reinstall

A reinstall restores missing program-specific DLL files.

Step 3: Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Many applications depend on Microsoft's runtime libraries.

Install the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable packages.

This resolves many VCRUNTIME and MSVCP errors.

Step 4: Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

sfc /scannow

This checks Windows system files and repairs corruption.

Step 5: Run DISM

If SFC reports problems:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completion:

sfc /scannow

This combination repairs many Windows component store issues.

Step 6: Check Antivirus Quarantine

Review:

• Windows Security
• Defender Protection History
• Third-party antivirus quarantine

Occasionally a legitimate DLL is incorrectly removed.

Step 7: Verify Application Compatibility

Older software may require:

• Legacy runtimes
• .NET Framework versions
• DirectX components

Check the software vendor's requirements.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the Missing File Is ucrtbased.dll

This deserves special attention.

Unlike normal runtime DLLs, ucrtbased.dll is a Debug library used by developers.

If a consumer application requires this file:

• The developer may have released a Debug build
• The software package may be incomplete
• The application may not have been intended for public distribution

Installing Visual Studio Code will not resolve this issue because Visual Studio Code is not the same product as Visual Studio. This confusion appeared in the Reddit discussion as well.

In such cases:

1. Contact the software developer
2. Request a Release build
3. Download an updated version
4. Check project documentation

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

Do Not Download Random DLL Files

Many DLL download sites bundle:

• Malware
• Adware
• Incompatible versions

Do Not Copy DLLs Between Computers

Version mismatches can create new problems.

Do Not Replace System32 Files Manually

Incorrect replacements can destabilize Windows.

Prevention Tips

Download Software Only From Official Sources

Reduces the risk of incomplete installations.

Keep Visual C++ Packages Updated

Many applications depend on them.

Maintain Windows Updates

Security and runtime components remain current.

Create Restore Points

Before major software installations.

Most DLL errors are caused by missing runtimes, corrupted installations, or damaged Windows components. Start with the safest solutions: reinstall the application, install Visual C++ Redistributables, and run SFC and DISM repairs.

If the error specifically mentions ucrtbased.dll, the issue may actually be with how the application was built rather than with Windows itself. In that situation, obtaining a properly compiled Release version from the developer is usually the correct solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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