DLL files are small but exceptionally important files that apps on Windows 10 need to run. If these files are absent, or they’ve been corrupted, the app that needs them to run may become unstable, or it may not open at all. Fixing them isn’t always simple because the files can’t be installed like an app. They’re part of a runtime or a library and aren’t distributed individually.
Fix “code execution cannot proceed MSVCP140.dll was not found”
If you’re trying to open an app and you see the following error message, there are several things you can try to fix it.
Error message
The code execution cannot proceed because C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedClickToRunMSVCP140.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem
Before you proceed though, take note of which app you’re trying to open when you get the above error message.
1. Re-register DLL files
The error is basically a DLL file that is either missing or that the app is unable to find. In many cases, re-registring the DLL file can fix the problem.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the path given in the error message.
- Look for the DLL file i.e., MSVCP140.dll.
- Hold down the Shift key and right-click the DLL file.
- From the context menu, select Copy as Path.
- Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
- Run the following command and replace the “path and filename of doll” with the path to the DLL file that you copied.
regsvr32 /u "path & filename of dll"
- Restart your system and run the app again.
2. Install/update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package
If the MSVCP.dll file isn’t present at the path given in the error message, the previous method won’t work. Instead, what you need to do is make sure you have Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installed, and that it’s up-to-date.
- Visit the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package distribution page.
- Expand the Other Tools and Frameworks section.
- Download the latest version of the redistribution package.
- Run the file and allow it to install.
- Once the installation is complete, run the app you were trying to open before and it should open.
3. Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package
It is possible that you already have Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installed but it is corrupted.
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs>Uninstall a program.
- Look for Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package, select it, and click Uninstall.
- Once Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package has been uninstalled, visit the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package page, and download the latest version.
- Install it, and restart the system.
- Launch the app you were trying to open before and it will open.
4. Reinstall the app
Installing and updating Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package and re-registering the DLL file won’t work if the app that you’re trying to open is corrupt. This can happen during updates or if you get a BSOD or the app crashes while it’s in use.
- Uninstall the app that is giving the error; open Control Panel and go to Programs>Uninstall a program.
- Look for the app, select it, and click Uninstall.
- Once the app has been uninstalled, download it again.
- Install the app, and restart the system.
- Run the app and it will open.
Conclusion
There is no telling what might cause problems with a DLL file but these files and any errors related to them will not result in data loss. They do indicate a corruption in the installation of either a distributable package or library or an app itself. If you have to fix the error over and over i.e., the DLL file keeps going missing or de-registring, it likely has to do with something that is corrupting it e.g., an update that’s failing to install. Examine what is running or being installed on your system and remove anything that tampers with libraries etc.