If you’re using Windows 10, you might encounter the MSVCR120.dll is missing error at some point.
This error can be frustrating, especially when it prevents you from launching certain applications or games.
Understanding what this error means, its causes, and how to fix it can help you restore your system’s functionality quickly.
What Does the MSVCR120.dll is Missing Error Mean?
The MSVCR120.dll is missing error indicates that the MSVCR120.dll file, which is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, is either missing or corrupted.
This dynamic link library (DLL) file contains essential runtime components required by many applications built with Microsoft Visual C++.
When the system cannot locate this file, it triggers the error message, preventing the application from starting.
Common Causes of the MSVCR120.dll is Missing Error
Several factors can lead to the MSVCR120.dll is missing error, including:
- Incomplete Installation: If an application or game was not installed correctly, it may not have registered the necessary DLL files.
- Corrupted System Files: Corruption in the system files can lead to missing or inaccessible DLL files.
- Malware Infection: Some malware may delete or corrupt DLL files to cause instability in your system.
- Outdated or Missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable: The MSVCR120.dll file is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable package. If this package is outdated or not installed, the error may occur.
- Accidental Deletion: Users may accidentally delete important files, including DLLs, leading to errors when trying to launch programs.
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Fix 1 – Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable Package
Visual C++ Redistributable Package for Visual Studio contains the file MSVCR120.dll which is installed automatically when you download the package.
Sometimes, while installing the package MSVCR120.dll file is not installed properly. So the error “MSVCR120.dll is missing” appears.
So, reinstalling the package again can help in fixing the error. Follow the below steps to fix this error:
1. Follow the link Visual C++ Redistributable Package download now according to your preference choose the Language and click on the Download button.
2. Now, you need to select the version of the file according to your windows version. For example, choose the option x64.exe for the 64-bit version and x86.exe for the 32-bit version of windows.
In case you need to know the version of windows in which you are working follow the steps:
- Open Run box by pressing the Windows and R key collectively from the keyboard.
- Type control panel in Run box and click Ok button. A new window will appear. Now, click on System and Security and then again a window will appear and choose the option System.
- The field system type will display the version of the Windows of your system.
3. Now, download the version of the file according to your windows version and click Next.
4. After downloading the file, follow the instructions provided to install it in your system.
5. The last step is to Restart the system and check if the program is running correctly.
Fix 2 – Reinstall the Program Affected by Error
Many times, uninstalling the program causing an error and then installing it again can help in fixing the error “MSVCR120.dll is missing”.
The file downloaded while installing may be corrupted, so doing clean installing of the program can resolve the error. Perform the below steps to achieve this:
1. Open Run box by pressing the Windows and R key collectively from the keyboard.
2. You need to type appwiz.cpl in Run box and click OK button.
3. The next step is to look for the program causing an error and then right-click the program and click Uninstall. For example, program Share it is causing a problem, so right click it and click on option Uninstall.
4. Popup will appear to confirm your deletion. Click OK if you are sure about your deletion.
5. Program will be uninstalled from your system. Now, Restart your system and install the program again and check whether it is working correctly now.
Fix 3 – Copy the File From Another System
Another solution for fixing the error “MSVCR120.dll is missing” is copying the same file from one system to another.
The system from which file is to be copied should have the same configuration and OS as the system on which file will be copied.
Also, external storage devices are used to copy the file from one system to another. Follow the below steps to do this:
1. Look for the system that runs on the same Operating System as yours. Also the version of the system either it is windows 10,8.1 or 7 and architecture of system- 64 bit or 32 bit should be the same as yours.
2. Now open File Explorer by pressing the keys Windows and E collectively. Now go to the path C:\Windows\System32, i.e., first click on C drive and then open the folder Windows and at last click on System32 folder. Search for the file MSVCR120.dll in the system and then copy the file.
3. The last step is to copy the file MSVCR120.dll on your system on the same path(C:\Windows\System32).
Launch the program again, and it should be working correctly now.
Fix 4 – System Scan
Virus in the system may also render the .dll file from running. Also, an error like “.dll file is missing” is due to the trojan which pretends to be .dll file but is actually malware.
Now to solve this, scan your whole system using any antivirus program. Prefer to use Panda, Avira instead of using Windows Defender.
The process of scanning will consume a lot of time to wait for some time for the process to complete. After scanning the whole system, Restart your system and check if it is working properly.
The system scanning is the easiest and also the effective way to fix the “MSVCR120.dll is missing” error.
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Final Words
Hence, if error “MSVCR120.dll is missing” occurs in your system follow the above instructions step by step, and you will be able to fix MSVCR120.dll is missing error easily.
FAQs About the MSVCR120.dll is Missing Error
The MSVCR120.dll is missing error is a common issue that Windows users encounter when trying to run applications that rely on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) that explain the error, its causes, and how to resolve it.
1. What is MSVCR120.dll?
MSVCR120.dll is a dynamic link library (DLL) file associated with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. It contains essential runtime components needed for applications developed with Visual C++. If this file is missing or corrupted, programs that depend on it will fail to launch.
2. What does the MSVCR120.dll is missing error mean?
The error indicates that the MSVCR120.dll file is either not found on your system, is corrupted, or the application cannot access it. This prevents applications that require this DLL from starting correctly, resulting in an error message.
3. What causes the MSVCR120.dll is missing error?
Common causes include:
- Incomplete installation of an application or game.
- Corrupted system files or software.
- Malware infections that delete or alter DLL files.
- Accidental deletion of the MSVCR120.dll file.
- Outdated or missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
4. How do I fix the MSVCR120.dll is missing error?
Here are several solutions to resolve the error:
- Reinstall or repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted system files.
- Check for malware by running a full antivirus scan.
- Restore the MSVCR120.dll file from the Recycle Bin if it was deleted.
- Reinstall the application or game that is causing the error.
5. Where can I download the MSVCR120.dll file?
It’s recommended to download the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable directly from the official Microsoft website rather than downloading the DLL file from third-party sites, which can be risky and may contain malware.
6. Can I just copy the MSVCR120.dll file from another computer?
While you might be tempted to copy the file from another computer, this is not recommended. The file may not be compatible due to different system configurations, and it’s better to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package.
7. What should I do if reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable doesn’t fix the error?
If reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable does not resolve the issue, try:
- Running the SFC scan to check for other corrupted system files.
- Ensuring that your Windows operating system is updated.
- Checking for any recently installed software that may be conflicting with existing applications.
8. How can I check if my Visual C++ Redistributable is up to date?
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates to ensure you have the latest updates installed, which may include updated redistributables.
9. Does this error occur only on Windows 10?
No, the MSVCR120.dll is missing error can occur on any version of Windows that uses applications built with Visual Studio 2015, including Windows 7, 8, and 10.
10. Can I prevent the MSVCR120.dll is missing error from occurring?
To minimize the risk of encountering this error:
- Regularly update your software and drivers.
- Use reputable antivirus software to protect against malware.
- Be cautious when uninstalling applications to avoid accidentally removing essential components.