How Can I Resolve an ‘MSVCP120.dll Is Missing’ Issue?

Dynamic Link Library or DLL is a type of file that has instructions for third-party application about how to run specific operations. It is known as Dynamic because the app uses data only when it desires. Therefore, information is used only when necessary, rather than having all the time in the memory. .DLL files are very beneficial since applications working with .DLL files use less memory. If a .DLL file is upgraded to the latest version or removed from your PC, the application relying on it might not launch or cannot work well. This guide focuses on the ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ Windows 10 error although the methods presented here can resolve all .dll error.

When loading games or opening applications in Windows 10, you may get the following error message:” The program can’t start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.” Do not worry. This is a common problem with Windows 10 users. Fortunately, you can quickly resolve this issue. In this article, we will guide you step by step until you fix ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ issue. 

What is the ‘MSVCP120.dll is Missing’ Error and its Causes? 

Dynamic Link Libraries is the collection of modules that have instructions and data uses by Windows program to perform certain operations. Visual C++ Redistributable Packages use the MSVCP120.dll file. Visual C++ contains runtime packages and libraries for making different compilations of procedures, function calls, and other code aspects that function within integrated software environments. When any of the C++ package elements are removed, corrupted or does not function, the applications that rely on C++ might not launch, thus causing the following error: “The program can’t start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer.” 

Misconfigured system mainly causes the ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. Misconfigured system creates registry errors which may result in system crashes, computer freezing, blue screen of death, slow computer performance, lock-ups, and more. Also, malicious software can cause ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. Malicious software can attack your PC, damaging MSVCP120.dll file with viruses.  

Solutions to ‘MSVCP120.dll is Missing’ Error 

However, you can fix this issue using the below solutions. You do not have to try all the fixes, just work your way down the fixes until you resolve the error. 

Method #1: Using Advanced System Repair 

We highly recommend that you run a FREE scan with Advanced System Repair Tool – is an application that brings you all the tools you require to clean, fix, optimize, protect and boost the performance of your PC.  

ASR has a multi-scan element which intelligently scans and analyzes your machine within a few minutes and provide a well-organized detailed output or results for you. The program gathers crucial data about your PC, such as memory and CPU performance. In addition, it checks for junk files and continues scanning deeper into the system files. You can try it now for FREE by simply clicking the download button below: 

After scanning is done, you are shown the critical issues to fix, items to clean, and the amount of disk space to free up. 

Click Fix, Clean & Optimize Now to initiate the cleaning process. All the issues found on your PC will be resolved. 

This should fix your ‘MSVCP120.dll file is missing’ issue. 

Method #2: Check your Recycle Bin 

The MSVCP120.dll file is missing because you might have accidentally deleted it. Therefore, you should check first your recycle bin.  

Step 1 

Double-click on the Recycle Bin to open it. 

Step 2 

In the Recycle Bin, you will a list of deleted files and folders. If there are too many files in the recycle bin, click the search section then type MSVCP120.dll. This will locate the file immediately.  

Step 3 

Right-click on the file then select Restore. If you don’t find the MSVCP120.dll file continue to the next method. 

Method #3: Reinstall the Visual Redistributed Packages 

The MSVCP120.dll file is an essential file for the operating system and belongs to the Visual C++ Redistributable Package. Incorrect installation of the pack can cause ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. As explained earlier, you cannot launch games. To resolve the error, you need to download the whole redistributable package and install it. 

Note: Ensure to download the MSVCP120.dll file from the official Microsoft website to prevent any potential risk. Do not download the MSVCP120.dll file from any unofficial website because they are unapproved sources. Downloaded files from unapproved sources might be infected with viruses. 

Step 1 

Go to the official Microsoft website. Use the link below: 

Step 2 

Click the search icon at the top-right section of the page. Type redistributed c++ then hit Enter on your keyboard. 

Step 3 

You will see the search results. Choose Download Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio.  

Step 4 

Choose Language, then click the Download button. 

Step 5 

A new tab opens, where you are supposed to choose a file to download. First, you need to check if your system is running 32-bit or 64-bit via cmd. 

Step 6 

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open Run then type cmd. Press Enter on your keyboard or click OK. 

Step 7 

In the Command Prompt, type systeminfo then hit Enter on your keyboard. Now you will see whether your system type is x86-based or x64-based. 

Step 8 

Return to the download website then select which file type to download using the information you found. Click Next to start the download process. 

Step 9 

After the download is done, double-click on the downloaded file, and follow the instructions in the wizard to install successfully.  

Step 10 

Restart your computer to implement the changes. This should fix your ‘MSVCP120.dll file is missing’ issue. 

Method #4: Do a clean installation of the program 

You can fix “The program can’t start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer.” Issue by reinstalling the application you are trying to open. The program file may be corrupted, so performing a clean reinstallation might solve the problem. To do so: 

Step 1 

On your keyboard, press R + Windows key simultaneously to open Run. 

Step 2 

Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog and hit Enter on your keyboard or click OK. 

Step 3 

Programs and Features window appears you will a list of installed applications. Select the application that gives the error then click Uninstall/Change. In our case, the application that gives the error is BitTorrent, so we select BitTorrent then click Uninstall/Change. 

Step 4 

Follow the instructions to complete uninstallation. 

Step 5 

Restart your PC to enforce changes. Reinstall the program and check if you have fixed ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ problem. 

Method #5: Copy the MSVCP120.dll file from another PC 

Also, you can resolve ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ problem by copying MSVCP120.dll file from another PC and paste it to your own. Here are the steps: 

Step 1 

First, you need to find another PC that has the same Windows as yours. For instance, if your computer version is Windows 10 pro and system type is 64-bit, then ensure you find another computer with the same features. 

Step 2 

On that PC you find, open File Explorer by holding down Windows key + E on your keyboard.  

Step 3 

Go to this directory:  

C:\Windows\System32 

Then copy the MSVCP120.dll file from there. You can use a flash drive since it is portable. 

Step 4 

Paste the MSVCP120.dll file to the same directory on your machine: 

C:\Windows\System32 

Try opening the application again to check if you have resolved ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ problem. 

Method #6: Run the System File Checker 

Corrupt or broken files can cause ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. Luckily, Windows 10 has a built-in tool known as System File Checker that restores any faulty files in your system. 

Step 1 

Go to the taskbar, click the search icon or search bar. In the search box, type cmd then right-click on the first match and select Run as administrator.  

When you open command prompt as admin, you will see a User Account Control window is seeking permission to proceed. Click Yes. 

Step 2 

In the command prompt window, enter the following: 

sfc/scannow 

Press Enter. 

Step 3 

Your computer will be scanned for corrupted files and try to resolve them. After the scan is complete, you will see the results on the window.  

Step 4 

After finishing entering the commands, type exit and hit Enter to close the command prompt. 

Check to see if you have fixed ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. If not, continue to the next fix. 

Method #7: Run a virus scan for your machine 

As mentioned previously, malware or a virus can corrupt and infect your machine. Hence, causing ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. The only way to verify this problem is by doing a full scan of the system with the aid of an antivirus program. There are many antivirus programs. You can use whichever you prefer. 

Step 1 

Launch your antivirus program. Go to the taskbar, click the search icon or search bar, then type the name of your antivirus. Enter the first match. 

Step 2 

We highly recommend that you do a full scan. This may take some time. Avoid opting for a quick scan. 

Step 3 

Resolve any issues that you find. Restart your machine then check if ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error has been fixed. If not, continue to the next solution. 

Method #8: Check for Windows Updates 

When many users face the same problem, Windows launch a new version to fix all the existing bugs. Updating Windows is a quick and easy way to fix ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. Try updating to see if this resolves your issues. 

Follow the below steps to manually update your operating system: 

Step 1 

Go to the taskbar, click the Windows icon, then select settings. 

Step 2 

When Windows Settings tab appears, select Update & Security. 

Step 3 

Select Windows Update from the left pane, then click Install Now to check for updates and install them manually. 

Step 4 

After Windows installation, restart your computer to enforce the updates. Simply go to the taskbar, click on the Windows icon, press the power icon, and then select the Restart option. 

Continue to the next procedure if you are still encountering ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error.  

Method #9: Update Your Drivers 

As mentioned earlier, outdated drivers can cause ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. You need to update the outdated drivers. To do so: 

Step 1 

Go to the taskbar, click the search icon or search bar then type device manager. Enter the first match. 

Step 2 

In the device manager, you will view a list of devices that are connected to your PC. Locate the drivers that have a yellow warning sign next to them. The yellow warning sign indicates that the driver is outdated. Select the outdated driver then right-click on it and choose Update driver from the drop-down menu. 

Step 3 

A pop-up window appears asking how you would want to search for drivers. You will be given 2 options either search automatically for the updated driver software or browse my computer for driver software. The first option allows Windows to automatically search for the updates online while the second option needs the user to locate and install the driver manually. Using the last option requires having earlier downloaded the drivers. We advise you to choose the first option and continue following the instructions. 

Step 4 

Repeat step 2 and step 3 for other outdated drivers. Check to see if you have fixed the ‘MSVCP120.dll is missing’ error. 

Method #10: Updating Your Program 

Also, the outdated program can cause ‘MSVCP120.dll file is missing’ error. You should ensure that your program is updated to the newest version. If you aren’t using the latest version of the program, then immediately install it. 

Conclusion 

These are the best fixes to resolve ‘The program can’t start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem’ problem in your PC. These fixes have been tested and found to be effective fixes. Let us know which method worked best for you in the comment section below.