Nothing kills momentum faster than a program refusing to start because of a missing file. The MSVCP110 DLL not found issue fix is one of the most common yet completely solvable errors on Windows. Thousands of users face this exact message every day when trying to open games, design software, or everyday tools.
This error appears because Windows cannot locate a critical runtime file from Microsoft Visual C++ 2012. The good news is that you do not need to be a tech expert to make it disappear forever. Follow the proven steps below, and your applications will launch smoothly again.
Why the MSVCP110 DLL Not Found Message Appears
The file belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable package. Applications built with Visual Studio 2012 look for this exact DLL at launch. When Windows cannot find it, the program stops instantly with the familiar warning.
Corruption, accidental deletion, or failed updates are the usual culprits. Sometimes a simple program uninstall removes shared files that other software still needs. Understanding the cause helps you choose the fastest and safest fix.
Users on Windows 7 through Windows 11 all report this problem. Modern 64-bit systems often need both 32-bit and 64-bit versions installed. Missing just one triggers the same frustrating pop-up.
“One tiny missing file can stop dozens of programs cold. Fix it once and enjoy peace of mind.”
Immediate Symptoms You Will Notice
A clear pop-up states the program cannot start because MSVCP110 dll is missing. Some versions add “try reinstalling the program” as advice. The affected application closes right away.
Games like GTA V, Adobe Photoshop, or AutoCAD refuse to open completely. You might see brief loading screens before the error appears. Multiple programs can fail one after another if they share a dependency.
System performance itself stays normal until you launch a dependent app. The error is isolated but feels widespread because popular software uses this library. Recognizing these signs confirms you are dealing with the exact issue this guide solves.
Dangerous Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Never download MSVCP110 dll from random websites offering single-file fixes. Most of these sites bundle viruses, trojans, or ransomware. Your computer becomes infected the moment you run the fake file.
Placing a copied DLL into the System32 or SysWOW64 folders rarely works long-term. Windows security blocks unsigned files or ignores them. Even if it seems to work, new errors appear within days.
Ignoring the problem and clicking “OK” repeatedly wastes time. The file stays missing, and programs stay broken. Quick but wrong solutions create bigger headaches later.
Preparation Steps Before Starting the Fix
Create a restore point in case anything unexpected happens. This takes thirty seconds and gives you a full safety net. Open System Protection and click Create to make one now.
Close all running programs to avoid file locks during repairs. Restart Windows in Clean Boot if errors persist after fixes. This loads minimal services and speeds up troubleshooting.
Check your Windows architecture in Settings > System > About. Note whether it says 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. This detail decides which packages you must install.
Fastest Fix: Install Official Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable
Download the genuine package directly from Microsoft. Choose both vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe files. Run each installer and accept all defaults.
Restart your computer after both are finished installing. Windows registers the new DLL automatically during boot. Open the previously broken program to confirm success.
This method works for over ninety percent of users. The files carry Microsoft’s digital signature, so Windows trusts them completely. Your system stays clean and fully protected.
“The official redistributable is the only fix Microsoft supports and the one that never fails.”
How to Know Which Version You Need
64-bit Windows can run both 32-bit and 64-bit programs. Install the x86 package for 32-bit apps and x64 for 64-bit apps. Installing both covers every possible program on your machine.
Look inside the program’s folder or properties to see if it is 32-bit or 64-bit. Most games and creative tools are still 32-bit even on 64-bit Windows. When in doubt, install both versions.
Check Programs and Features after installation. You should see Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86) and (x64) listed. Their presence confirms the DLL is now available.
Repair Option for Existing Installations
Open Programs and Features in Control Panel. Locate any Visual C++ 2012 entries. Right-click and choose Change, then Repair.
The repair wizard scans and replaces damaged files automatically. No download is needed if the package is already present. Restart when prompted to finish.
Use this when a fresh install feels unnecessary. It saves bandwidth and time. Many users fix the error in under two minutes this way.
Running System File Checker for Hidden Corruption
Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait while Windows scans all protected files.
The tool automatically replaces corrupted copies with healthy ones. It pulls replacements from a local cache or Windows Update. Restart after the scan completes.
This step catches corruption that the redistributable might miss. It repairs hundreds of other system files at once. Beginners love its one-command simplicity.
Advanced Image Repair with DISM Tool
Open the Admin Command Prompt again. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Allow it to finish even if it seems slow.
DISM repairs the Windows component store that SFC relies on. It downloads fresh files from Microsoft if local copies are damaged. Run SFC again afterward for maximum effect.
Combine both tools for stubborn cases. Together, they restore perfect system health. Professionals use this exact sequence daily.
“SFC and DISM are Microsoft’s built-in superheroes for fixing corrupted system files fast.”
Full Malware Scan to Rule Out Infections
Launch Windows Security or your trusted antivirus. Choose Full scan and start the process. Remove everything it flags as dangerous.
Some malware specifically deletes or blocks Visual C++ files. Cleaning infections can restore the missing DLL instantly. Schedule weekly scans to prevent repeats.
Update definitions before scanning for best results. Modern threats evolve quickly. Staying current keeps protection strong.
Windows Update for Missing Patches
Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install everything listed, including optional updates. Restart when asked.
Microsoft sometimes releases hotfixes that include updated runtime libraries. Keeping Windows current prevents many DLL errors. Enable automatic updates for hands-off protection.
Review the update history afterward. Look for successful Visual C++ related entries. This confirms the latest versions are active.
Reinstall the Problem Program as Targeted Fix
Open Settings > Apps and find the broken application. Click Uninstall and confirm. Download a fresh copy from the official developer site.
Run the new installer completely. Most programs automatically detect and use the existing redistributable. This clears program-specific corruption quickly.
Use this when only one app fails after the system-wide fix. It refreshes internal references to the DLL. Many games resolve this way instantly.
System Restore to Undo Recent Damage
Search for Create a restore point. Click System Restore and choose a date before the error started. Follow the wizard to roll back changes.
Windows reverts system files and settings to that point. Personal documents stay untouched. The missing DLL often reappears perfectly.
Create restore points before big updates or installs. They become lifesavers when things go wrong. This method fixes issues caused by recent changes.
Disk Error Check and Repair
Open This PC, right-click your main drive, and choose Properties. Go to the Tools tab and click Check under Error checking. Select Scan and repair drive.
Bad sectors can corrupt DLL files over time. The tool marks them and moves data to healthy areas. Restart to let it finish if the drive is in use.
Regular disk maintenance prevents future file loss. Combine with defragmentation on HDDs for best results. SSDs skip defrag and use TRIM instead.
Prevention Habits That Stop the Error Forever
Install every Visual C++ redistributable from 2005 to 2022 once. Keep them all on your system permanently. New programs rarely bring their own copies anymore.
Never abort Windows updates mid-process. Let them finish and restart properly. Interrupted updates are a top cause of missing DLLs.
Use a UPS or surge protector to avoid sudden shutdowns. Power loss corrupts open files instantly. Stable electricity protects your entire system.
Quick Reference Fix Table
| First time seeing error | Redistributable → Restart | 5 mins |
| Error returns after a week | SFC → DISM → Redistributable | 20 mins |
| Only one program fails | Reinstall program → Redistributable | 10 mins |
| After Windows update | System Restore → Redistributable | 15 mins |
| Suspicious slowdowns too | Full antivirus → Redistributable | 30+ mins |
This table lets you jump straight to the right solution. Bookmark it for future reference. Speed and accuracy save hours of frustration.
Gaming Specific Solutions That Work
Steam, Epic, and Origin games often trigger this error. Install all Visual C++ packages before launching new titles. Many gamers keep a folder with every version ready.
Verify game files through the launcher after fixing the DLL. This replaces any corrupted game-side copies. Combined steps give rock-solid launches.
Backup save files before major fixes. Cloud saves are usually safe. Local saves need manual copying to prevent loss.
Creative Software and Professional Tools
Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk, and Corel apps depend heavily on this DLL. Install both x86 and x64 packages before opening them. Updates sometimes break older installations.
Run the Adobe Cleaner Tool if Photoshop still complains. It removes leftover registry entries cleanly. Fresh installs work perfectly afterward.
Save projects to the cloud or external drives during fixes. Work continuity stays intact. Professionals cannot afford to lose hours.
Educational and Legacy Software Compatibility
Older learning programs from the 2010s almost always need Visual C++ 2012. Schools and universities face this on lab computers constantly. Bulk installation scripts solve it across hundreds of machines.
Run in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or 8 if needed. Right-click the executable and adjust settings. Legacy apps spring back to life.
Document working configurations for future deployments. Templates save enormous time. Consistency across classrooms improves learning.
Registry Impact and Safe Cleaning
The registry stores paths to MSVCP110 dll for every program. Corrupted keys cause “not found” errors even when the file exists. Trusted cleaners fix this safely.
Always back up the registry before cleaning. One-click export takes seconds. Restoring is just as fast if something goes wrong.
Avoid manual registry edits unless you are advanced. Tools handle complexity accurately. Peace of mind comes from automation.
“A clean registry and genuine DLL files create the perfect foundation for error-free computing.”
Virtual Machines for Risk-Free Testing
Create a Windows VM using VirtualBox or Hyper-V. Test fixes there before touching your main system. Everything works the same, but stays isolated.
Snapshot the VM before changes. Revert instantly if anything breaks. Learning becomes completely safe and repeatable.
Export working VMs as templates. Deploy fresh testing environments anytime. Efficiency skyrockets for frequent troubleshooters.
Cloud Workarounds When Local Fixes Fail
Shift work to cloud versions of affected software temporarily. Office 365, Photoshop online, or game streaming bypasses local DLL issues. Internet connection becomes the only requirement.
Performance is surprisingly good on decent connections. Input lag is minimal for most tasks. Temporary relief keeps productivity flowing.
Use this while permanent local fixes are complete. No downtime means no stress. Hybrid approaches win every time.
Real Success Stories from Users
Countless Reddit and forum posts celebrate the redistributable fix. Users report games launching after months of errors. Gratitude fills comment sections.
IT professionals share how they fixed entire office networks in minutes. Scripts deploy packages silently across domains. Efficiency stories inspire others.
Home users with zero tech background follow these steps and succeed. Confidence grows with each fixed program. Empowerment feels amazing.
Microsoft’s Official Stance and Support
Microsoft clearly states to use only the official redistributable packages. Their support articles repeat this advice consistently. Following it guarantees compatibility.
Windows Update sometimes pushes newer Visual C++ versions automatically. Accept them without worry. They never break older programs.
Report persistent issues through Feedback Hub. Real user data improves future updates. Your voice helps everyone.
Emotional Relief After Fixing the Error
The moment the program finally opens feels like victory. Months of frustration melt away instantly. Smiles replace frowns across the screen.
Sharing the fix with friends spreads joy further. Helping others feels rewarding. Community bonds strengthen through shared success.
Confidence in handling future errors skyrockets. Knowledge becomes permanent armor. Peace of mind is priceless.
Long-Term Benefits of Proper Fixes
Stable systems run faster overall. No more background error checking slows things down. Every click feels snappier.
Software updates install without mysterious failures. Compatibility issues vanish permanently. Your computer ages gracefully.
Teaching others becomes easy and fun. You become the go-to helper in your circle. Respect and gratitude follow naturally.
In conclusion, solve the MSVCP110 DLL not found issue by installing both official Visual C++ 2012 Redistributables, running SFC and DISM scans, and keeping Windows updated for permanent results.