Fix msvcp110.dll Error - Complete Solution

Understanding the msvcp110.dll Error

The msvcp110.dll file is a critical component of Microsoft's Visual C++ 2012 runtime environment, specifically part of the Microsoft C++ Standard Library. This file contains essential functions that many C++ applications require to execute properly. When Windows cannot locate this file in the expected system directories, applications that depend on it will fail to start.

Where msvcp110.dll should be located:

• C:\Windows\System32\ (64-bit Windows, 64-bit DLL)
• C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ (64-bit Windows, 32-bit DLL)
• C:\Windows\System\ (32-bit Windows)

Common error messages you might encounter:

• "The program can't start because msvcp110.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."
• "msvcp110.dll not found"
• "Cannot find msvcp110.dll"
• "msvcp110.dll is missing. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem."
• Application crashes silently without error message (less common)

Why this error occurs:

• Missing Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable: The most common cause - the redistributable package was never installed on your system
• Corrupted installation: System crashes, incomplete updates, or malware infections can corrupt the DLL file
• Architecture mismatch: 32-bit application trying to use 64-bit DLL or vice versa
• Incorrect version: Your application requires a specific build of Visual C++ 2012 that isn't installed
• Registry issues: Windows registry may have incorrect entries pointing to non-existent or corrupted DLL locations
• Antivirus interference: Overly aggressive antivirus software may have quarantined or deleted the file
• Incomplete uninstallation: Previous software uninstallations may have removed shared components

Method 1: Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (Recommended First Step)

This method addresses the most common cause of msvcp110.dll errors: missing Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable package. Installing the correct redistributable provides the required DLL file.

1. Determine your system architecture:
   • Press Windows + Pause/Break or right-click "This PC" → Properties
   • Look for "System type" - it will show "64-bit operating system" or "32-bit operating system"
   • Note your system architecture
2. Download Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable:
   • Visit Microsoft's official Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable download page
   • Download vcredist_x64.exe (for 64-bit Windows)
   • Download vcredist_x86.exe (for 32-bit Windows, or for 64-bit Windows running 32-bit applications)
   • For 64-bit Windows, download BOTH x64 and x86 versions
   • Save installers to easily accessible location
3. Install x64 version first (if on 64-bit Windows):
   • Right-click vcredist_x64.exe → Run as administrator
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Accept license terms and click Install
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
4. Install x86 version (for 32-bit applications):
   • Right-click vcredist_x86.exe → Run as administrator
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Accept license terms and click Install
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure DLL files are properly registered
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
6. Test the application:
   • Launch the previously problematic application
   • Check if msvcp110.dll error is resolved
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 2

Why this works: msvcp110.dll is part of Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable. Installing the redistributable package places the DLL file in the correct system directories and registers it properly, allowing applications to locate and use it.

Method 2: Reinstall Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (If Already Installed)

If Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable is already installed but msvcp110.dll error persists, the installation may be corrupted. Reinstalling ensures a clean, working installation.

1. Uninstall existing Visual C++ 2012 Redistributables:
   • Open Settings (Windows + I) → Apps (Windows 10/11)
   • Or Control Panel → Programs and Features
   • Search for "Visual C++ 2012"
   • Uninstall ALL Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable entries (both x64 and x86)
   • Restart computer after uninstalling
2. Clean temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter
   • Delete temporary files (optional but recommended)
   • Empty Recycle Bin
3. Download fresh installers:
   • Visit Microsoft's official Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable download page
   • Download fresh copies of vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe
   • Ensure you download from official Microsoft website
4. Install redistributables as Administrator:
   • Right-click each installer → Run as administrator
   • Install x64 version first (if on 64-bit Windows), then x86 version
   • Follow installation wizard for each
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message
5. Verify DLL file exists:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
   • Search for "msvcp110.dll"
   • Also check C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ for 32-bit version
   • If DLL files exist, installation was successful
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure DLL files are properly registered
   • After restart, test the application
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 3

When to use this method: Use Method 2 when Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable is already installed but msvcp110.dll error persists, when DLL file exists but applications still can't find it, or when you suspect corrupted redistributable installation.

Method 3: Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause msvcp110.dll errors. Running SFC and DISM repairs corrupted files affecting DLL functionality.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"
   • Or search "cmd" in Start menu, right-click, select "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when User Account Control (UAC) prompts
2. Run DISM RestoreHealth:
   • Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • Press Enter - this repairs Windows component store
   • Process takes 15-45 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for "The restore operation completed successfully" message
3. Run System File Checker:
   • Type: sfc /scannow
   • Press Enter - this scans and repairs corrupted system files
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for scan to complete
4. Review SFC results:
   • "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations" → No issues found
   • "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them" → Files were repaired!
   • If files were repaired, restart computer
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all repairs
   • After restart, test the application
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 4

Why this works: Corrupted system files or component store can prevent DLL files from being properly registered or accessed. DISM repairs the component store, and SFC repairs corrupted system files, restoring DLL functionality and resolving msvcp110.dll errors.

Method 4: Manually Verify and Register DLL File

If DLL file exists but applications can't find it, manually verifying file location and registering the DLL can resolve the issue.

1. Verify DLL file exists:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
   • Search for "msvcp110.dll"
   • If file exists, note its location
   • Also check C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ for 32-bit version
2. Check DLL file properties:
   • Right-click msvcp110.dll → Properties
   • Check file size and date modified
   • If file size is 0 bytes or unusually small, file is corrupted
   • If file appears normal, proceed to registration
3. Register DLL file manually:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Navigate to DLL location: cd C:\Windows\System32
   • Type: regsvr32 msvcp110.dll and press Enter
   • Note: This may not work for all DLL types, but worth trying
   • If registration fails, DLL may not be registerable (this is normal for some DLLs)
4. Check application architecture:
   • Ensure application architecture matches DLL architecture
   • 32-bit applications need 32-bit DLL (in SysWOW64)
   • 64-bit applications need 64-bit DLL (in System32)
   • If mismatch exists, install correct redistributable version
5. Reinstall Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable:
   • If DLL file is missing or corrupted, reinstall redistributable
   • Follow Method 1 or Method 2 steps
   • This ensures DLL file is in correct location and properly registered

When to use this method: Use Method 4 when DLL file exists but applications still can't find it, when you suspect DLL registration issues, or when you need to verify DLL file integrity.

Method 5: Install All Visual C++ Redistributable Versions

Some applications require multiple Visual C++ Redistributable versions. Installing all versions ensures maximum compatibility and resolves msvcp110.dll errors caused by missing dependencies.

1. Download all Visual C++ Redistributable versions:
   • Visit Microsoft's Visual C++ Redistributable download pages
   • Download Visual C++ 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022 Redistributables
   • Download both x64 and x86 versions for each
   • Save all installers to easily accessible location
2. Install redistributables in order:
   • Start with older versions (2005, 2008, 2010)
   • Then install 2012 (which includes msvcp110.dll)
   • Then install newer versions (2013, 2015-2022)
   • Install x64 versions first, then x86 versions
   • Run each installer as Administrator
3. Restart your computer:
   • After installing all redistributables, restart computer
   • This ensures all DLL files are properly registered
4. Test the application:
   • Launch the previously problematic application
   • Check if msvcp110.dll error is resolved
   • Application should now have all required runtime libraries

Why this works: Some applications depend on multiple Visual C++ runtime versions. Installing all redistributable versions ensures all required DLL files are available, resolving msvcp110.dll errors and preventing similar errors with other runtime libraries.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Antivirus Software

Antivirus software may have quarantined or deleted msvcp110.dll. Check antivirus quarantine list, restore file if found, and add DLL file location to antivirus exceptions to prevent future issues.

Check Application Installation

Reinstall the application showing msvcp110.dll error. Application installation may include redistributable installation that was missed. Run application installer as Administrator and ensure all components install successfully.

Check Windows Updates

Windows updates may include redistributable updates. Install latest Windows updates, then check if msvcp110.dll error is resolved. Windows Update may provide updated redistributable packages.

Prevention Strategies

• Install redistributables proactively: Install Visual C++ Redistributables before installing applications that may need them
• Keep redistributables updated: Update redistributables when new versions are released
• Install both architectures: On 64-bit Windows, install both x64 and x86 versions for maximum compatibility
• Don't delete redistributables: Avoid uninstalling Visual C++ Redistributables unless necessary
• Check application requirements: Check application system requirements for specific redistributable versions needed
• Keep system maintained: Regular system maintenance prevents DLL corruption
• Backup before changes: Create system restore point before making system changes

When to Seek Professional Help

If all methods fail to resolve msvcp110.dll error, consider these scenarios:

• Persistent DLL errors: If msvcp110.dll error persists after all methods, deeper system issues may require professional diagnostics
• Multiple DLL errors: If multiple DLL errors appear, system-wide corruption may require professional repair
• Enterprise environments: In business environments, consult IT support before attempting advanced DLL repairs
• Application-specific issues: If error only affects one application, contact application support for assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between msvcp110.dll and msvcr110.dll?

A: msvcp110.dll is the C++ Standard Library component, while msvcr110.dll is the C Runtime Library component. Both are part of Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable. Some applications need both, some need only one. Installing the full redistributable package includes both.

Q: Do I need both x64 and x86 versions of Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable?

A: On 64-bit Windows, yes. 64-bit applications need x64 version, 32-bit applications need x86 version. Installing both ensures compatibility with all applications. On 32-bit Windows, only x86 version is needed.

Q: Will installing Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable fix msvcp110.dll error permanently?

A: Usually yes, if the error was caused by missing redistributable. However, if the error is caused by corrupted DLL file, system file corruption, or architecture mismatch, additional steps (Methods 2-5) may be needed.

Q: Can I download msvcp110.dll from the internet and copy it manually?

A: Not recommended. Downloading DLL files from untrusted sources can introduce malware or incompatible versions. Always install Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft's official website. Manual DLL copying may not register the file properly.

Q: Why does msvcp110.dll error appear after Windows updates?

A: Windows updates may modify system files or redistributable packages, potentially corrupting DLL files or changing registry entries. Reinstalling Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (Method 2) usually resolves update-related msvcp110.dll errors.