Solution msvcr120.dll Missing Error - Complete Fix Guide
🔧 DLL Missing Error
Missing: msvcr120.dll
Cause: Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable not installed
Fix Time: 10 minutes
Application launch fails: "Can't start because msvcr120.dll is missing from your computer". Program refuses to execute.
msvcr120.dll is component of Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package. Shared code library used by developers creating Windows applications. Rather than embedding this code, programs reference this shared library.
Error cause: Library never installed, or deleted/corrupted. Solution straightforward: Install Visual C++ 2013 package.
Understanding This Error
Unlike cryptic Windows errors, this message is direct: file is missing. Multiple factors cause file absence.
Common causes:
- Never installed - Program installer failed to install required package
- Accidental deletion - Removed by aggressive "system cleaner" utility
- Corruption from crash or power outage - Files damaged during system failure
- Antivirus quarantine - Rare, but overprotective security software sometimes isolates legitimate DLLs
Applications commonly affected:
- Games (particularly 2013-2016 releases)
- Adobe products
- Autodesk software
- Applications compiled with Visual Studio 2013
Primary Fix: Install Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable
This resolves approximately 95% of cases. Installing official Microsoft package containing msvcr120.dll and related files.
- Access Microsoft download page:
- Open web browser
- Search "Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable download"
- Click official Microsoft link
- Or navigate directly to microsoft.com downloads
- Download both architecture versions:
- Download vcredist_x64.exe (64-bit version)
- Download vcredist_x86.exe (32-bit version)
- Both required even on 64-bit Windows
- Reason: Many programs utilize 32-bit components
- Install x64 version first:
- Right-click vcredist_x64.exe
- Select "Run as administrator"
- Accept license agreement
- Click Install
- Wait for completion
- Install x86 version:
- Right-click vcredist_x86.exe
- Run as administrator
- Complete installation identically
- Restart computer:
- Ensures Windows properly registers new files
- After restart, test program
- Should now function correctly
Package already installed? If Windows indicates existing installation, select "Repair" instead. This reinstalls files and repairs corruption.
Alternative: Install All Visual C++ Redistributables
Installing all Visual C++ versions prevents future DLL errors. Different programs require specific versions.
- Download these packages from Microsoft:
- Visual C++ 2015-2022 (x64 and x86) - Essential for modern applications
- Visual C++ 2013 (x64 and x86) - Contains msvcr120.dll
- Visual C++ 2010 (x64 and x86) - For legacy applications
- Visual C++ 2008 (x64 and x86) - For older applications
- Install sequentially:
- Begin with older versions (2008, 2010)
- Then 2013
- Finally 2015-2022
- Install x64 before x86 for each version
- Execute each as administrator
- Restart after all installations complete
Benefit of multiple versions: No conflicts occur between versions, total space requirement minimal (approximately 100MB), eliminates future Visual C++ DLL errors. Provides comprehensive protection.
Advanced Troubleshooting
In rare cases, redistributable installation alone insufficient. Additional steps:
- Verify DLL presence:
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\
- Search for msvcr120.dll
- Should exist after redistributable installation
- Also verify C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ for 32-bit version
- Check antivirus quarantine:
- Antivirus may have quarantined DLL
- Open security software
- Access quarantine/vault
- If msvcr120.dll present, restore
- Add to exceptions to prevent future removal
- Run System File Checker:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Execute:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter
- Wait 20-30 minutes
- Repairs corrupted system files
- Reinstall affected program:
- After installing Visual C++ redistributables
- Uninstall problematic program
- Restart system
- Perform fresh installation
⚠️ Avoid Third-Party DLL Download Sites
Searching "msvcr120.dll download" reveals numerous sites offering individual file downloads. These should be avoided.
Such sites are unreliable at best, malware distribution at worst. Downloaded file integrity unknown. May contain infections, outdated versions, incorrect architecture, or simply nonfunctional files.
Always install DLL files through official redistributable packages from Microsoft. Free, secure, functional. Provides all required files, not single potentially incompatible DLL.
Prevention Measures
- Maintain Visual C++ redistributables - Do not uninstall assuming unnecessary. Small size, critical function.
- Exercise caution with PC cleaner tools - Sometimes delete important system files. Use cautiously or avoid.
- Allow program installers full execution - When software requests Visual C++ redistributable installation, permit.
- Keep Windows updated - Windows Update occasionally includes Visual C++ updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are multiple Visual C++ versions installed?
Each version independent and required by different programs. Application built in 2013 requires 2013 redistributable. 2019 application requires newer version. All coexist without conflict, minimal space consumption.
Can DLL be copied from another computer?
Technically possible but inadvisable. DLL requires proper Windows registration - simple copying insufficient. Risk of incorrect version. Install official redistributable - easier and guaranteed functional.
Does this error damage computer or delete files?
No. Error only prevents program execution. Annoying but harmless. Computer and files remain unaffected.