The MSVCR120.dll file is used by the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages. Visual C++ is a part of the general C suite of programming languages that is often used by various third party software. If this file somehow gets corrupted or deleted from your computer then you will get the error message “The program can’t start because MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer”. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix this problem.
How To Fix MSVCR120.dll Is Missing From Your Computer Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a corrupted file to infection from a virus. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Check the recycle bin
The first thing you will need to do is to check if this file has been accidentally deleted. If it has then it will be in the recycle bin. Open the recycle bin then type the file name MSVCR120.dll in the Recycle Bin search box – this will find the file immediately. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” from the context menu.
Run the System File Checker
The system file checker of windows 10 is a useful tool that can fix most issues caused by corrupt files. Try running this tool then check if the issue still occurs.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run application.
- Type “taskmgr” in the dialogue box and hit Enter to launch your computer’s task manager.
- Click on File option present at the top left side of the window and select “Run new task” from the list of options available.
- Type “powershell” in the dialogue box and check the option underneath which states “Create this task with administrative privileges”.
- Once in the Windows Powershell, type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter. Your entire Windows files will be scanned and checked for corrupt phases.
- If you encounter an error where Windows states that it found some error but was unable to fix them, you should type “sfc /verifyonly”. Wait for the process to complete fully.
- If you are still unable to repair the corrupt files, run the command “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” in the PowerShell. This will download the corrupt files from the Windows update servers and replace the corrupt ones. Do note that this process can also consume some time according to your internet connection. Don’t cancel at any stage and let it run.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer issue still occurs.
Reinstall The Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable Package
Since the MSVCR120.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable package then the best way to fix this is to reinstall the whole package.
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40784
- Click the Download button after selecting the language.
- Select “vredist_x64.exe” and press Next. Soon after the download will commence. Save the file in an accessible location and run the exe file.
- After the installation is complete, restart your computer
Check if the MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer issue still occurs.
Reinstall The Program
This issue usually occurs when installing a particular program on your computer. In case the issue is caused by a glitch in the installation process then you should try reinstalling the program.
- Press Windows + R
- Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter.
- A new window will appear with all of all the applications currently installed on your computer. Right-click on the application and select “uninstall”.
- Restart the computer.
- Download and install the program again.
Check if the MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer issue still occurs.
Scan your computer for viruses
One of the factors that can cause this problem is a virus that has modified the DLL file. If you suspect that your computer is infected, you should scan it using Windows Defender.
- Press Windows + S to launch the start menu’s search bar. Type “Windows Defender” and open the first result.
- At the right side of the screen, you will see a scan option. Select the full scan and click on Scan This process might take some time to complete.
- If malware is detected then let the utility remove it then restart your computer before launching the application again.
Check if the MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer issue still occurs.
Check for Windows updates
In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should make sure that your computer is running on the latest Windows update.
- Type “check for updates” in Search and click the “Check for updates” result.
- You will be directed to the Windows Update section. Click “Check for updates”.
- Windows will start checking for updates.
- If there are updates available, install them and try checking for updates once more.
- Restart your computer once all updates have been installed.
Check if the MSVCR120.dll is missing from your computer issue still occurs.