Summary
Frustrated by a sudden “msvcp110.dll is missing” error just as you’re about to launch your favorite game? You’re not alone. This common msvcp110.dll missing Windows games issue halts gameplay, often due to outdated system components. This guide provides clear, step-by-step solutions to fix msvcp110.dll missing error for good. Follow our safe, proven methods to get back to gaming quickly.
Method 1: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Here is the definitive, step-by-step guide for Method 1. This process directly targets the most common root cause we identified: a missing or damaged Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable package. It’s the official, holistic fix that restores not just the single msvcp110.dll file, but all associated components and registry entries. Forget random downloads; we’re rebuilding the foundation.
First, you need to clean the slate. Head to your system’s “Apps & Features” settings (Windows 10/11) or the classic “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel. Scroll through the list and locate any existing installations of Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable. You’ll likely see two entries: one for x86 (32-bit) and another for x64 (64-bit). Uninstall both. Yes, both. This ensures no corrupted remnants interfere with the fresh install. Restart your computer when prompted—this step is non-negotiable, as it clears locked files from memory.
Now, for the fresh installation. Navigate to the official Microsoft support website. Search for “Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012.” Always download from microsoft.com to avoid bundled malware. You need the version that matches your system architecture and the game’s requirements. Most modern 64-bit Windows systems still require the 32-bit (x86) version for compatibility, as many older games are 32-bit applications. A safe bet is to install both the vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe packages.
Critical Download Tip: The official package version should be 11.0.61030.0. This specific build is the final, most stable update for the 2012 runtime and is widely recognized as the correct one to solve missing DLL error in games from that era.
Run the installer(s) as Administrator. Follow the prompts, accept the license terms, and let the installation complete. Another restart is highly recommended after this process to ensure all system services recognize the newly registered libraries. This method doesn’t just drop a file in a folder; it performs a full system integration, which is why it succeeds where manual drops often fail. Once back in Windows, launch your game. In the vast majority of cases, this comprehensive Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable fix will have you back in the game without a hitch.
If, against the odds, the error persists, we then move to the precise, surgical alternative: manually handling the DLL file itself.
Method 2: Manually Download and Replace the DLL File
Reserved for those rare, stubborn cases where the full reinstall doesn’t stick, Method 2 is the surgical approach: a manual msvcp110.dll replacement. This is a precision task, not a first resort. It directly addresses a scenario where the DLL file itself is the singular point of failure—perhaps it’s corrupted in a way the redistributable installer couldn’t fix, or it was deleted from its critical system directory. Proceed with caution, as sourcing DLLs from the wrong places is a common way to introduce malware.
Your first and safest source is your own computer. Use Windows’ built-in search to look for msvcp110.dll. You might find a clean copy in the WinSxS folder (C:\Windows\WinSxS\), Windows’ component store. If found, you can copy it to the required location (typically C:\Windows\System32 for 64-bit systems, or SysWOW64 for 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows). If unavailable, the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable installer you already downloaded is your next best source. You can extract the DLL directly from it using a command-line tool like 7-Zip or expand. Right-click the vcredist_x86.exe, open it with your archive tool, and navigate through the nested cabinets to find the pristine DLL.
Non-Negotiable Security Rule: Never download
msvcp110.dllfrom standalone “DLL repository” websites. These are notorious for bundling adware, trojans, or providing outdated/incompatible versions that can destabilize your system further. The only external source you should trust is the official Microsoft redistributable package.
Once you have a verified file, replacement is straightforward. Copy the DLL to the target folder (you’ll need Administrator privileges). If Windows prompts you to replace an existing file, do so. For maximum effect, especially if the game uses a local copy, also paste it into the game’s main installation directory—the same folder containing the .exe file. This manual replacement can bypass specific pathing issues, giving the game exactly what it needs, right where it looks.
This targeted fix closes the loop, offering a solution when the broader system repair isn’t enough. With both methods now at your disposal, that launch error doesn’t stand a chance.
Conclusion
By following this guide’s clear steps, you can efficiently solve missing DLL error in games and get back to playing. Start with the safest and most effective solution by using the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable fix to address the core issue. Remember to always download system files from official sources to ensure a secure and lasting resolution.
Leave a Reply