Summary
Struggling with a sudden vcomp120.dll error that stops your apps or games on Windows 10 or 11? You’re not alone. This common but frustrating issue often stems from missing or corrupted system files. This guide cuts through the confusion, providing clear, step-by-step solutions to fix vcomp120.dll missing Windows 10 and Windows 11 errors for good. From quick checks to advanced repairs, follow our trusted methods to resolve this headache and get back to your tasks.
How a Faulty Installation Causes DLL Errors
So, you’ve uninstalled the app, but the pesky vcomp120.dll error returns like a bad penny. Why does a simple installation hiccup cause such a system-wide headache? The answer lies in the fragile ecosystem of shared dependencies. Modern applications are rarely monolithic; they’re built on frameworks, and the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is a cornerstone. During installation, an app doesn’t just dump files into its folder—it performs a delicate dance with your operating system. It registers its need for specific library versions, creates registry pointers, and sometimes places copies of critical DLLs in shared or local directories. A single misstep in this choreography can break everything.
Consider a typical failure scenario: an interrupted download or installation. The main application files might land in Program Files, but the process of registering the necessary Visual C++ components gets cut short. The system is left in a half-baked state—the app is “installed,” but its vital link to the vcomp120.dll runtime is never established. Worse, some installers might deploy an outdated or slightly modified version of the DLL into the application’s own directory, intending to use that local copy. If that file is corrupt, it overrides the healthy system-wide version, causing a cascade of failures.
It’s a classic case of “garbage in, garbage out.” The installer’s job is to set up correct pathways. A faulty one builds broken bridges.
The problem intensifies with conflicting versions. Your system may happily run the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (which houses the legitimate vcomp120.dll). However, a poorly coded application installer might attempt to install an older, repackaged, or even a different version of the same runtime, creating registry confusion. Suddenly, when the app launches, the system’s loader gets conflicting directions on where to find the required library, resulting in the dreaded “not found” message. This isn’t necessarily malice, but often a developer oversight in packaging dependencies.
This breakdown explains why a clean reinstallation—thoroughly removing all traces of the app before a fresh install—is so effective. It’s not just about getting new files; it’s about forcing the installer to re-run its entire setup routine correctly, re-establishing those critical links from scratch. If the core Visual C++ framework on your machine is intact, this method often resolves application-specific errors. However, if the framework itself is damaged, no amount of app reinstalling will help, neatly setting the stage for the more systemic repair method that follows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Reinstallation
Now that we understand why a botched install can break the DLL link, let’s walk through the exact process to perform a clean reinstallation. This isn’t just clicking ‘uninstall’ and then ‘install’ again. It’s a methodical purge and refresh designed to reset all connections between your application and the system’s Visual C++ libraries.
First, uninstall the problematic program. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, and select Uninstall. Don’t skip this system tool for a simple file deletion—it ensures the OS properly logs the removal. For a deeper clean, especially with stubborn software, consider a third-party uninstaller tool to scrub leftover registry entries and files. Once uninstalled, restart your computer. This critical step clears any cached references to the old, broken installation from memory.
Next, obtain a fresh installer. Always download it from the official source—the developer’s website, a trusted platform like Steam or the Epic Games Store, or the Microsoft Store. Avoid using old installer files you might have saved; they could contain the same flaw. Before running the new installer, a good practice is to right-click it and select Run as administrator. This grants the installer the necessary permissions to correctly register files and dependencies within protected system areas.
During installation, pay attention to any prompts about installing additional software or runtime components, like the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Do not skip these. Allow the installer to proceed. This ensures the application bundles and registers its exact required version of the dependencies, potentially fixing the pathing issue described earlier.
Pro Tip: Before launching the newly installed app, perform one more quick restart. This guarantees that all newly registered system changes are fully loaded, giving you the best shot at a clean first launch.
If this meticulous process resolves the error, you’ve successfully executed a targeted repair. However, if the vcomp120.dll missing error persists or you see it in multiple applications, the evidence conclusively points away from any single app. The shared foundation itself—the Visual C++ Redistributable package—is likely compromised, requiring the direct repair method we’ll explore next.
Method 2: Repair with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
When Method 1 fails, the problem’s origin becomes crystal clear: the shared foundation itself is broken. The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package is the official source and custodian of the vcomp120.dll file. If reinstalling a single application didn’t work, the issue isn’t with the app’s bridge to the library—it’s with the library’s very foundation. This method directly targets the system’s runtime framework, offering the most definitive and often successful repair for vcomp120.dll on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
The process is refreshingly straightforward, as Microsoft provides dedicated repair tools. First, you need to identify the correct package. The ‘120’ in the filename explicitly ties it to the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable. Your system likely has both the x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions installed, which is normal and necessary. You can verify this in Settings > Apps > Installed apps by searching for “Visual C++ 2013”.
The most effective tactic is a two-pronged approach: repair first, then reinstall.
1. Run the Built-in Repair: In the installed apps list, select “Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64)” and click Modify. In the dialog that appears, choose Repair. Follow the prompts, then repeat the process for the “(x86)” version. This built-in utility attempts to fix corrupted files and registry entries without a full reinstall.
2. Perform a Clean Reinstallation: If the repair option is unavailable or doesn’t work, you must reinstall. Uninstall both the x86 and x64 2013 Redistributables from the Apps settings, then restart your PC. Next, download the official installers directly from Microsoft’s official website—never from third-party DLL repositories. Install the vcredist packages, running them as Administrator, and restart once more.
Crucial Reminder: Always get the redistributables from Microsoft’s official download center. Third-party sites often repackage outdated or modified versions that can introduce instability or security risks.
This method resets the entire support structure for a vast array of software. By reinstalling the official packages, you replace the potentially corrupted vcomp120.dll with a fresh, digitally signed version and ensure all system pointers are correctly aligned. If this systemic repair succeeds, you’ve addressed the root cause for all applications, not just one. However, if the error defiantly persists even after this, we must consider one final, powerful set of Windows-native tools to scour and restore the system’s core integrity.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you’ve moved from basic troubleshooting to targeted repairs, equipping yourself to permanently resolve vcomp120.dll application error. For a lasting fix, remember that a clean reinstall to fix DLL problems is often the most effective final step. If the error persists, revisit Method 2 to ensure your Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables are correctly installed, solidifying your system’s foundation.