Skip to content
CP-042WindowsEasy

MSVCP120.dll Missing Error: Fix With the Official Package

Estimated time: ~4 min5 stepsLast verified:

Independent guide — no official affiliation with the platforms mentioned.

Short answer

The MSVCP120.dll error is caused by a missing Visual C++ 2013 redistributable. Installing the official 2013 x64 and x86 packages from Microsoft and restarting resolves it completely. The 2015-2022 package does not include this DLL, so installing the 2013 package specifically is the correct fix.

32 bit uygulamalar için ayrıca Visual C++ 2013 (x86) paketi gerekir.

01 — Step-by-step fix

Step-by-step fix

  1. STEP 01

    Install Visual C++ 2013 x64

    Download Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable x64 from the Microsoft Download Center (id=40784) and install it. It is the vcredist_x64.exe file; setup takes under a minute.

  2. STEP 02

    Install the x86 package too

    Most older programs are 32-bit and look for the 32-bit MSVCP120.dll. Download and install Microsoft's 2013 x86 package (id=40785) as well. Both packages coexist without issues.

  3. STEP 03

    Restart the computer

    Restart after installation. The DLL lands in System32 (x64) and SysWOW64 (x86) with the correct versions.

  4. STEP 04

    If it persists, repair the installation

    In Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable, choose Modify > Repair. Corrupted installations are fixed by this step.

  5. STEP 05

    For games, verify files

    If the error continues in a Steam/Epic game, verify game files. Some games run their own redistributable setup on first launch; also check your antivirus quarantine.

Tips

  • If setup fails with '0x80240017', run Windows Update and retry.
  • If your antivirus quarantined MSVCP120.dll, install the official package instead of restoring the file.
  • Having multiple Visual C++ versions (2013, 2015-2022) installed at once is normal — do not remove any.

02 — Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Visual C++ 2015-2022 is installed — why do I still get the MSVCP120.dll error?

Each Visual C++ version ships only its own binaries. MSVCP120.dll belongs to the 2013 package and is not included in the 2022 package. That is why installing the 2013 package separately is required.

Which programs trigger MSVCP120.dll errors?

Mostly games and simulators built around 2014-2016, printer/device tools and older utilities. Windows does not ship with the 2013 package, so it is common after clean installs.

Is installing both x64 and x86 harmful?

No. They write to different directories (System32 and SysWOW64) and are designed to coexist. Microsoft officially recommends installing both.

Did this guide solve it?

Your feedback improves our guides — it takes 10 seconds.

Links in this guide point to official platform pages. Steps may change with platform updates; check the page date.

03 — Related guides

Windows Errors