How to Fix the MSVCR100.dll Missing Error

MSVCR100.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable, a package of shared files that apps built with Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 need in order to run. When an app says MSVCR100.dll is missing or wasn't found, the package is usually missing, damaged or the wrong version (32-bit or 64-bit) for that app. The fixes below get the file back from the right place: the app's own installer or Microsoft.

1. Reinstall the App That Shows the Error

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Many apps install the Visual C++ files they need as part of their setup, so reinstalling the app is the simplest fix. Microsoft also advises that if you're trying to fix an app by updating these runtime files, you check the app maker's instructions first.

1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the app, select More (…) and choose Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Download the latest version of the app from its maker's website and install it.

Some apps can't be removed in Settings. For those, search for Control Panel, select Programs > Programs and Features, right-click the app and choose Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. Some apps also offer Repair under Installed apps > the app > Advanced options, which is worth trying first.

Expected result: the app installs cleanly and opens without the error.

2. Install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable

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If reinstalling the app didn't bring the file back, install the runtime package yourself. Microsoft still offers the last version of the Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributable (version 10.0.40219.325) on its Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads page, in the section Visual Studio 2010 (VC++ 10.0) SP1.

1. Check whether your Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit: right-click Start > Settings > System > About, and look under Device specifications.
2. Open Microsoft's Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads page, go to the Visual Studio 2010 section and download vcredist_x86.exe, vcredist_x64.exe, or both.
3. Run each file you downloaded and follow the steps. If you get an access error, right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart your PC and open the app again.

Microsoft says the package architecture must match the app's, not just Windows: a 32-bit (x86) app needs the x86 package, and a 64-bit app needs the x64 package. You can't install the x64 package on 32-bit Windows. If you're not sure which kind the app is and your Windows is 64-bit, install both packages.

Newer Visual C++ packages (2015 and later) don't replace this one. Microsoft notes that the 2013 and earlier packages stay installed side by side with newer ones, so an app built for 2010 still needs the 2010 package. If Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 already appears in Installed apps but the error continues, uninstall it, restart, and install it again from Microsoft's page.

Expected result: Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 appears in Installed apps, and the app opens.

3. Install Windows Updates

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Microsoft has released security updates for the Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable through Microsoft Update, and Microsoft notes that, on rare occasions, outdated system components can stop the package from installing.

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. On Windows 10, it's Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Install everything that's available and restart.

Expected result: Windows Update shows you're up to date.

4. If the Redistributable Won't Install

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Microsoft's troubleshooting guide for the Visual C++ Redistributable installer lists these fixes:

• Close other apps and restart: files in use by another program can block the install. Restarting releases them.
• Run the installer as administrator: Microsoft says file-access failures are often caused by missing permissions.
• Install pending Windows updates, restart, then try again.
• Security software: antivirus can block the install. If you turn real-time protection off to install a package you downloaded from Microsoft, turn it back on straight away.

Expected result: the installer finishes without an error code.

5. Restore the File If You Deleted It, and Scan for Malware

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If the error started right after you cleaned up files, open the Recycle Bin, find msvcr100.dll, right-click it and choose Restore. Reinstalling the package in step 2 is the more reliable fix, though.

It's also worth checking that nothing harmful has damaged the files. Open Windows Security from the Start menu and select Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.

Expected result: the scan reports no current threats.

Still Not Working? What to Try Next

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• Contact the app maker: Microsoft recommends asking the app vendor for instructions when an app needs specific Visual C++ files. Older apps may have a newer version that doesn't need the 2010 package at all.
• Use the full package, not single DLL files: install the Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable from Microsoft rather than downloading or copying a single msvcr100.dll file.