How to Fix MSVCR100.dll is missing (Windows Applications)
Quick Answer
The "MSVCR100.dll is missing" error indicates that a program requires a specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package that is not installed or has become corrupted on your system. The fastest way to resolve this is often by installing the correct Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package.
What Causes This Error
- The required Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package is not installed.
- The installed Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package is corrupted or damaged.
- The MSVCR100.dll file was accidentally deleted or moved from its system directory.
- A software installation or uninstallation process incorrectly removed the MSVCR100.dll file.
- Malware or viruses have corrupted or removed system files, including MSVCR100.dll.
- Issues with the Windows operating system, such as registry errors or corrupted system files.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package
- Determine your operating system's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). To do this, right-click on 'This PC' or 'My Computer', select 'Properties', and look for 'System type'.
- Navigate to the official Microsoft Download Center website.
- Search for 'Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package'.
- Download the correct version for your system: 'vcredist_x86.exe' for 32-bit systems or 'vcredist_x64.exe' for 64-bit systems. If you are unsure, installing both x86 and x64 versions is generally safe, as x86 is often required even on 64-bit systems for certain applications.
- Run the downloaded executable file as an administrator and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Restart your computer after installation.
2Reinstall the Program Causing the MSVCR100.dll is missing Error
- Open the 'Control Panel' on your Windows system. You can find this by searching for 'Control Panel' in the Windows search bar.
- Navigate to 'Programs' and then 'Programs and Features' (or 'Add or Remove Programs' on older Windows versions).
- Locate the specific application that is displaying the 'MSVCR100.dll is missing' error.
- Right-click on the application and select 'Uninstall'. Follow any on-screen prompts to fully remove the program.
- After uninstallation is complete, restart your computer. Then, reinstall the program from its original installation media or official download source.
3Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type 'cmd' into the Windows search bar, right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
- Allow the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes. The System File Checker will scan for corrupted system files and attempt to repair them.
- Once the scan is finished, a message will indicate whether any corruptions were found and repaired. Restart your computer.
4Perform a Windows Update
- Open 'Settings' by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon, or by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click on 'Update & Security' (or 'Windows Update' on Windows 11).
- Click the 'Check for updates' button.
- Allow Windows to download and install any available updates. These updates may include necessary system files, security patches, or updated runtime components.
- Restart your computer after all updates have been installed to ensure changes take effect.
Advanced Fixes
Perform a Clean Boot
- Open the System Configuration utility by typing 'msconfig' in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
- Go to the 'Services' tab. Check the box labeled 'Hide all Microsoft services', then click 'Disable all'.
- Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'. In Task Manager, disable all startup items one by one.
- Close Task Manager, then click 'OK' in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
- If the error does not reappear, enable services and startup items one by one or in small groups until you identify the conflicting application. Re-enable all services and startup items once troubleshooting is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSVCR100.dll?
MSVCR100.dll is a Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable file, specifically part of the Visual C++ 2010 runtime libraries. It contains essential functions and resources required by programs developed using Microsoft Visual C++ 2010. Many applications rely on these runtime components to execute correctly.
Why is MSVCR100.dll missing?
The file can be missing for several reasons, including incomplete or corrupted installations of the Visual C++ Redistributable package, accidental deletion, issues during program uninstallation, or system file corruption caused by malware or other system problems. It essentially means the program cannot find a required component to start.
Can I just download MSVCR100.dll from a DLL download site?
Downloading individual DLL files from unofficial websites is not recommended. These files may be outdated, corrupted, or contain malware, which can cause further system instability or security risks. The safest and most reliable method is to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package from Microsoft's website.
Does this error affect all programs?
No, this error typically only affects specific applications that were developed using Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 and explicitly require the MSVCR100.dll file. Other programs that use different runtime libraries or no C++ libraries at all will not be affected by this particular missing file.
What is the difference between vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe?
vcredist_x86.exe is the 32-bit version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package, and vcredist_x64.exe is the 64-bit version. Even on a 64-bit operating system, you may need to install the x86 version if you are running 32-bit applications, as they require the 32-bit runtime libraries. It is often recommended to install both on a 64-bit system to ensure compatibility with all applications.