This application failed to start because MSVCR120.dll was not found.Windows Applications

How to Fix This application failed to start because MSVCR120.dll was not found. (Windows Applications)

Quick Answer

The error "This application failed to start because MSVCR120.dll was not found" indicates that a required runtime component, MSVCR120.dll, is missing or corrupted on your system. This DLL is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages. The fastest fix is to download and install the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package for your system architecture.

What Causes This Error

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package is not installed.
The MSVCR120.dll file was accidentally deleted or moved.
The MSVCR120.dll file is corrupted.
Incorrect installation or uninstallation of software that relies on MSVCR120.dll.
Malware infection that tampered with system files.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package

Determine your operating system's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). To do this, right-click 'This PC' or 'My Computer' and select 'Properties'. Look for 'System type'.
Open a web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Download Center for 'Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013'.
Download the correct version: 'vcredist_x86.exe' for 32-bit systems or 'vcredist_x64.exe' for 64-bit systems. If you have a 64-bit system, it is often recommended to install both x86 and x64 versions as some applications may be 32-bit.
Run the downloaded executable file(s). Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Select 'Repair' if prompted, or 'Install' if it's a fresh installation.
Restart your computer after the installation is complete and attempt to launch the application again.

2Reinstall the Problematic Application

Open the 'Control Panel' on your Windows system. Navigate to 'Programs' then 'Programs and Features' (or 'Add or Remove Programs' on older Windows versions).
Locate the application that is displaying the MSVCR120.dll error in the list of installed programs.
Select the application and click 'Uninstall'. Follow any on-screen prompts to completely remove the application from your system.
Restart your computer to clear any residual files or processes.
Reinstall the application from its original installation source (e.g., disc, downloaded installer, or official website). Ensure you have administrator privileges during installation.

3Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Open the Start Menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt' in the search results, 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 Windows system files and attempt to repair them.
Once the scan is finished, you will receive a message indicating whether any integrity violations were found and if they were successfully repaired.
Restart your computer and check if the application now launches without the MSVCR120.dll error.

4Update Windows

Open the Start Menu and click on 'Settings' (the gear icon).
Click on 'Update & Security' (or 'Windows Update' on newer Windows versions).
Click the 'Check for updates' button.
If updates are available, download and install them. Ensure all critical and recommended updates are installed.
Restart your computer as prompted after updates are installed and then try to run the application again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MSVCR120.dll?

MSVCR120.dll is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file that is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package. It contains runtime components required by applications developed with Visual C++ 2013. Many Windows applications rely on these components to function correctly.

Can I just download MSVCR120.dll from a DLL download website?

It is not recommended to download individual DLL files from unofficial websites. These files can be outdated, corrupted, or even contain malware. The safest and most reliable method is to install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package, which correctly places all necessary DLLs on your system.

Why do I need both x86 and x64 versions of the redistributable on a 64-bit system?

Even on a 64-bit Windows operating system, some applications may be 32-bit. These 32-bit applications require the x86 (32-bit) version of the Visual C++ Redistributable package to run correctly. Installing both ensures compatibility with both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

The error 'This application failed to start because MSVCR120.dll was not found' persists after installing the redistributable. What should I do?

If the error persists, try restarting your computer. If the issue continues, consider reinstalling the problematic application, running a System File Checker scan to check for corrupted system files, or performing a clean boot to rule out software conflicts. Ensure you downloaded the correct architecture (x86/x64) and that your Windows installation is fully updated.