What Is vcomp140.dll?
vcomp140.dll is a DLL file, part of the “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015”, a Microsoft product.
Sometimes the error ‘vcomp140.dll Is Missing’ is received, especially when trying to run this software.
We take a look at vcomp140.dll and how this error might be fixed.
Who Developed This File?
As stated above, the file is written by Microsoft as part of its Visual Studio Development suite.
It’s used by developers to develop apps using Microsoft technology. Here’s more from their website:
Develop apps for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, web, and cloud
https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/
Write your code fast
Debug and diagnose with ease
Test often, release with confidence
Extend and customize to your liking
Collaborate efficiently
Security Issues With DLL Files Such As vcomp140.dll
Issue 1: Malware Masquerading As vcomp140.dll
This is an issue common to other Windows processes.
Virus/Trojan/Spyware etc writers give their malicious files a similar name to these legitimate processes, hoping that users will mistake them for their safe namesake.
The key way to check that the file running on your computer is the legitimate one is to check its file location. The real process sits in the C://Windows/System32 folder and hence if your file is elsewhere, it is likely to be malicious.
How To Check A File’s Location
a. Press ctrl-alt-del
b. Click on the ‘Details Tab’. Examine vcomp140.dll
c. Highlight the vcomp140.dll file
d. Right click and click ‘Properties’ to get the following screen:
e. Note the location (circled)
Issue 2: An Out Of Date File
Out of date files may not run in an up to date program.
Related Error Messages
Errors relating to vcomp140.dll are more likely to be an issue for users than viruses. The following error message are often observed:
- There was a problem starting C:WindowsSystem32/vcomp140.dll
- vcomp140.dll Could Not Be Found
- vcomp140.dll Is Missing
These errors are usually caused by:
- Issues with the host
- A recent Windows update which may cause the program to search in the wrong file location and so could not be found
- An out of date Windows system32 file
- Applications being loaded on an old machine
- Too many programs being opened on a PC
It is common the find the vcomp140.dll file in Task Manager too, which often causes concern.
How To Fix vcomp140.dll Missing And Other Errors
The safest way to fix these errors is to reinstall the related application – ie the antivirus software. This should reinstall the latest DLL files and fix any issues.
You may wish to uninstall the previous version first too – to be downloading to a ‘clean’ PC.\An alternative is to download the missing file from the Github project repository – although this is very technical and should only be done by a developer.
The other common fix, which we do not recommend, is to use one of the many DLL download sites. Adding the file may not fix the problem as DLL errors are often more complex than a missing file (even if that’s the immediate error that is flagged).
In addition the files on these sites are often out of date, or even contain viruses, which could also cause problems.
Therefore, we recommend reinstalling the application (ie Visual Studio) using the offending dll file to fix any vcomp140.dll error.
