How to fix “MSVCR110.dll is missing from your computer” error in Windows 11

What is “MSVCR110.dll is missing from your computer” error

Windows 11 is a new system, but already facing some errors while using and opening apps. Users reported having problems with initiating applications installed on Windows 11. The error is usually followed by a message box saying: The program can’t start because MSVCR110.dll is missing from your computer. Such a message prevents people from opening and therefore using a number of different apps. DLLs are often components of Microsoft Visual C++ packages. In fact, a similar situation may happen on all Windows versions even with other DLL names. Many applications need Visual C++ Redistributable to operate properly. In the majority of cases, it is enough to install these components from scratch and have the corresponding issue resolved, however, there are some other solutions that might work out as well. Make sure you follow all of them in the tutorial below until the right one is found.

1. Install/Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

As mentioned, the first and most possible reason for having problems with launching some apps is related to Visual C++ components. Some users may lack or install them unproperly which leads to the error. Usually, if you download programs or games from official libraries like Steam, all the complementary pieces like Visual C++ get installed or double-checked automatically for their presence. Even so, it is still worth trying to reinstall them manually and see if there is any effect. This is how:

1. Open this Visual Studio page.
2. Click on the download links for vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe.
3. Execute both of these files and install Microsoft Visual C++ by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once done, reboot your PC and try to open the problematic applications again.

2. Install/Reinstall DirectX Runtime Libraries

Another important component that may be in lack is DirectX. It is usually needed to launch video games. Thus, if you are facing problems with playing video games due to the MSVCR110.dll error, try to update DirectX or install it again. This will not take too much of your time. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Go to the official DirectX Runtime website.
2. Choose your language and click on Download.
3. Execute the downloaded file (dxwebsetup.exe) and install DirectX by following the setup. Also, there might be some instruments offered for additional installation like Bing Bar. Uncheck their box if necessary and finish installing the software.
4. Once finished, reboot your PC and try to open a videogame you struggled with.

3. Download MSVCR110.dll manually

Try this if reinstalling Visual C++ did not sort out the problem. MSVCR110.dll is a separate DLL file contained within your system. The error says Windows could not locate this file, which means it is missing. To fill the gap and restore this file back to its native directory, we can search and download it manually from the web. Don’t worry, we prepared everything you need in these steps below:

1. Open this page and download the file based on your Windows Architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
2. Right-click on the downloaded folder and extract its content by right-clicking on it.
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and paste the extracted msvcr110.dll file there.
4. Then, go to this path C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and copy-paste msvcr110.dll into that folder as well.

Once done, run the problematic program again. Hope this eliminates the error.

4. Install fresh system updates

Windows 11 is a brand new operating system meaning there is a lot to fix now and in the future once new errors occur. Unless you did manipulations with the local file system yourself, it is possible that MSVCR110.dll disappeared due to a bug in the OS. Downloading fresh updates should fix the issue. Check if there are any pending in Windows Update Center by following this:

1. Right-click on Start menu located at the bottom desktop panel and choose Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update on the left pane and Check for updates.
3. Windows will scan for available updates and offer to install them if found.
4. Install the found updates and restart your system.

5. Reinstall the problematic application

If none of the above-mentioned steps was enough to solve the “MSVCR110.dll is missing from your computer” error, try to reinstall the application you are unable to open. Maybe you restored the file successfully, but it is the application itself that cannot identify it. Try to install again so it does.

1. Left-click on the magnifying glass right next to Start menu and search for Control Panel.
2. Open it up and choose Uninstall a program under Programs.
3. Select the program dealing with the error and click Uninstall.
4. Finally, install it again and check if the error is fixed.

6. Scan your system for malware

If you ever had a suspicion like your PC is under infection, it is also worth running a scan for malware and other unwanted software. Whether you know it or not, malicious software could sneak into your system without consent and cause some changes inside system configuration, which led to various errors. You can use either in-built Windows Defender or install advanced anti-malware software that will combat threats that Windows could miss. We recommend you to use an antivirus developed by Malwarebytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly maintaining their software to combat both minor and global threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

7. Use System Restore Point

In case nothing works out and trying to find the right solution results in constant failure, System Restore may be your savior. Unless you installed Windows just now, there should be some backup point stored by the system when DLL problems were out of existence. Thus, let’s roll your system back to exactly that point using these steps:

1. Open Control Panel as we did in the steps above.
2. Set View by to Large icons and choose Recovery. You can also find it using the search box.
3. Click Open System Restore and select Next.
4. Choose a restore point you want to you from the list and click Scan for affected programs to see what programs will be deleted upon restoration. If there are no Restore points visible, try to choose Show more restore points.
5. Click Next again and Finish to finalize the process and let Windows restore your system from the selected backup.

We hope this finally helped you forget about this annoying issue.

Summary

Many people expect Windows 11 to be their next stop after Windows 10. However, it is still far from ideal and needs time to be optimized for everyday needs. No matter how old an operating system is, there is always some room for errors and bugs occurring from user to user. We hope you managed to avoid complications and resolved the MSVCR110.dll issue with ease. As mentioned, DLL problems are common and tend to take place anytime regardless of what operating system you use. Windows 11 has already opened a new horizon for the community world. There is a lot to come and talk about in future articles, so make sure you stay tuned for more guides about problems and features related to Windows 11 on our website.