The error message "The program can't start because MSVCP120.dll is missing from your computer" is a common roadblock for Windows users attempting to launch modern applications, professional creative suites, or high-end video games. This specific error indicates that the software you are trying to run requires a specific set of instructions contained within the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package, but these files are either absent, corrupted, or incorrectly registered within your system environment.

To resolve this issue immediately, the most effective and secure method is to install or repair the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable packages for both x86 and x64 architectures. Avoid downloading individual DLL files from unofficial third-party websites, as this practice exposes your operating system to significant security vulnerabilities and potential file version mismatches.

Understanding the Role of MSVCP120.dll in Windows

To effectively fix the error, it is helpful to understand what this file actually does. MSVCP120.dll is a component of the C++ Runtime Library, specifically associated with Visual Studio 2013. The "120" in the filename corresponds to version 12.0 of the Visual C++ compiler.

When developers write software using the C++ programming language in Visual Studio 2013, they often rely on pre-written libraries of code to handle standard tasks—such as memory management, input/output operations, and complex mathematical calculations. Instead of including all this code directly inside the application's main executable (which would make the file massive), the application links to shared Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files.

If your Windows system does not have the corresponding runtime library installed, the application "calls" for the MSVCP120.dll file, fails to find it, and terminates the startup process with the "missing" error message.

Why You Should Never Download Individual DLL Files from Third Parties

When faced with a missing DLL error, the intuitive reaction for many users is to search for the specific filename online and download it from the first available result. As a system administrator who has remediated thousands of infected machines, I must emphasize that this is one of the most dangerous actions a Windows user can take.

The Malware Risk

Many websites offering "free DLL downloads" serve as fronts for distributing malware, spyware, or trojans. Because DLL files are executable code, a malicious version of MSVCP120.dll can gain high-level permissions on your system the moment a program attempts to load it. This can lead to credential theft, ransomware encryption, or the installation of persistent backdoors.

Version Mismatch Issues

DLL files are not universal. A version of MSVCP120.dll intended for an early build of Windows 7 might not function correctly on a fully patched version of Windows 11. Furthermore, there are specific builds of these libraries (Debug vs. Release) and architecture differences (32-bit vs. 64-bit). Manually placing a random DLL file into your system folders often leads to "Entry Point Not Found" errors or "Application Error 0xc000007b," which are significantly harder to debug than a simple missing file error.

System Stability and Integrity

Windows manages its shared libraries through a complex system known as Side-by-Side (WinSxS) assemblies. When you manually drop a DLL into C:\Windows\System32, you are bypassing the Windows Installer service. This can break the system's ability to update the library automatically during security patches, leaving your computer permanently vulnerable or causing other dependent applications to crash.

The Definitive Solution: Reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable

The only verified and safe way to restore MSVCP120.dll is to install the official package from Microsoft. This process ensures that all necessary registry entries are created and that the file is placed in the correct directory with the appropriate permissions.

Step 1: Identify Your System Architecture

While most modern computers run 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or 11, the architecture of the application you are trying to run matters more than the OS itself. A 32-bit application running on 64-bit Windows still requires the 32-bit (x86) version of MSVCP120.dll.

  1. Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System and then select About.
  3. Look under Device specifications for System type. It will say either "64-bit operating system, x64-based processor" or "32-bit operating system, x86-based processor."

Step 2: Download the Official Installers

You must obtain the Visual C++ 2013 (VC++ 12.0) Redistributable. In our technical support experience, we recommend downloading both the x86 and x64 versions if you are on a 64-bit system. This covers all bases for both professional software (often 64-bit) and legacy tools or games (often 32-bit).

  • vcredist_x86.exe: For 32-bit applications.
  • vcredist_x64.exe: For 64-bit applications.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Installation or Repair

If you already have these packages listed in your "Apps & Features" list, they might be corrupted.

  1. Open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
  2. Scroll down to find "Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable."
  3. If it exists, right-click it and select Change, then click Repair.
  4. If it does not exist, run the installers you downloaded.
  5. Crucial Step: Restart your computer after the installation finishes. Windows needs to refresh its library links during the boot sequence to recognize the new DLLs.

Troubleshooting Persistent MSVCP120.dll Errors

In some instances, reinstalling the Redistributable package does not immediately fix the problem. This usually happens due to deeper system file corruption or application-specific configurations.

Using the System File Checker (SFC)

If your operating system's internal record of system files is damaged, it might prevent applications from accessing perfectly healthy DLLs. The SFC tool scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted versions with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.

  1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
  3. In the black window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. The process may take 5 to 15 minutes. Once complete, it will report if it found and fixed any integrity violations.

Running the DISM Tool

If SFC fails to fix the issue, the underlying "image" that SFC uses for repairs might be corrupted itself. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool uses Windows Update to provide the files required to fix corruptions.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  3. This requires an internet connection. Once it finishes, run the sfc /scannow command again.

Reinstalling the Affected Application

Sometimes, an application's installation script fails to register the path to the system DLLs correctly, or it expects a local copy of the file that was deleted. Uninstalling the software, restarting the PC, and performing a clean reinstall (after you have installed the C++ Runtimes) often resolves these local pathing issues.

Addressing the 32-bit vs. 64-bit Directory Confusion

One of the most confusing aspects for users trying to fix MSVCP120.dll missing errors is where the file actually lives. In a 64-bit Windows environment:

  • C:\Windows\System32: This folder actually contains 64-bit DLLs.
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64: This folder contains 32-bit DLLs (WOW64 stands for "Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit").

If you are trying to fix a 32-bit game and you manually place a 64-bit MSVCP120.dll into the System32 folder, the game will still report the file as missing or throw a "0xc000007b" error because it cannot "see" or "use" a 64-bit library. This is why using the official Microsoft installer is vital—it handles the placement into these specific directories automatically and correctly.

Specific Scenarios: Games and Creative Software

Certain platforms have unique ways of handling the MSVCP120.dll dependency.

Steam and Epic Games Launcher

Many games include a "Redist" folder within their installation directory. If a specific game like Battlefield 4 or The Witcher 3 is throwing this error, navigate to the game's folder (usually under steamapps\common\[Game Name]\_CommonRedist\vcredist\2013) and run the installers found there. These are the specific versions the developers tested the game with.

Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere)

Adobe applications are notorious for MSVCP120.dll errors after a major Windows update. Adobe often requires the "Late Addition" versions of the 2013 runtimes. If the standard 2013 package doesn't work, ensure you have also checked for Windows Updates, as Microsoft occasionally pushes critical runtime updates through the "Optional Updates" section in settings.

Summary of the Repair Workflow

If you are currently staring at the MSVCP120.dll error, follow this optimized sequence:

  1. Do not download raw DLL files from the web.
  2. Download the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (both x86 and x64) from Microsoft.
  3. Install/Repair the packages and Restart your computer.
  4. Verify the installation in "Programs and Features."
  5. If the error persists, run SFC /scannow in an Administrative Command Prompt.
  6. Reinstall the application that triggered the error.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MSVCP120.dll and MSVCR120.dll?

Both are part of the same Visual C++ 2013 package. MSVCP120.dll is the C++ Standard Library, while MSVCR120.dll is the C Runtime Library. They usually go missing together, and installing the 2013 Redistributable fixes both simultaneously.

Can I just copy MSVCP120.dll from another computer?

While technically possible if the OS version and architecture match perfectly, it is not recommended. You will miss the registry keys that tell Windows where to look for the file, which often results in the error continuing even though the file is physically present.

Does Windows 11 come with MSVCP120.dll pre-installed?

No. Windows 11 includes the runtimes for its own system components, but it does not include every legacy version of Visual C++ by default. Since 2013 is considered an older runtime, users must install it manually when they run older software.

Will installing a newer version (like Visual C++ 2015-2022) fix the 120 error?

No. Visual C++ runtimes are not always backward compatible in the way you might expect. While the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 versions are bundled into a single "binary compatible" package, the 2013 version (12.0) is a separate entity and must be installed independently of the newer ones.

Is MSVCP120.dll a virus?

The legitimate file is a safe Microsoft library. However, because it is a common dependency, malware often names itself "msvcp120.dll" to hide in system folders. If you find this file in a temp folder or a folder not related to a specific program or C:\Windows\System32, you should run a full system scan with your security software.

Conclusion

The MSVCP120.dll missing error is a frustrating but straightforward issue rooted in the modular nature of Windows software development. By understanding that this file is a shared resource provided by the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable, you can avoid the dangerous pitfalls of third-party DLL sites and restore your system to full functionality using official, secure methods. Always remember to install both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the runtime to ensure maximum compatibility across all your software, and keep your system updated to prevent registry corruption from affecting these vital libraries.