


how to fix 'the program can't start because msvcr120.dll is missing' on a win pc
Jul 30, 2025 am 03:59 AMFirst, download and install the Microsoft Visual C 2013 Redistributable (x86) version. Even if you use a 64-bit system, you need to install it because many applications rely on a 32-bit runtime library. If you encounter a 64-bit program, you need to install an additional x64 version to ensure that the MSVCR120.dll file is registered correctly and solve the problem that the program cannot start.
The "program can't start because MSVCR120.dll is missing" error on Windows means your PC is missing a required Visual C runtime file—specifically from the Microsoft Visual C 2013 Redistributable package. This DLL file is essential for running applications built with Visual Studio 2013. Here's how to fix it properly and safely.

? 1. Install the Microsoft Visual C 2013 Redistributable
The most reliable fix is to install or reinstall the correct Visual C Redistributable package.
-
Go to the official Microsoft download page:
http://ipnx.cn/link/63dfeaa1ff5c7551716fcc897e183a6b Download Microsoft Visual C 2013 Redistributable (x86) – even if you're on 64-bit, many apps still use the 32-bit version.
-
If the app is 64-bit, also install the x64 version.
Run the installer(s) and restart your computer.
? Note: Some programs need both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions installed. When in doubt, install both.
? 2. Run the System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can cause DLL issues. Use Windows' built-in repair tool:
-
Open Command Prompt as Administrator :
- Press
Win X
→ Choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)"
- Press
-
Type this command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete (can take 15–20 minutes). If it finds and fixes issues, restart your PC and try the program again.
? 3. Update Windows
Microsoft often includes or repairs Visual C components through Windows Updates.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install all pending updates, especially optional or recommended ones
After updating, restart and test the program.
? 4. Reinstall the Problematic Program
If only one program has this issue:
- Uninstall it completely
- Reboot your PC
- Download the latest version from the official website
- Reinstall it
This ensures all dependencies (including required DLLs) are properly set up.
? What NOT to Do
- Don't download msvcr120.dll from random DLL websites – these often contain malware or incompatible versions.
- Don't manually place DLL files in System32 – this can break other programs or Windows itself.
The fix usually takes just a few minutes. In most cases, installing the Visual C 2013 Redistributable does the trick. Basically, it's not your fault—many apps rely on these runtimes, and they can go missing after clean installs or updates.
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