vcruntime140.dll / MSVCP140.dll Missing Error Launching Emulator — Fix

install-microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-2015-2022 (sortOrder=1, isMostHelpful)

This is the correct fix. vcruntime140.dll, MSVCP140.dll, and related files are part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Modern emulators (built with Visual Studio) require it, but it isn't bundled with Windows by default on fresh installs.

Install both the x64 and x86 versions of the 2015–2022 package:

1. Go to the official Microsoft page: search "Visual C++ Redistributable downloads" on Microsoft.com or the official Visual Studio downloads page.
2. Download vc_redist.x64.exe (64-bit — required for all modern emulators).
3. Download vc_redist.x86.exe (32-bit — required by some emulators and game components).
4. Run vc_redist.x64.exe first → click Install → wait for completion.
5. Run vc_redist.x86.exe → click Install → wait for completion.
6. Restart your PC (not strictly required, but recommended).
7. Launch the emulator again — the DLL error should be gone.

Why both versions? Even if your Windows is 64-bit, some emulator components and DirectX shims are 32-bit and load the x86 DLL. Installing only x64 still leaves the x86 DLL missing for those components.

Which package version to install? Always install the latest (2015–2022 bundle). It is backward-compatible — it provides DLLs for apps built against any VC++ version from 2015 through 2022.

fix-if-redistributable-is-already-installed (sortOrder=2)

If you already have the Visual C++ Redistributable installed but still get the DLL error, the installation may be corrupt or the emulator is looking for a specific DLL version that wasn't updated.

Repair the existing installation:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Control Panel → Programs and Features (Windows 10).
2. Search for "Microsoft Visual C++". You'll see multiple entries (2015, 2019, 2022 for x64/x86).
3. Click the 2022 x64 entry → Modify → Repair. Repeat for the x86 entry.
4. If Repair doesn't help, Uninstall all Visual C++ entries, then re-download and reinstall fresh from Microsoft.

Alternatively: download the DLL directly. Sites like dll-files.com host the individual files, but this is a workaround, not a true fix — the proper redistributable installs the DLL into the correct System32 path where all apps can find it. Placing a DLL next to the emulator .exe only fixes that specific app.

windows-defender-quarantined-the-dll (sortOrder=3)

In rare cases, Windows Defender incorrectly flags and quarantines legitimate DLL files downloaded alongside an emulator (especially if you got the emulator from an unofficial mirror). The DLL error appears even though the redistributable is installed.

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history.
2. Look for any recent quarantine action on a DLL file from the emulator's folder.
3. If found: click the entry → Allow on device (only if you trust the source).
4. For emulators, always prefer the official GitHub release page over third-party sites to avoid false positives and actual malware.

emulator-specific-additional-dependencies (sortOrder=4)

Some emulators require additional runtime packages beyond VC++:

• RPCS3: also requires the Visual C++ 2019 x64 package specifically (not just 2022). Install both.
• Xenia: requires DirectX End-User Runtime (the June 2010 package) in addition to VC++ — download from Microsoft's site and run DXSETUP.exe from the extracted folder.
• PCSX2 / Dolphin / Cemu: VC++ 2015–2022 x64 + x86 is sufficient for current stable releases.
• shadPS4: requires VC++ 2022 x64. Also requires Vulkan-capable GPU drivers — if you get a separate Vulkan error after fixing the DLL error, update your GPU drivers (Nvidia GeForce Experience / AMD Adrenalin).