MSVCR100.dll Missing on Windows 11? Here's the Real Fix You Need (No Risky Downloads)

You boot up your PC, open an app you use every day and boom, the screen flashes a pop up: “The program can’t start because MSVCR100.dll is missing from your computer.”

Annoying? Absolutely. Confusing? It doesn’t have to be.

This error message is surprisingly common on Windows 11, especially after installing new programs or updating your system. But don’t worry it’s not as scary as it looks, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix it.

What Even Is MSVCR100.dll?

Let’s simplify it: MSVCR100.dll is part of Microsoft’s Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable think of it as a toolbox of codes that apps use to function properly. If that toolbox is missing or broken, certain apps (like games, editing software, or older programs) simply won’t launch.

Why Does It Go Missing?

Here are a few likely culprits:

The file got accidentally deleted or corrupted
A program didn’t install the correct support files
Your Visual C++ Redistributable is outdated or broken
Malware might’ve messed with your system files

So, how do you bring it back without messing up your computer? Let’s walk through it.

How to Fix “MSVCR100.dll is Missing” on Windows 11

1. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable

This is the most reliable and Microsoft approved fix.
Visit Microsoft’s official page: Download Here
Download both versions:

vcredist_x64.exe (for 64 bit apps)
vcredist_x86.exe (for 32 bit apps)

Run and install both
Restart your computer

Avoid downloading random .dll files from third party sites. They might bring malware with them.

2. Use System File Checker (SFC)

Your system might already have the file, but it’s damaged.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Type: sfc /scannow
Press Enter and let the scan run. It will repair any broken system files it finds.

Restart your PC when it’s done.

3. Scan for Malware

Malicious software loves to tamper with system files like MSVCR100.dll.

Run a full scan using Windows Defender
Or use trusted third party tools like Malwarebytes for a deeper clean

If malware is found, remove it and recheck the issue.

4. Reinstall the App That’s Giving You Trouble

Sometimes the issue isn’t Windows it’s the app itself.

Uninstall the software
Restart your PC
Reinstall it (preferably from the official website)

Some programs come bundled with the required DLLs, so reinstalling might fix it automatically.

5. Check for Windows Updates

If your Windows 11 version is outdated, it could be missing important system files.

Go to Settings > Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Install everything available

You’d be surprised how many DLL issues are solved this way.

Still Seeing the Error?

If nothing else works, try DISM to repair the system image:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Let it complete and restart your computer

Or, if things were working just fine last week, consider doing a System Restore to roll back your PC to a previous point.

Final Thoughts

The “MSVCR100.dll is missing” error on Windows 11 might catch you off guard, but fixing it doesn’t have to be a chore. Skip the shady DLL websites and stick to trusted solutions your PC (and your sanity) will thank you.

And hey, the next time your app refuses to launch, you’ll know exactly where to start.