Picture this: you have just downloaded an exciting new game or a powerful software tool, completed the installation with high expectations, and clicked to launch it. Instead of the welcome screen, a stark error message appears, declaring that the program cannot start because MSVCR120 dll is missing.
Why MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software ranks as one of the most common yet baffling issues Windows users face today. This blog post dives deep into every angle of this problem, explaining the file’s purpose, the exact reasons it vanishes during fresh installs, and reliable strategies to restore it without risking your system’s health.
Understanding the MSVCR120 DLL File in Simple Terms
The MSVCR120.dll file belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable package, acting as a shared library that contains pre-written code for handling routine tasks in programs. Applications built with Visual Studio 2013 rely on this file to manage memory, process inputs, and perform calculations efficiently. When developers create software, they link it to this DLL instead of embedding the code directly, saving space and ensuring consistency across different machines.
New games and software often assume this library already exists on your computer. If the installation process skips or fails to place the file correctly, the program halts at startup with the missing DLL message. Knowing why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software starts with recognizing that modern installers sometimes overlook verifying runtime components, especially on clean or updated Windows setups.
This dependency model benefits efficiency but creates vulnerabilities. A single absent file can block an entire application, no matter how flawlessly the rest of the program is installed. Grasping this foundation prepares you to tackle the issue methodically rather than panicking at the error screen.
The Core Role of Visual C++ Redistributables in Software Execution
Visual C++ Redistributables serve as the backbone for countless applications by supplying essential runtime libraries. The 2013 version specifically includes MSVCR120.dll, tailored for programs compiled during that development cycle. Game engines, editing suites, and productivity tools frequently bundle or expect this package to avoid bloating their installers.
During software creation, developers choose to link dynamically to these libraries, meaning the final executable searches for MSVCR120.dll at launch. If the file resides in the correct system folder, everything runs smoothly; otherwise, the dreaded error emerges. This design explains why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software, even when the installer reports success.
Microsoft provides both 32-bit and 64-bit variants because many applications remain 32-bit for compatibility. Installing only the 64-bit package on a 64-bit system leaves 32-bit programs stranded, amplifying the problem. Awareness of these nuances transforms confusion into actionable insight.
“Visual C++ Redistributables are the silent partners ensuring your favorite programs start without rewriting the wheel every time.”
How Fresh Installations Trigger the Missing DLL Scenario
A brand-new game or software installation should theoretically include all necessary files, yet the MSVCR120.dll often goes AWOL. Installers sometimes assume the runtime already exists from prior software, skipping its deployment to save bandwidth. This optimistic approach backfires on systems lacking the 2013 package, especially after a clean Windows reinstall.
Network interruptions or antivirus interference during setup can corrupt the redistributable portion mid-process. The main program files land intact, but the critical DLL never reaches the System32 or SysWOW64 folders. Consequently, why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software frequently ties to partial or overlooked dependency handling.
Custom installation options might allow users to deselect runtime components unintentionally. Default settings usually include them, but advanced users tweaking for speed create gaps. Recognizing these pathways clarifies the mystery behind seemingly complete yet broken installs.
System Updates and Their Unexpected Impact on DLL Availability
Windows updates prioritize security and performance, occasionally reorganizing or replacing older runtime files. A major feature update might refresh Visual C++ components, inadvertently removing the 2013 version if no active program claims it. Fresh game installs post-update, then encounter the absence, spotlighting why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software in updated environments.
Patch deployments can alter folder permissions, blocking new installers from writing to protected directories. The DLL attempts to copy but fails silently, leaving the error for the first launch. This subtle interaction between system maintenance and application setup catches many off guard.
Rollback scenarios after failed updates sometimes strip redistributables to restore stability. Users reinstalling software afterward face the missing file puzzle anew. Vigilance during update cycles prevents such cascading issues.
Malware and Cleanup Tools as Hidden Culprits
Aggressive antivirus or cleanup utilities occasionally flag DLL files as suspicious, quarantining MSVCR120.dll during routine scans. A game installation completes, but a background sweep removes the freshly placed library before launch. This explains why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software despite a clean setup process.
Malware itself targets system files to disrupt operations, deleting or corrupting runtimes to cause widespread failures. Post-infection cleanups might restore most components yet miss niche 2013 libraries. Regular, balanced security practices avoid overzealous deletions.
Manual disk cleanups using built-in tools can erase temporary installer files containing the DLL. Users eager to reclaim space act too soon, orphaning the runtime. Timing and selectivity in maintenance preserve essential elements.
The 32-Bit Versus 64-Bit Architecture Mismatch
Modern Windows operates in 64-bit mode, but countless games and tools remain 32-bit for legacy support or performance. The MSVCR120.dll must reside in SysWOW64 for these applications, separate from the 64-bit version in System32. Installers defaulting to 64-bit only leave 32-bit programs searching fruitlessly.
This architectural split confounds users expecting one file to suffice. Why MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software often traces to this overlooked duality, especially with hybrid application suites. Installing both variants eliminates the gap comprehensively.
Developers sometimes bundle only the architecture matching their primary build, assuming users manage the rest. Mismatches arise on varied systems, amplifying the error’s prevalence. Dual installation emerges as a universal safeguard.
Interrupted or Rushed Installation Processes
Power fluctuations, forced shutdowns, or user impatience can truncate game and software setups. The core files transfer, but the runtime libraries deploy last, remaining incomplete. Launch attempts then reveal the absence, linking directly to why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software.
Large downloads over unstable connections drop packets critical to redistributable packages. Resuming appears successful, yet checksum failures corrupt the DLL silently. Stable environments and patience yield complete installations.
Background processes competing for resources slow critical write operations to system folders. The installer times out or skips steps, prioritizing visible components. Monitoring the task manager during setup ensures smooth execution.
“A rushed installation today becomes tomorrow’s missing DLL headache; patience pays off in stability.”
Preparing Your System to Investigate the Missing DLL
Before troubleshooting, create a restore point to safeguard your current configuration. This allows rollback if experiments destabilize the system. Access it through the search bar and follow the prompts for quick protection.
Verify available disk space, as low storage blocks file writes during installation. Free up several gigabytes to accommodate large games and their dependencies. Cleanup tools assist without risking system files.
Document the exact error message and the software triggering it. Screenshots or notes streamline research and support queries. Preparation transforms reactive panic into structured problem-solving.
Immediate Checks After Noticing the MSVCR120 DLL Absence
Restart the computer to clear temporary glitches that might mimic a missing file. Many transient issues resolve with a fresh boot, sparing deeper dives. Test the application again post-restart for confirmation.
Examine the installation log files, often located in the program’s folder or temp directory. Errors during redistributable deployment appear here, pinpointing why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software. Plain-text logs reveal actionable clues.
Run the installer in compatibility mode for older Windows versions if the software predates your OS. Right-click the setup file and adjust settings accordingly. This bridges generational gaps smoothly.
Reinstalling the Offending Game or Software Correctly
Uninstall the problematic title completely via the control panel to eliminate partial files. Use the official uninstaller when available for thorough cleanup. Reboot before proceeding to flush remnants from memory.
Download a verified copy from the developer’s platform, avoiding third-party mirrors. Run the installer as administrator to grant full system access. Watch for runtime inclusion prompts and accept them.
This clean slate approach frequently resolves the issue by ensuring proper DLL placement. It directly counters why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software through completeness. Verification launches confirm success.
Installing Both Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Packages
Microsoft offers separate x86 and x64 installers for the 2013 redistributable. Download and execute both sequentially, starting with x86. Administrative privileges ensure registration in the correct directories.
Repair options appear if prior installations exist; select them to refresh files. Restart after each to solidify changes. This dual process covers all architectural needs comprehensively.
The packages are lightweight and quick, making them ideal preventative measures. They address why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software at the source. Future installs benefit from the pre-existing library.
Leveraging Windows System File Checker for Integrity
The built-in System File Checker scans protected files and restores originals from cache. Launch an elevated command prompt and enter the scan command. Allow completion without interruption for accurate results.
Logs detail repaired items, confirming MSVCR120.dll restoration if corrupted. A reboot integrates fixes system-wide. This tool shines for post-install corruption scenarios.
It requires no downloads, relying on Windows’ internal resources. SFC directly mitigates why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software due to damage. Routine use maintains overall health.
Running DISM for Deeper Image Repair
Deployment Image Servicing and Management repairs the Windows component store itself. Execute the restore health command in the admin prompt to fetch pristine files online. Patience is essential as it communicates with Microsoft servers.
Follow with another SFC scan to apply repairs locally. This tandem approach resolves underlying image corruption. It tackles complex cases beyond surface symptoms.
DISM proves invaluable for update-related DLL losses. It explains and fixes why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software in patched environments. Regular health checks prevent escalation.
“SFC and DISM form a dynamic duo, healing Windows from within when external installs falter.”
Scanning for Malware That Targets Runtime Files
Comprehensive antivirus scans detect threats masquerading as or deleting DLLs. Choose full system mode to examine every sector. Quarantine findings and verify cleanup completeness.
Safe mode scanning enhances the detection of persistent infections. Update definitions first for current threat signatures. Post-scan reboots clear residual processes.
Malware explains sudden absences post-install, linking to why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software. Clean systems restore trust in new additions. Ongoing protection minimizes risks.
Updating Windows to Patch Runtime Compatibility
Navigate to settings and check for updates, installing all available packages. Optional updates often include redistributable fixes. Multiple restarts may apply changes fully.
Driver updates via Device Manager complement OS patches for hardware harmony. Manufacturer sites offer specialized versions when needed. This synergy prevents library conflicts.
Updates close gaps exposed by new software, resolving why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software. Automation simplifies maintenance. Consistency ensures longevity.
Manual Verification of DLL Placement in System Folders
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32 for 64-bit files. Search for MSVCR120.dll to confirm presence and size. Repeat in SysWOW64 for 32-bit verification.
Properties reveal version details matching Visual Studio 2013. Mismatches indicate wrong or corrupted copies. Manual checks validate automated fixes.
This hands-on step demystifies why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software. Visual confirmation builds confidence. Caution: avoids altering protected files.
Preventing Future Missing DLL Issues Proactively
Install all Visual C++ Redistributable versions from 2005 to the present during system setup. This library blanket supports diverse software ages. Automation scripts streamline bulk deployment.
Configure installers to run as administrator by default for unrestricted access. Group policies enforce this in managed environments. Prevention trumps reaction every time.
Educate on avoiding aggressive cleanup tools post-install. Whitelist system folders to preserve runtimes. These habits eliminate why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software repeatedly.
Impact of Missing DLL on Gaming Performance and Experience
Games halt at splash screens without MSVCR120.dll, wasting download time and anticipation. Multiplayer titles disconnect before matchmaking, frustrating players. Resolutions restore immersion swiftly.
Texture loading or physics engines reliant on the library stutter or crash mid-session. Patches assuming the DLL exacerbate issues. Understanding the ripple effect motivates prompt action.
Community forums buzz with shared fixes, fostering collective solutions. Developers note prevalent errors for future bundling. Gaming ecosystems evolve from user feedback.
How Software Developers Can Avoid Causing This Error
Bundling both redistributable architectures within installers ensures coverage. Silent installation flags prevent user oversight. Dependency checkers run pre-launch to verify presence.
Version-specific merging tools combine runtimes without conflicts. Release notes highlight requirements transparently. Proactive design reduces why MSVCR120 DLL being missing after installing a new game or software.
Testing on clean virtual machines simulates fresh user experiences. Feedback loops refine deployment strategies. Responsible development minimizes support tickets.
Real-World Examples of MSVCR120 DLL Recovery Success
A gamer reinstalled the 2013 package after a AAA title failed, resuming play in minutes. Simple yet effective, the fix spread via forums. Community empowerment grew from one solution.
An editor restored video rendering software post-update with SFC and DISM. Projects resumed without data loss. Professional workflows regained momentum.
These cases illustrate practical resolutions to why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software. Shared knowledge accelerates recovery. Success breeds confidence.
Custom Strategies for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Users
Windows 10 benefits from legacy compatibility modes for older redistributables. Enable them via properties for stubborn installs. Updates remain frequent for security.
Windows 11’s enhanced isolation requires verified publisher installers. Allow through SmartScreen when trusted. Dual architecture installation stays universal.
Tailoring approaches respects OS differences while unifying fixes. Users navigate why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software version-specifically. Adaptability ensures broad applicability.
Balancing Speed and Thoroughness in Troubleshooting
Quick, redistributable installs suit immediate needs but skip diagnostics. Full scans guarantee cleanliness at the cost of time. Hybrid strategies blend both for efficiency.
Prioritize based on urgency: games demand speed, work tools favor depth. Flexibility defines successful troubleshooting. Balance resolves why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software optimally.
Document outcomes to refine future processes. Patterns emerge from repeated incidents. Continuous improvement elevates user skill.
“Thorough troubleshooting today prevents frantic fixes tomorrow; invest time wisely.”
Conclusion: Turning DLL Mysteries into Routine Maintenance
This extensive guide has illuminated every facet of why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software, from the file’s fundamental purpose within Visual C++ 2013 to the myriad installation pitfalls that sever its presence. We explored how assumptive installers, system updates, malware, and architectural mismatches conspire to create the error, alongside symptoms that range from abrupt halts to subtle performance drags. Preparation steps, immediate checks, and layered resolutions—from clean reinstalls and dual redistributable deployments to SFC, DISM, malware scans, and updates—formed a robust toolkit for recovery.
Prevention emerged as the ultimate resolution, advocating proactive library installation, mindful maintenance, and developer responsibility. Real-world stories, gaming impacts, and version-specific tips enriched the narrative, while balanced troubleshooting philosophies ensured practicality. The journey transformed a frustrating roadblock into an opportunity for system mastery.
Key takeaways include always installing both 32-bit and 64-bit Visual C++ 2013 packages after any game or software setup, running SFC and malware scans routinely, and monitoring updates for runtime compatibility. Start every new installation with administrative rights and stable connections, verify DLL placement manually when in doubt, and cultivate habits that blanket your system with all redistributable versions. By internalizing why the MSVCR120 DLL is missing after installing a new game or software and applying these strategies, you guarantee seamless launches, uninterrupted productivity, and a frustration-free Windows experience for years to come.