Fix Discord DLL Errors and Startup Issues

Discord users often see these errors:

DLL Errors: - VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing - VCRUNTIME140_1.dll not found - MSVCP140.dll error - api-ms-win-crt errors

Other Errors: - "Installation has failed" - Discord opens but shows black/gray screen - "Update Failed - Retrying" - Discord crashes on startup

Discord requires Visual C++ 2015-2022:

Step 1: Close Discord completely (check system tray)

Step 2: Download and install: - VC++ 2015-2022 x64

Step 3: Restart your computer

Step 4: Launch Discord

This fixes most VCRUNTIME and MSVCP errors.

Corrupted cache can cause DLL loading issues:

Step 1: Close Discord completely

Step 2: Press Win + R, type %appdata%, press Enter

Step 3: Delete the "Discord" folder

Step 4: Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, press Enter

Step 5: Delete the "Discord" folder

Step 6: Restart computer and reinstall Discord

For persistent issues, clean reinstall:

Step 1: Uninstall Discord from Control Panel

Step 2: Delete remaining folders: - %appdata%\Discord - %localappdata%\Discord

Step 3: Download fresh installer from discord.com

Step 4: Run installer as Administrator: - Right-click → Run as administrator

For api-ms-win-crt errors:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Step 2: Go to Windows Update

Step 3: Install all updates

Step 4: Restart computer

The Universal C Runtime is included in Windows updates.

Temporary alternatives while troubleshooting:

Discord Web: Go to discord.com/app in your browser

Discord PTB (Public Test Build): 1. Download from discord.com/download 2. Scroll down to find "Download Public Test Build" 3. PTB is a separate installation that might work when stable doesn't

Discord Canary: Most experimental version, available from the same download page