Fix DLL Errors When Running Python (VCRUNTIME140, api-ms-win-crt)
Python won't start due to DLL errors? Learn how to fix common Visual C++ runtime issues that prevent Python from running.
Table of Contents
Common Python DLL Errors
When starting Python, you may see:
Error 1: python.exe - System Error
``
The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found.
Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.
`
Error 2:
`
api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer
`
Error 3:
`
The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP140.dll was not found.
``
These errors occur because Python 3.5+ requires the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
Solution 1: Install Visual C++ Redistributable
Python 3.5 and later require Visual C++ 2015 or later:
Step 1: Download both versions: - VC++ 2015-2022 x64 (for 64-bit Python) - VC++ 2015-2022 x86 (for 32-bit Python)
Step 2: Install the version matching your Python architecture - If you have 64-bit Python → Install x64 - If you have 32-bit Python → Install x86 - If unsure → Install both
Step 3: Restart your computer
Step 4: Try running Python again
Solution 2: Install Windows Updates (api-ms-win-crt)
The api-ms-win-crt-runtime DLLs are part of Windows:
Windows 10/11: 1. Open Settings → Windows Update 2. Check for updates 3. Install all available updates 4. Restart computer
Windows 7/8.1: 1. Install KB2999226 (Universal C Runtime): - Go to Microsoft Update Catalog - Search for KB2999226 - Download for your Windows version
After updating Windows: Try running Python again. If still failing, reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable.
Solution 3: Reinstall Python
If installing VC++ doesn't help, reinstall Python:
Step 1: Uninstall current Python: - Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall Python
Step 2: Download fresh installer: - Go to python.org/downloads - Download the latest version
Step 3: Install with these options: - Check "Add Python to PATH" - Select "Customize installation" - Check "Install for all users"
Step 4: The Python installer should install required VC++ components automatically
Solution 4: Use Python from Microsoft Store
Alternative installation method that handles dependencies:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store
Step 2: Search for "Python"
Step 3: Select "Python 3.x" published by Python Software Foundation
Step 4: Click "Get" to install
The Microsoft Store version automatically includes all required dependencies.
Note: Some advanced use cases may require the python.org version instead.
Solution 5: Portable/Embedded Python
If you can't install VC++ on the system:
Option 1: Portable Python Download WinPython or Python Portable, which bundles VC++ runtime
Option 2: Embedded Python Download the embeddable package from python.org: 1. Go to python.org/downloads/windows 2. Download "Windows embeddable package" 3. Extract to a folder 4. Includes minimal dependencies
Note: The embedded version doesn't include pip by default.