How to troubleshoot MSVCP120.DLL errors

A MSVCP120.DLL-specific sequence based on Visual C++ 2013 Runtime and its supported delivery through Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable.

1

Identify the Visual C++ 2013 C++ dependency

Record the affected program, exact MSVCP120.DLL message, Windows version, and whether the app is 32-bit or 64-bit.

2

Repair the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable

Use the affected application's official installer or prerequisite package. For legacy Visual C++ packages, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select the matching Redistributable generation, and choose Change or Repair when offered. Do not substitute a newer runtime generation.

3

Verify the 2013 C++ runtime and application architecture

Restart Windows after the supported repair, launch the same affected program, and repeat the action that produced the original message. If MSVCP120.DLL still fails, record the new exact error and stop before making unrelated system changes.

Safety warning: Do not copy or register MSVCP120.DLL in isolation. MSVCP120.DLL belongs to the Visual C++ 2013 Runtime family and this report does not identify it as a self-registering COM server. Repair it through Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable instead of attempting manual registration.

Windows Repair Intelligence™ DLL Report

MSVCP120.DLL

Visual C++ 2013 C++ Runtime Library

Home / DLL Library / Visual C++ 2013 Runtime / MSVCP120.DLL

The C++ standard-library runtime associated with applications built using the Visual Studio 2013 toolset.

PublisherMicrosoftArchitecturesx86 / x64Source classOfficial packageReviewedAugust 15, 2026

What is MSVCP120.DLL?

MSVCP120.dll is the Microsoft C++ standard-library runtime for applications built with the Visual Studio 2013 toolset. It is a separate runtime generation from the v14 libraries.

Common Error Messages

  • "MSVCP120.dll was not found"
  • "The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP120.dll is missing"
  • "MSVCP120.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error"

Common Causes

  • The application requires the Visual C++ 2013 runtime
  • The legacy runtime was removed
  • The installed architecture does not match the app
AI

Smart diagnostic checkpoint

AI-assisted · grounded in this report's reviewed evidence
Package ownerVisual C++ 2013 Redistributable

Use the official application or Microsoft package.

Best first routeRepair the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable

Match the affected program and x86 / x64 architecture before repairing.

System repair?Not the first step

Repair the application or Redistributable before using Windows system-file tools.

Stop and reassessIf the exact message changes

Capture the new wording and affected program. Do not continue repeating unrelated repairs.

Fix the program that reports MSVCP120.DLL

This decision path is specific to Visual C++ 2013 C++ Runtime Library. The C++ standard-library runtime associated with applications built using the Visual Studio 2013 toolset.

1

Preserve evidence from the MSVCP120.DLL dialog

Note the affected program, the action that triggered the failure, and what changed immediately beforehand. Save open work and close that program normally; use Task Manager only if it is frozen or the supported repair tool says it is still running.

Record the exact message “MSVCP120.dll was not found” before closing it.
2

Preserve the required Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable generation

Check the program's documented prerequisites or original installer. MSVCP120.DLL belongs to Visual C++ 2013 Runtime; installing a newer Visual C++ or DirectX generation does not automatically satisfy this side-by-side dependency.

Expected delivery context: Official package; do not rename a newer DLL to MSVCP120.DLL.
3

Repair the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable

Repair or reinstall the application that reports the error. Then install or repair the Microsoft runtime package required by that application. Use Repair or Change only when Windows or the official installer actually offers that option.

Use the official Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable installer and retain its x86 / x64 packages when the affected software needs them.
4

Verify the 2013 C++ runtime and application architecture

Restart Windows and retest before attempting system-file repair. Launch the same program and repeat the original action. If the wording changes, capture the new error and reassess instead of repeating unrelated repairs.

Validation target: The application requires the Visual C++ 2013 runtime.

Page-specific safety boundary: MSVCP120.DLL must remain version-compatible with msvcr120.dll. Reset only after backing up application data, and reinstall solely from the program publisher or Microsoft.

Verified file intelligence

Official-source grounded

Versions, hashes, and signatures can vary by supported package release. This report does not invent a universal "latest file" value. Confirm package selection against Visual Studio 2013 redistribution (Microsoft Learn), Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads (Microsoft Learn).

Verified MSVCP120.DLL file versions

8 observed builds

Distinct locally observed specimens are deduplicated by version, architecture, and SHA-256. A signature result identifies the inspected file; it is not a recommendation to copy a loose DLL into Windows.

VersionArchitectureFile sizeLanguageSignature
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx64655.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-25617d49c900e1a88fc4849de26493a159fe552f30398e20bbe9bf9e722148e6495
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx64655.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-25647edda5def6c659fc787404e20dd159450eafc87c579db266924759a405a8b2d
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx64655.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-2564ae50a46318a503c2473dd1ac31d0b7df71301e591c1b1971464bfffe3e91ecc
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx64655.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-2566f516a23e518d72095dc60b9280a64fff0dcd08a07a83b3975c8a5bd82c24a65
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx86455.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-25635c504d17b0ec05182e52f7c73052fb2165b42c6b68b7822bd93f166eeacfaf7
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx86455.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-256896a71209ad1ef43ebd6c87a45c0b59757adc88325d4a26aacd5bd8e7122b466
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx86455.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-256938e779a7aa947c843791f0881f6b0bf6b99f7646b27c9ef8adcfc4fbcb2b0e1
12.00.30501.0 built by: RELx86455.1 KBEnglish (United States)Valid
PublisherMicrosoft CorporationDescription / observed sourceMicrosoft® C Runtime Library · Installed applicationSHA-2569f0e8ffe942c8fa6f8ad7c80c19f14ec4ccdb76132b207258dfce83c02e4212e

Evidence method: file metadata read from the observed specimen, SHA-256 calculated by WinLab, and digital-signature status checked through Windows Authenticode. Observed 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

AI-assisted / evidence reviewed

How we use AI: AI helps draft clear answers, but every published technical claim must be tied to an approved source, pass safety checks, and receive editorial review. It may not invent versions, hashes, signatures, download links, or success rates.

What is MSVCP120.DLL?

MSVCP120.dll is the Microsoft C++ standard-library runtime for applications built with the Visual Studio 2013 toolset. It is a separate runtime generation from the v14 libraries.

Why is MSVCP120.DLL missing or failing?

The application requires the Visual C++ 2013 runtime; The legacy runtime was removed; The installed architecture does not match the app. For MSVCP120.DLL, confirm the owning Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable installation before concluding that Windows itself is damaged.

What is the safest way to repair MSVCP120.DLL?

Repair or reinstall the application that reports the error; Install or repair the Microsoft runtime package required by that application; Restart Windows and retest before attempting system-file repair. A v14 Redistributable does not replace an application's Visual C++ 2013 dependency.

Can I safely download MSVCP120.DLL from a DLL website?

Do not restore MSVCP120.DLL as an isolated download. Its supported owner is Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable; use the affected application's installer or the matching Microsoft package so architecture, companion files, and servicing metadata remain consistent. A v14 Redistributable does not replace an application's Visual C++ 2013 dependency.

Should I run regsvr32 for MSVCP120.DLL?

MSVCP120.DLL belongs to the Visual C++ 2013 Runtime family and this report does not identify it as a self-registering COM server. Repair it through Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable instead of attempting manual registration.