---
title: "Solution: “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” Error When Opening Office"
description: "If you see the message “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing” when opening Office apps like Word or Excel, it usually means Windows is missing a required runtime component. This file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, which many Windows programs need in order to run correctly."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/7-solution-vcruntime140dll-is-missing-error-when-opening-office
collection: "Office Troubleshooting"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# Solution: “VCRUNTIME140.dll is Missing” Error When Opening Office

If you see the message “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing” when opening Office apps like Word or Excel, it usually means Windows is missing a required runtime component. This file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, which many Windows programs need in order to run correctly.

#### This error commonly happens when the Visual C++ files are missing or damaged, an Office installation didn’t complete properly, or system files are corrupted.  
  
✅ How to Fix It

Take a look at this video:

Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable  
Go to Microsoft’s official page and download both installers:

[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist)

Download the **x64** and **x86** versions.

Install both packages  
Run each installer one at a time and follow the on-screen steps to complete installation.

Restart your PC  
Reboot your computer after installation so the changes apply correctly.

Open Office again  
Launch Word, Excel, or any Office app to confirm the error is gone.

🛠 If it still happens

Run System File Checker (SFC)  
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to finish and follow any prompts.

Reinstall Office  
If the issue continues, uninstall Office from your PC, then reinstall using the installer from your purchase instructions (recommended). After reinstalling, try opening Office again.