If you see errors such as "MSVCR100.dll is missing" or "MSVCR100.dll not found," it usually means a required Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 runtime component is missing, corrupted, or failing to load. This is common with older games and applications that depend on the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable. When the file is unavailable, affected programs may fail to start or crash immediately. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to fix by repairing or reinstalling the proper Visual C++ runtime components rather than downloading DLL files from unofficial sources.
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
Download the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable from Microsoft and install it again. On many systems, it is best to install both the x86 and x64 versions, because some 64-bit versions of Windows still run 32-bit programs that need the x86 package
After installation, restart your computer and test the program again
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run this command:
sfc /scannow
This tool scans protected Windows files and replaces corrupted versions where possible. Wait for the scan to finish completely, restart your PC, and then test the program again.
Use DISM for Deeper Repair
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM repairs the Windows image that SFC depends on when replacing damaged files. After DISM finishes, restart the computer and run sfc /scannow again. Then try launching the affected program once more.
Scan for Malware
Malware can delete, replace, or corrupt DLL files, including Microsoft runtime libraries. If the error appeared together with pop-ups, unusual slowdowns, crashes, or other missing-file messages, run a full system scan immediately
Use Windows Security or another trusted antivirus solution to scan the entire computer. Remove any threats that are found. After cleanup, run SFC and DISM again to repair system damage left behind by the infection
Update Windows
Installing Windows updates can help fix compatibility issues, replace damaged components, and improve runtime support for older programs. If your system is behind on updates, install all important updates and restart the computer
Windows Update may not always restore MSVCR100.dll directly, but it can fix related system problems that interfere with Microsoft Visual C++ packages and shared libraries. This step is especially useful if the error began after a failed update or after restoring an older system backup
PcGoGo DLL Fixer
If none of these above methods work for the dll issue, try PcGoGo DLL Fixer. PcGoGo DLL Fixer can help scan the system for missing or corrupted DLL components and repair them automatically.
How to Prevent the Error in the Future
To reduce the chance of seeing this error again, keep Windows updated, avoid deleting files from system folders, and install software only from trusted sources
Be careful with registry cleaners and aggressive PC optimization tools, because they sometimes remove shared runtime components that other programs still need
It is also a good idea to run regular malware scans and avoid manually copying DLL files between folders
If you use older games or desktop applications often, keeping Microsoft Visual C++ runtimes in good condition can prevent many common launch problems
Conclusion
MSVCR100.dll missing issues are usually caused by a damaged Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable package, a broken app installation, corrupted Windows files, antivirus interference, or malware. If the issue affects only one program, a clean reinstall may be enough. If several apps show DLL errors, Windows itself may need deeper repair. In either case, avoid downloading random DLL files from unofficial sites. Fixing the root cause is safer, more stable, and far more likely to solve the problem permanently.
