mfc140u.dll Was Not Found on Your Computer [Cuases & Fixes]

If you are trying to open a game, software, or application on your Windows PC and suddenly see the message “mfc140u.dll was not found on your computer”, you are not alone. The mfc140u.dll file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. This file helps applications run properly on Windows because many programs are developed using Visual C++ frameworks. When this file is missing or damaged, Windows cannot run those programs correctly.

Among many causes, one common cause is a missing Visual C++ Redistributable installation. If the required version is not installed, applications cannot locate the DLL file they need.

Another possible reason is file corruption. System crashes, malware, or improper shutdowns can damage DLL files, making them unreadable.

Sometimes, the file may have been deleted accidentally. Users often remove files while cleaning storage or uninstalling software without realizing they are deleting essential system components.

Outdated Windows versions can also cause compatibility issues. If your system has not been updated for a long time, required runtime libraries might not function properly.

Malware or virus infections may also remove or replace the original mfc140u.dll file, leading to errors when launching software.

Now, you are aware of the possible causes of  mfc140u.dll error, and now, let’s learn how to fixthis error easily.

mfc140u.dll was not found on your computer [Fix]

To fix the mfc140u.dll was not found on your computer error, reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, update Windows, run System File Checker, reinstall the affected application, and scan for malware. These methods restore the missing DLL file and repair corrupted system components so programs can run normally.

Step 1. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The most effective solution is reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package because the mfc140u.dll file belongs to this software.

Start by opening the Control Panel on your computer. Click on Programs and then select Programs and Features. Look for all versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed on your system.

Uninstall the versions related to Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Do not worry, you will reinstall them in the next step.

After uninstalling, visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable package. Choose both x86 and x64 versions to ensure compatibility with all applications.

Install the downloaded files and restart your computer. This will replace the missing or corrupted mfc140u.dll file and restore normal functionality.

Step 2. Restart Your Computer

After installing the required components, restarting your system is important. Many users skip this step, but it ensures that newly installed files are properly integrated into the system.

Click on the Start menu and select Restart. Once the system boots again, try launching the program that previously showed the error.

If the issue was caused by temporary system glitches or incomplete installation, a restart will fix it.

Step 3. Update Windows to the Latest Version

An outdated Windows version can also trigger the mfc140u.dll missing error. Microsoft frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and runtime library improvements.

Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Click on Check for updates and allow Windows to search for the latest updates. If updates are available, download and install them.

Once the update process is complete, restart your computer. Updated system files often restore missing DLL dependencies and improve application compatibility.

Keeping Windows updated also protects your computer from security vulnerabilities.

Step 4. Run System File Checker

If the DLL file is corrupted or damaged, the built-in System File Checker tool can repair it automatically.

Press the Windows key and type Command Prompt. Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.

In the command window, type the following command:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes. The tool will scan all system files and repair any corrupted files it finds.

Once the scan finishes, restart your computer and check if the error is fixed. This method is very effective when the issue is caused by damaged system files.

Step 5. Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If the System File Checker does not fix the issue, you can use the DISM tool to repair the Windows system image.

Open Command Prompt as administrator again. Type the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. This tool connects to Windows Update servers and downloads fresh system files if required.

After the scan completes, restart your computer and run the SFC scan again for best results.

This method ensures that your Windows installation is healthy and free from corrupted components.

Step 6. Reinstall the Affected Program

Sometimes the error appears only when launching a specific application. In such cases, the program itself may have missing files.

Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features. Locate the application showing the mfc140u.dll error and uninstall it.

After uninstalling, restart your computer. Then download the latest version of the software from its official website and install it again.

Reinstalling the application ensures all required DLL files are placed correctly and linked with the system.

Step 7. Check the Recycle Bin for the Deleted DLL File

If the DLL file was accidentally deleted, it might still be in the Recycle Bin.

Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop and search for mfc140u.dll. If you find it, right-click on the file and choose Restore.

Restart your computer and try opening the program again. This simple method can quickly fix the issue if the file was removed unintentionally.

Step 8. Scan Your Computer for Malware

Malware infections can delete or replace important system files, including DLL files. Running a full system scan ensures your computer is safe.

Open Windows Security from Settings and select Virus and threat protection. Choose Full scan and start scanning your computer.

If any threats are detected, remove them immediately. After the scan is complete, restart your computer and reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable if needed.

Keeping your system free from malware prevents future DLL errors.

Step 9. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently after installing new software or updates, performing a System Restore can help.

Press the Windows key and search for System Restore. Select Create a restore point and open System Restore.

Choose a restore point from a date when your computer was working properly. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

This process will not delete personal files but will remove recently installed programs and settings that may have caused the issue.

Step 10. Reset or Repair Windows

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows may be necessary. This should be the last option.

Open Settings and go to Recovery. Select Reset this PC and choose the option to keep your files. Follow the instructions to complete the reset.

This process reinstalls Windows and restores all system files, including missing DLL files.

Faqs

What is mfc140u.dll in Windows?

The mfc140u.dll file is a Microsoft Visual C++ library file required by many applications to run properly on Windows. It is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable package.

Is it safe to download mfc140u.dll from DLL websites?

Downloading DLL files from random websites is not recommended because they may contain malware or outdated files. Always install official Microsoft Visual C++ packages instead.

Can I fix the error without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, in most cases, reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable, updating Windows, and running an SFC scan will fix the error without reinstalling Windows.

Why does the error appear while opening games?

Many games use Visual C++ libraries. If the required version is missing or corrupted, the game cannot locate the DLL file and shows the error.

Will updating Windows fix the problem?

Updating Windows can fix compatibility issues and restore missing runtime libraries, which often resolves DLL errors.