msvcp120_clr0400.dll: download the file and fix the error

64-bit (x64) Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Scanned by antivirus

msvcp120_clr0400.dll is a file of Microsoft Visual C++ 2013, the runtime library that a great many games and programs need to run. Its official description: “Microsoft® C Runtime Library”, by Microsoft Corporation.

If it is missing or damaged, Windows displays for example: “The program can't start because msvcp120_clr0400.dll is missing from your computer.” Two methods can fix the error, below.

Method 1 · quick · about 1 minute

Download only msvcp120_clr0400.dll

Ideal if only this file is reported missing: you replace a single file, without reinstalling anything.

⇓ Download msvcp120_clr0400.dll .zip file: the DLL + its instructions · downloaded 2,742 times

Version: 12.00.52512.0
Architecture: 64-bit (x64)
Size: 690.02 KB
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

Then:

Extract msvcp120_clr0400.dll from the zip file and copy it to the folder of the program showing the error (where its .exe file is).
Still getting the error? Also copy it to C:\Windows\System32 (64-bit Windows only), then restart.

64-bit version: it does not work with a 32-bit program. In that case, use method 2.

SHA-256: 2eb47258b95394d74ec244e47b35472fe08392e7adcaa75b608671c9df35d51e · Check on VirusTotal · Product: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2013

Method 2 ·complete · official method · 5 to 10 minutes

Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2013

Microsoft still offers the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 package (an older version, still required by many games). It restores msvcp120_clr0400.dll and the files of the same family.

Official Microsoft page of the Visual C++ packages

On the Microsoft page, download the Visual C++ 2013 package in its x86 version, and also x64 if your Windows is 64-bit.
Run them, then restart your computer. Already installed? Settings › Apps › the 2013 package › Modify › Repair.

Complete guide: Visual C++ errors (msvcp, msvcr, vcruntime)

Error messages related to msvcp120_clr0400.dll

The program can't start because msvcp120_clr0400.dll is missing.
Failed to load msvcp120_clr0400.dll
Error loading msvcp120_clr0400.dll. The specified module could not be found.

Why does this error occur?

Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 is not installed: new computer, reinstalled Windows, or a program that does not install its own prerequisites.
The file was deleted or damaged: another program was uninstalled, an overly aggressive cleanup, an antivirus.
Wrong architecture: a 32-bit program cannot use the 64-bit version of the DLL, and vice versa.

Files of the same family (Microsoft Visual C++ 2013)

mfc120.dll mfc120u.dll msvcp120.dll msvcr120.dll vccorlib120.dll vcomp120.dll

Frequently asked questions

Is msvcp120_clr0400.dll a virus?

No: it is a legitimate Microsoft file. Only be wary of a copy found outside C:\Windows or a program’s folder; you can compare its SHA-256 fingerprint with the one shown on this page.

Should I install the 32-bit or the 64-bit version?

On 64-bit Windows, install both: a 32-bit game needs the x86 version, even on 64-bit Windows. On 32-bit Windows, only the x86 version can be installed.