CS 1.6 MSVCP140.dll Was Not Found – Counter-Strike 1.6 Fix

Last updated: October 3, 2026

MSVCP140.dll was not found means Windows is missing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable that counter-strike 1.6 needs to start. The fix is to install the Visual C++ Redistributable x86 from Microsoft. The same fix works for VCRUNTIME140.dll and VCRUNTIME140_1.dll missing errors.

Install Visual C++ Redistributable x86 – main MSVCP140.dll fix

CS 1.6 is a 32-bit game, so it needs the x86 version of the redistributable – even on 64-bit Windows. Install both versions to be safe:

1. Download vc_redist.x86.exe – this is the one CS 1.6 uses
2. Download vc_redist.x64.exe – needed by other programs on 64-bit Windows
3. Run both files and click Install
4. Restart the PC
5. Start CS 1.6 again

Both links point to Microsoft’s official Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable. The full list is on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable page.

Repair an existing Visual C++ install

If the installer says a newer version is already installed but the cs 1.6 MSVCP140.dll error stays, the install is damaged:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter
2. Find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86)
3. Right-click it → Change → Repair
4. Do the same for the (x64) version and restart the PC

If Repair does not help, uninstall both versions, restart, and install them again from the links above.

Check Windows system files

If many programs show missing DLL errors, Windows files may be damaged. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Wait until the scan finishes, restart the PC and install the Visual C++ Redistributable again.

Why not to download MSVCP140.dll from DLL sites

Sites that offer a single MSVCP140.dll file are not from Microsoft. The file can be the wrong version, the wrong 32/64-bit type, or bundled with malware. Copying one DLL into the game folder also does not install the other files from the same package, so the next error is often VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found. Use the official installer.

CS 1.6 still not starting after the MSVCP140.dll fix

• Windows Update: install all pending updates, then restart
• Antivirus: check if your antivirus removed or quarantined game files, then restore them
• Steam version: right-click Counter-Strike in your library → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files
• Non-Steam version: reinstall the game with a clean installer

For other start problems see cs 1.6 not launching on Windows and the cs 1.6 black screen fix. Need a clean install? Get the CS 1.6 download here.