MSVCP100.dll and VCRUNTIME140.dll are Microsoft Visual C++ runtime components used by Windows applications built with different generations of Microsoft’s C++ development tools. Although both support C++ applications, they serve different runtime roles and belong to different Visual C++ toolchain eras.
MSVCP100 is associated with Visual C++ 2010, while VCRUNTIME140 is part of the newer Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable family. Understanding the differences between MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140 is useful when diagnosing missing-DLL errors, checking software dependencies, and understanding application compatibility.
MSVCP100 vs VCRUNTIME140 at a Glance
| Feature | MSVCP100 | VCRUNTIME140 |
| DLL filename | MSVCP100.dll | VCRUNTIME140.dll |
| Associated toolchain | Visual C++ 2010 | Visual C++ 2015 and compatible later toolsets |
| Primary role | C++ standard library runtime | Visual C++ runtime support |
| Runtime generation | VC++ 2010 | VC++ 2015–2022 family |
| Typical software | Older Windows applications and games | Newer Windows applications and games |
| Main functionality | Microsoft C++ standard-library features | Compiler/runtime support for compatible applications |
| Interchangeable | No | No |
| Common Redistributable | Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable | Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable |
| Architecture | x86/x64 depending on application | x86/x64/ARM64 depending on application |
What Is MSVCP100?
MSVCP100.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 runtime environment. It provides functionality from Microsoft’s implementation of the C++ standard library for applications compiled against the Visual C++ 2010 toolchain.
The “CP” designation is commonly associated with the C++ portion of Microsoft’s runtime libraries.
Applications can depend on MSVCP100 for standard-library functionality involving components such as strings, containers, streams, algorithms, and related C++ features.
Features of MSVCP100
- Associated with Visual C++ 2010.
- Provides Microsoft C++ standard-library runtime functionality.
- Supports compatible applications compiled with the VC++ 2010 toolchain.
- Can coexist with other Visual C++ runtime generations.
- Frequently encountered in older Windows software and PC games.
Limitations of MSVCP100
- It belongs to an older Visual C++ generation.
- It does not provide the same runtime components as VCRUNTIME140.
- It cannot replace VCRUNTIME140.dll.
- Applications may require additional Visual C++ runtime DLLs.
What Is VCRUNTIME140?
VCRUNTIME140.dll is a Microsoft Visual C++ runtime component associated with the Visual C++ 2015 generation and compatible later toolsets. It is distributed as part of the unified Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable family.
Unlike MSVCP100, which primarily represents the C++ standard-library runtime, VCRUNTIME140 provides runtime support associated with the Visual C++ compiler and runtime environment.
Applications built using compatible Visual C++ toolsets can depend on VCRUNTIME140.dll for functionality required during program execution.
Features of VCRUNTIME140
- Associated with the Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtime family.
- Provides runtime support for compatible Visual C++ applications.
- Supports software developed with newer Microsoft C++ toolsets.
- Available through redistributable packages for supported processor architectures.
- Commonly encountered in modern Windows applications, games, utilities, and development software.
Limitations of VCRUNTIME140
- It does not replace older runtime libraries such as MSVCP100.dll.
- Applications built specifically against the Visual C++ 2010 runtime may still require their original dependencies.
- The correct architecture must match the application.
- Some applications require additional Visual C++ runtime DLLs alongside VCRUNTIME140.
The Main Difference Between MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140
The two DLLs differ in both runtime generation and function.
MSVCP100 is associated with Visual C++ 2010 and primarily provides C++ standard-library functionality.
VCRUNTIME140 belongs to the Visual C++ 2015–2022-compatible runtime family and provides core runtime support for applications built with compatible toolsets.
In simplified terms:
- MSVCP100 → Visual C++ 2010 C++ standard library
- VCRUNTIME140 → Visual C++ 2015–2022-compatible Visual C++ runtime support
They are therefore not alternative versions of the same DLL.
MSVCP100 vs VCRUNTIME140 Compatibility
Compatibility is determined largely by the application’s build environment.
A program compiled against Visual C++ 2010 may expect MSVCP100.dll, while a program compiled with a compatible Visual C++ 2015-or-later toolset may require VCRUNTIME140.dll.
Installing VCRUNTIME140 does not automatically satisfy an application’s dependency on MSVCP100. Similarly, installing the Visual C++ 2010 runtime does not provide the runtime environment expected by an application that requires VCRUNTIME140.
Important compatibility factors
- Compiler generation: The application determines which runtime it expects.
- Binary compatibility: Different runtime generations have different interfaces and dependencies.
- Architecture: x86, x64, or ARM64 requirements depend on the application.
- Multiple runtimes: Different Visual C++ runtime generations can coexist on one Windows system.
- Additional dependencies: An application may require several Microsoft runtime DLLs simultaneously.
Requirements and Installation
MSVCP100 Requirements
Applications that require MSVCP100 generally depend on the appropriate Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable.
The application’s architecture is important:
- 32-bit applications: Typically require the x86 runtime.
- 64-bit applications: Typically require the x64 runtime.
- 64-bit Windows: Can run 32-bit applications, meaning an x86 runtime can still be required.
The application may also depend on other Visual C++ 2010 runtime components.
VCRUNTIME140 Requirements
Applications requiring VCRUNTIME140 generally use the Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable family.
Depending on the software, the appropriate package can correspond to:
- x86 applications
- x64 applications
- ARM64 applications
A 64-bit version of Windows does not mean every application needs the x64 redistributable. A 32-bit application can still require the x86 version.
For security and reliability, Visual C++ Redistributables should be obtained from Microsoft’s official distribution channels instead of downloading individual DLL files from unofficial DLL repositories.
Performance Comparison
MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140 are not direct performance alternatives.
A newer runtime generation can contain technical changes and improvements, but an application cannot generally be made faster simply by replacing MSVCP100 with VCRUNTIME140. The application’s compiler, source code, optimization settings, algorithms, hardware, and dependencies have a much greater influence on performance.
Factors affecting application performance
- Compiler optimization settings
- Application architecture
- CPU capabilities
- Memory management
- Algorithms and data structures
- Disk and network I/O
- Graphics processing
- Third-party libraries
- Operating-system configuration
The runtime libraries primarily provide functionality required by the application rather than acting as independent performance products.
Common Use Cases
MSVCP100 Use Cases
MSVCP100 can be found in:
- Older Windows desktop applications
- PC games developed with Visual C++ 2010
- Legacy utilities
- Multimedia applications
- Software using Microsoft’s VC++ 2010 C++ standard library
VCRUNTIME140 Use Cases
VCRUNTIME140 is commonly encountered in:
- Newer Windows desktop applications
- PC games built with compatible Visual C++ toolsets
- Multimedia and graphics applications
- Engineering and productivity software
- Software developed with Visual Studio 2015 and compatible later toolsets
The exact runtime requirements vary from one application to another.
MSVCP100 Pros and Limitations
Pros
- Provides C++ standard-library functionality for compatible Visual C++ 2010 applications.
- Supports legacy applications built against the VC++ 2010 environment.
- Can coexist with newer Visual C++ runtime versions.
- Offers the runtime functionality expected by software that specifically depends on MSVCP100.
Limitations
- Associated with an older compiler generation.
- Cannot replace VCRUNTIME140.dll.
- May require a separate Visual C++ 2010 runtime installation.
- Its compatibility is primarily relevant to software built against the corresponding runtime.
VCRUNTIME140 Pros and Limitations
Pros
- Supports applications built using compatible Visual C++ 2015-and-later toolsets.
- Forms part of the unified Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtime family.
- Supports multiple processor architectures through the appropriate redistributable packages.
- Is commonly used by newer Windows applications and games.
Limitations
- Does not satisfy every dependency on older Visual C++ runtimes.
- Cannot replace MSVCP100.dll.
- Application architecture still determines which redistributable package is required.
- Other runtime components, such as C++ standard-library DLLs, may also be required.
MSVCP100 vs VCRUNTIME140 for Missing DLL Errors
The filename displayed in a Windows error is an important indicator of the missing dependency.
When MSVCP100.dll is missing
A message mentioning MSVCP100.dll generally indicates that the application needs the Visual C++ 2010 C++ standard-library runtime.
The relevant troubleshooting path is to check the appropriate Visual C++ 2010 runtime and application architecture.
When VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing
A message mentioning VCRUNTIME140.dll generally indicates that the application requires a compatible Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtime component.
Installing or repairing the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable can address runtime availability when the application is otherwise compatible.
Manually renaming one DLL to the name of another, copying runtime DLLs from unrelated computers, or downloading individual DLLs from unofficial websites is not a suitable replacement for installing the corresponding runtime package.
Can VCRUNTIME140 Replace MSVCP100?
No.
Although both are Microsoft Visual C++ runtime components, they have different responsibilities and belong to different Visual C++ generations.
| DLL | Primary role |
| MSVCP100.dll | Visual C++ 2010 C++ standard-library runtime |
| VCRUNTIME140.dll | Visual C++ 2015–2022-compatible runtime support |
An application that was compiled to depend on MSVCP100 may still require the Visual C++ 2010 runtime even when VCRUNTIME140 is installed.
Similarly, an application that requires VCRUNTIME140 needs the appropriate newer runtime environment rather than MSVCP100.
Troubleshooting MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140 Errors
When either library is reported as missing, the troubleshooting process should focus on the corresponding runtime generation.
For MSVCP100 errors
- Identify whether the application is 32-bit or 64-bit.
- Check for the appropriate Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable.
- Repair or reinstall the relevant runtime if necessary.
- Check whether other Visual C++ 2010 dependencies are missing.
For VCRUNTIME140 errors
- Identify the application’s architecture.
- Check for the appropriate Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable.
- Repair or reinstall the runtime when appropriate.
- Check for related runtime dependencies if the application still fails to launch.
Key Differences Summary
- MSVCP100 is associated with Visual C++ 2010.
- VCRUNTIME140 is associated with the Visual C++ 2015–2022 compatible runtime family.
- MSVCP100 primarily provides C++ standard-library functionality.
- VCRUNTIME140 provides core Visual C++ runtime support.
- Neither DLL is a replacement for the other.
- MSVCP100 is commonly associated with older software.
- VCRUNTIME140 is commonly associated with newer software.
- Both have architecture-specific considerations.
- Neither should be treated as a direct performance upgrade over the other.
Conclusion
MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140 are Microsoft Visual C++ runtime components from different generations with different responsibilities. MSVCP100 is associated with Visual C++ 2010 and provides C++ standard-library runtime functionality, whereas VCRUNTIME140 is part of the Visual C++ 2015–2022 compatible runtime family and provides core runtime support for compatible applications.
Their differences are most significant when considering application compatibility, runtime dependencies, architecture, and missing-DLL troubleshooting. An application may require one, the other, or multiple runtime components depending on its compiler toolchain and build configuration.
Understanding the exact DLL named by an error and the Visual C++ generation used to build the application provides a clearer basis for identifying the required runtime without treating MSVCP100 and VCRUNTIME140 as interchangeable options.