MSVCP140 and VCRuntime140 are Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries commonly encountered when installing or troubleshooting Windows applications built with Microsoft Visual C++. Although both are part of the same modern Visual C++ runtime ecosystem, they serve different purposes.
Understanding the difference between MSVCP140 vs VCRuntime140 can help explain missing-DLL errors, application dependencies, software deployment requirements, and compatibility issues. This guide compares the two runtime components across their functions, features, performance considerations, compatibility, requirements, use cases, advantages, and limitations.
MSVCP140 vs VCRuntime140 at a Glance
| Category | MSVCP140 | VCRuntime140 |
| Primary role | C++ Standard Library runtime | Visual C++ Runtime support |
| Main functionality | Provides C++ Standard Library components | Provides core runtime support for MSVC-compiled applications |
| Runtime family | Visual C++ 2015 and later binary-compatible family | Visual C++ 2015 and later binary-compatible family |
| Common file | MSVCP140.dll | VCRUNTIME140.dll |
| Typical dependency | C++ Standard Library features | Compiler/runtime features such as exception handling and runtime initialization |
| Common applications | C++ applications using the Standard Library | Applications and libraries built with MSVC |
| Architecture | x86, x64, ARM64 depending on package | x86, x64, ARM64 depending on package |
| Distribution | Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable | Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable |
| Direct replacement | Not a replacement for VCRuntime140 | Not a replacement for MSVCP140 |
What Is MSVCP140?
MSVCP140.dll is part of Microsoft’s Visual C++ runtime environment and primarily provides functionality from the C++ Standard Library.
The MSVCP naming convention distinguishes this library from the Visual C++ runtime components responsible for lower-level compiler and runtime functionality. Applications that use features implemented in the C++ Standard Library can therefore have a dependency on MSVCP140.
Microsoft’s Visual C++ documentation describes the redistributable as providing runtime libraries required by applications built with supported MSVC toolsets. The modern runtime family covers Visual Studio 2015 and later supported toolsets under Microsoft’s binary-compatibility model.
Typical MSVCP140 functionality
MSVCP140 can be involved in applications using components such as:
- C++ Standard Library functionality
- Containers
- Strings
- Algorithms
- Input/output facilities
- Standard-library utilities
- Other C++ library features
The exact dependency depends on how the application or library was compiled and which C++ features it uses.
What Is VCRuntime140?
VCRUNTIME140.dll is another component of the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime. It provides core runtime functionality required by applications compiled using Microsoft Visual C++.
The VCRUNTIME component is separate from the C++ Standard Library represented by MSVCP140. It can provide functionality associated with:
- Runtime initialization
- Exception handling
- Compiler-generated runtime support
- Security-related runtime mechanisms
- Other fundamental Visual C++ runtime operations
An application can therefore require VCRUNTIME140.dll without necessarily having the same dependency profile as an application using MSVCP140.
MSVCP140 vs VCRuntime140: Core Technical Difference
The most important distinction is their role within the Visual C++ runtime.
MSVCP140 primarily supplies the C++ Standard Library implementation.
VCRUNTIME140 supplies core runtime functionality used by code compiled with the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler.
In simplified terms:
- MSVCP140 → C++ Standard Library functionality
- VCRUNTIME140 → Core Visual C++ runtime functionality
They are complementary components rather than competing alternatives.
A single application can require both DLLs. Consequently, installing one does not automatically mean that every dependency requiring the other component has been satisfied.
Features Comparison
MSVCP140 Features
MSVCP140 is associated with the C++ Standard Library side of the Visual C++ runtime and can support applications using:
- Standard C++ containers
- String handling
- Standard algorithms
- C++ input/output functionality
- Library utilities
- Other implementation details of the C++ Standard Library
Its presence is particularly relevant to applications whose compiled code relies on the corresponding Microsoft C++ Standard Library implementation.
VCRuntime140 Features
VCRuntime140 provides lower-level runtime support, including functionality associated with:
- Program startup and runtime initialization
- C++ exception handling
- Compiler-generated runtime operations
- Runtime checks and related support
- Other functionality required by MSVC-generated code
The exact runtime dependencies vary according to compiler version, build configuration, and application architecture.
Performance Differences
There is no meaningful universal performance ranking between MSVCP140 and VCRuntime140 because they perform different jobs.
MSVCP140 primarily supports C++ Standard Library functionality, while VCRuntime140 supplies core runtime services. Their performance characteristics therefore depend heavily on how an application uses the respective runtime components.
Application performance can instead be influenced by factors such as:
- Compiler optimization settings
- Application architecture
- Algorithms and data structures
- Memory allocation patterns
- CPU architecture
- Build configuration
- Frequency of runtime-library calls
- Other third-party dependencies
Both components are designed to work as parts of the Visual C++ runtime environment rather than as alternative performance solutions.
Compatibility
MSVCP140 Compatibility
MSVCP140 belongs to the modern Visual C++ runtime family introduced with Visual Studio 2015.
Microsoft documents binary compatibility between supported MSVC toolsets beginning with Visual Studio 2015, allowing applications built with supported later toolsets to use the corresponding compatible runtime family under the documented conditions.
This makes MSVCP140 dependencies common across many modern Windows applications.
VCRuntime140 Compatibility
VCRUNTIME140 is part of the same broader modern Visual C++ runtime family.
Applications compiled with supported versions of Microsoft’s C++ compiler can depend on VCRUNTIME140 and related runtime components. Compatibility still depends on the specific toolset, application architecture, and redistributable version.
Microsoft provides current Visual C++ Redistributable packages for supported MSVC applications.
System Requirements and Deployment
The runtime components are normally installed through the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, rather than by manually copying individual DLL files.
Microsoft provides redistributable packages for supported architectures, including:
- x86
- x64
- ARM64
The architecture must correspond to the application and its runtime requirements. A 32-bit application, for example, may require the x86 runtime even when it is running on a 64-bit version of Windows.
Microsoft recommends distributing the appropriate Visual C++ Redistributable rather than manually distributing individual runtime DLLs.
Important deployment considerations
- Verify whether the application is x86, x64, or ARM64.
- Use the appropriate Microsoft Redistributable package.
- Consider the application’s specific Visual C++ toolset.
- Avoid replacing runtime DLLs manually.
- Check for additional dependencies if a missing-DLL error remains.
Common Use Cases
MSVCP140 use cases
MSVCP140 is commonly encountered in:
- Modern Windows desktop applications
- Games and game launchers
- C++ productivity software
- Engineering and scientific applications
- Multimedia applications
- Applications using Microsoft’s implementation of the C++ Standard Library
- Third-party C++ libraries
VCRuntime140 use cases
VCRuntime140 can be encountered in:
- Windows applications compiled with MSVC
- C++ desktop software
- Games
- Business applications
- Software using native C++ libraries
- Applications requiring MSVC compiler runtime functionality
- Third-party native Windows components
Many applications use both runtime components because a C++ application may need both Standard Library functionality and core compiler/runtime services.
Pros and Limitations of MSVCP140
Pros
- Provides C++ Standard Library runtime functionality.
- Part of the modern Visual C++ runtime ecosystem.
- Supports applications built with supported MSVC toolsets.
- Available through Microsoft’s official redistributable packages.
- Can work alongside VCRuntime components in the same application.
Limitations
- Does not replace VCRUNTIME140.
- A missing MSVCP140 DLL can prevent dependent applications from starting.
- Architecture compatibility still matters.
- Installing an unrelated or incompatible runtime does not necessarily resolve a dependency.
- The DLL should not generally be obtained from unofficial DLL-download sites.
Pros and Limitations of VCRuntime140
Pros
- Provides core runtime support for MSVC-compiled applications.
- Part of the modern Visual C++ runtime family.
- Supports applications across supported MSVC toolset generations.
- Distributed through Microsoft’s Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Works alongside Standard Library components such as MSVCP140.
Limitations
- Does not provide the complete C++ Standard Library functionality represented by MSVCP140.
- A program can require additional Visual C++ runtime DLLs.
- Correct architecture and runtime version remain important.
- Manually replacing the DLL is not a general solution for dependency problems.
MSVCP140 vs VCRuntime140 for Missing DLL Errors
The distinction becomes particularly useful when Windows displays an error involving one of these files.
If MSVCP140.dll is missing
The application is reporting a missing dependency associated with the Microsoft C++ Standard Library runtime.
The appropriate troubleshooting approach is generally to identify the application’s required Visual C++ Redistributable and install the corresponding official Microsoft package.
If VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing
The application is reporting a missing core Visual C++ runtime component.
Again, the appropriate approach is to identify and install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable required by the application rather than downloading a standalone DLL from an unofficial source.
If both are missing
This can occur when the application depends on multiple components of the Visual C++ runtime. Installing the appropriate redistributable package can provide the required runtime files together.
Are MSVCP140 and VCRuntime140 Interchangeable?
No. MSVCP140 and VCRUNTIME140 are separate runtime components with different responsibilities.
Replacing one with the other is not a valid way to resolve a missing-DLL dependency. An application specifically linked against MSVCP140 expects that library, while an application linked against VCRUNTIME140 expects its corresponding runtime component.
In some cases, an application may require:
- MSVCP140
- VCRUNTIME140
- Additional Visual C++ runtime DLLs
The complete dependency set is determined by the application’s build configuration and libraries.
MSVCP140 vs VCRuntime140: Key Takeaways
- MSVCP140 is primarily associated with the Microsoft C++ Standard Library runtime.
- VCRUNTIME140 provides core Visual C++ runtime functionality.
- Both belong to the modern Microsoft Visual C++ runtime ecosystem.
- They are complementary rather than competing libraries.
- An application can depend on both simultaneously.
- Neither DLL should be treated as a direct replacement for the other.
- Architecture and toolset compatibility are important when deploying the runtime.
- Microsoft’s Visual C++ Redistributable is the standard mechanism for providing these runtime components.
Conclusion
MSVCP140 and VCRUNTIME140 serve different but related roles within the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime environment. MSVCP140 focuses on C++ Standard Library functionality, whereas VCRUNTIME140 provides fundamental runtime support for code compiled with Microsoft’s C++ compiler.
Their compatibility and deployment requirements overlap because they belong to the same broader Visual C++ runtime ecosystem, but their individual functions are distinct. Depending on how software was compiled, an application may require either component or both.
Understanding these differences makes it easier to interpret Windows DLL errors, identify application dependencies, and select the appropriate Visual C++ Redistributable without treating the two runtime libraries as interchangeable.