When I attempt to download Adobe Reader, I get this error message: The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP140.dil was not found.

Question

When I attempt to download Adobe Reader, I get this error message: The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP140.dil was not found. It does not accept the download at all even though Adobe OR Microsoft Store will report, "Downloading" & "Downloading Complete" & "Installed" but it cannot be found anywhere in any files despite these claims.

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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The lack of this DLL can be fixed by installing Visual C++ Redistributable v14.

Download from the links below. I suggest you install both the x86 and x64 versions.

x86: https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x86.exe

x64: https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x64.exe

Source: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist

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If the error persists, please let me know.

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Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 2

The error indicates that the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime DLL (MSVCP140.dll) required by Adobe Reader is missing or not correctly installed. This is a Windows/Visual C++ issue, not an Office or Microsoft Store problem.

To resolve it in a more permanent way (similar to other MSVC DLL issues like MVC140.dll):

1. Standardize and repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables on the machine:
   • Uninstall older or conflicting Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable versions that may have been installed by other apps.
   • Install or reinstall the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x86 and x64) from Microsoft.
   • This ensures the correct MSVCP140.dll is present and registered.
2. Prevent older apps from reintroducing bad/old DLLs:
   • Some software (including CAD or Adobe-related tools) can drop their own outdated C++ runtime DLLs into system or application folders, which then break newer apps.
   • Review recently installed applications and their installers; if any bundle old Visual C++ redistributables, update or block those installers in your environment.
3. Use automation only to verify, not just repeatedly repair:
   • Instead of manually repairing redistributables every time something fails, use a script or management tool to check that the correct 2015–2022 redistributable version is present after Windows Updates or software installs, and remediate only when it is missing or downgraded.

Once the correct Visual C++ redistributables are installed and consistent, retry installing or launching Adobe Reader; the MSVCP140.dll error should no longer appear, and the application should complete installation and run normally.

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References:

• MVC140.DLL Error after Windows OS Updates - Microsoft Q&A
• Fatal Error C1108