The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP120.dll was not found.

Question

I’m trying to use my Photoshop Elements 2022 and keep getting this message:

 

              The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP120.dll was not found.

 

I tried reinstalling the program and it didn’t work.  I also try installing the Visual C++ redistributable library and neither work.

 

Can you help me?

Answer 1

You indicate you have re-installed the Visual C++ redistributable.

That DLL is part of the Visual C++ 2013 redistributable, you must install both the X86 and X64bit versions of the redistributable, then restart your PC to apply the change, then reinstall the software, it should then work correctly.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170#visual-studio-2013-vc-120-no-longer-supported

Answer 2

The missing MSVCP120.dll message means the required Visual C++ 2013 C++ runtime DLL is not being found when Photoshop Elements starts.

MSVCP120.dll is the C++ runtime for Visual Studio 2013:

• Msvcr120.dll – C runtime
• Msvcp120.dll – C++ runtime

If Windows cannot find the required redistributable DLLs, applications fail to start with messages like the one shown. To resolve this, ensure the correct redistributable is installed and available to the app.

Follow these steps:

1. Install the correct Visual C++ Redistributable
   • Install the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable that includes the 2013 runtime (2015–2022 package) from the official Microsoft source.
   • Install both x86 and x64 variants if available, because some apps use 32-bit components even on 64-bit Windows.
2. Verify the DLL is present and accessible
   • After installation, try launching Photoshop Elements again.
   • If the error persists, the application might not be seeing the system copy of MSVCP120.dll. Some older apps expect the DLL to be available either via the system path or in the application’s local folder.
3. Use application-local deployment as a workaround (not generally recommended, but can fix a broken app)
   • It is possible to place the redistributable DLLs directly in the application’s local folder (the folder containing the Photoshop Elements executable). This is supported but not recommended for servicing reasons.
   • If done, ensure both MSVCP120.dll and MSVCR120.dll are present in that folder.
4. If the DLL is still reported missing
   • The error indicates the DLL cannot be found in the path. In that case, reinstalling the relevant Visual C++ components or copying the appropriate DLL from the Visual C++ installation to the computer is the supported resolution.
   • If reinstalling the redistributable and the application does not resolve the issue, collect more detail by checking for other missing DLL messages or using a dependency tool to see which runtime files the Photoshop Elements executable expects.

Once the correct Visual C++ 2013 runtime is properly installed and visible to Windows, Photoshop Elements should start without the MSVCP120.dll error.

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References:

• Using the Microsoft C Runtime with User-Mode Drivers and Desktop Apps
• Redistribute Visual C++ files
• Fatal Error C1108
• Fatal Error C1350