Msvcp140 atomic_wait.dll Not Found: Fixes
If you see “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll was not found� when launching a program or game, the fix is to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable package. This error means the program needs a runtime library that is missing or outdated on your Windows PC, and reinstalling the correct redistributable restores it.
What Is msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll?
The file msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. It is a runtime component that programs written in C++ use to handle threading and synchronization (the “atomic wait� part refers to a low-level thread synchronization mechanism). Many applications, especially games and business software, do not bundle this file with their installer; they expect it to already be present on your system.
This DLL is not a standalone download from Microsoft—it is only distributed inside the Visual C++ Redistributable package. That package is free and safe to install from Microsoft’s official site.
Why Does the Error Appear?
The error typically appears for one of these reasons:
- Missing redistributable: The Visual C++ Redistributable was never installed, or only an older version (2010, 2013) is present.
- Outdated version: The installed redistributable is older than the one the program was built with. Programs compiled with newer Visual Studio tools expect a newer DLL version.
- Corrupted installation: A previous update or uninstall left the DLL damaged or partially removed.
- 32-bit vs 64-bit mismatch: The program is 32-bit but only the 64-bit redistributable is installed (or vice versa). Both versions are separate files.
- Antivirus quarantine: Some security tools mistakenly flag the DLL and remove it.
How to Fix the Error
Follow these steps in order. The first step resolves the vast majority of cases.
Step 1: Install the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable
- Go to Microsoft’s official download page for “Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads.�
- Download both the vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe files. Installing both covers 64-bit and 32-bit programs.
- Run each installer and follow the prompts. You may need to reboot afterward.
This single step replaces the missing DLL and also updates any older version.
Step 2: Repair the Redistributable
If the error persists, the installed copy may be corrupted. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64)� (and the x86 one), select it, and click Modify or Repair. Let the repair finish, then restart your PC.
Step 3: Run System File Checker
Corrupted Windows system files can interfere with DLLs. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, then restart. If it finds issues it cannot fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the same Command Prompt, then run sfc again.
Step 4: Check for 32-bit vs 64-bit Mismatch
If the program is 32-bit (common for older games or business tools), it needs the x86 redistributable. If it’s 64-bit, it needs x64. Installing both as in Step 1 eliminates this issue entirely.
Step 5: Whitelist the DLL in Antivirus
If you use a third-party antivirus, check its quarantine list for msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll. If present, restore it and add the program’s folder to the exclusion list. Then reinstall the redistributable to ensure the file is intact.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One frequent mistake is downloading a “DLL fix� from a third-party website. These sites often host outdated or malicious files. Microsoft does not provide the DLL as a standalone download, and no reputable source does. Always use the official redistributable installer.
Another misconception is that the error comes from the program itself being broken. In almost all cases, the program is fine—it simply needs the runtime library. Reinstalling the program rarely helps unless it also installs the redistributable (some do).
Also note that the file name includes “atomic_wait,� which is specific to newer Visual Studio versions. If you see a similar error for msvcp140.dll (without atomic_wait), the same fix applies—the redistributable covers both.
Prevention and Long-Term Maintenance
To avoid this error in the future:
- Keep Windows Update enabled; it often updates runtime libraries automatically.
- When installing new software, accept the installer’s offer to install Visual C++ Redistributable if it appears.
- Periodically check that you have the latest redistributable version installed, especially after a major Windows update.
- If you uninstall programs, be careful not to remove the Visual C++ Redistributable itself—many programs depend on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to download msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll from a DLL site?
No. Third-party DLL sites are not official, and the files may be outdated, corrupted, or infected. Always install the full redistributable from Microsoft’s official page.
Why do I need both x64 and x86 versions?
Because 32-bit programs use the x86 version and 64-bit programs use the x64 version. They are separate files and do not replace each other. Installing both ensures any program works.
Will reinstalling the program fix the error?
Sometimes, if the program’s installer also installs the redistributable. But most programs do not, so the correct fix is to install the redistributable directly.
Does this error affect Windows 11 or Windows 10?
It can affect both, as well as older Windows versions. The fix is identical across all supported Windows versions.
What if I already have the redistributable installed but the error still appears?
Try repairing the installation via Settings → Apps. If that fails, uninstall the redistributable completely and reinstall it fresh. Also verify that you have both x86 and x64 versions.
Can I copy the DLL from another computer?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The DLL may be incompatible with your system’s version of the redistributable, and it’s easy to get the wrong one. Installing the redistributable is simpler and safer.
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