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Windows: Troubleshooting Issues

If you are on Windows and forge fails to run, you might have an error about a missing vcruntime140.dll. This usually means your system is missing an essential runtime library from Microsoft.

The vcruntime140.dll file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, which is required to run many applications, including some of Forge's dependencies.

Solution: Install the Visual C++ Redistributable

The solution is to download and install the official package from Microsoft.

Step 1: Determine Your System Architecture

First, identify your Windows system architecture:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  3. In the System Information window, find the "System Type". It will tell you if you have an x64, x86, or ARM64 based PC.

Step 2: Download the Correct Redistributable

Visit the official Microsoft download page:

Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads

Download the correct file(s) for your system:

  • For x64-based PC: Download vc_redist.x64.exe
  • For x86-based PC: Download vc_redist.x86.exe
  • For ARM64-based PC: Download vc_redist.arm64.exe
tip

A 64-bit Windows installation can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications. To ensure maximum compatibility, it is recommended to install both the x64 and x86 redistributables on a 64-bit system.

Step 3: Install the Redistributable

  1. Run as Administrator: Right-click the downloaded file(s) and select "Run as administrator".
  2. Accept the License: Agree to the license terms and click "Install".
  3. Restart if Required: Restart your computer if prompted after installation.

Step 4: Verify the Fix

Return to the command prompt or application where you first saw the error and try running the command again. For example, if you were trying to run forge --version, try it again in the same terminal.

If the error is gone, you've fixed the problem!

Still Having Issues?

If installing the redistributable didn't solve the problem, please reach out for more help:

  • Join our Discord community for real-time support.
  • Check our GitHub Issues for similar problems.
  • Create a new issue with your system details and the exact error message.
caution

Security Note:

Always download Visual C++ Redistributables directly from Microsoft's official website. Avoid third-party download sites, which may bundle malware.