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Mfc120.dll is Missing in Windows: 7 Ways to Download the DLL
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for a quick fix
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 17, 2024
updated onOctober 17, 2024
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For fixing DLL errors, we recommend Fortect:
Fortect will search for an intitial version of your missing, corrupted or damaged DLL files that cause problems to your Windows OS and will replace it. Here is how to find them in 3 easy steps:
Often, when running a program, especially.exefiles for codes developed using Visual Studio, you get amfc120.dllmissing error. The complete message reads,The program can’t start because mfc120.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix the problem!
Themfc120.dllfile, developed by Microsoft, is a part of theVisual C++ Redistributablelibrary and is, by default, stored in theSystem32folder on theC:drive. Programs and games that utilize the DLL may also have a copy in their specific directory.
Whenmfc120.dllis not found, it’s usually due to missingVisual C++ Redistributables, inadvertent deletion of the DLL, corrupted system files, and third-party apps triggering conflicts. Before you start with troubleshooting things, check formfc120.dllin theRecycle Binand install all pending Windows updates!
What can I do if mfc120.dll is missing in Windows?
1. Use a top-rated DLL repair tool
The easiest solution whenmfc120.dllis missing is to use areliableDLL repair tool. These scan the PC, identify any corrupt or missing DLLs, fetch a fresh copy from their database, and download it on the computer.
This won’t just help you now but prevent similarmissing DLL issuesfrom arising in the future!
2. Install Visual C++ Redistributables
In 4 out of 5 cases, installing the latestMicrosoft Visual C++ Redistributableshould download the missingmfc120.dllfile in Windows. If that doesn’t work, you can downloadVisual C++ Redistributable 2013.
3. Manually copy the file from another PC
For missing DLLs developed by Microsoft, you can always get a copy from another Windows PC and transfer it to the relevant folder on the affected one. Just make sure that both PCs have the same OS architecture, i.e.,32-bitor64-bit.
Simply go to the following path on another computer > copymfc120.dllto a flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected PC > move the file to the same folder:C:\Windows\System32
If the error remains unresolved, also transfer a copy of the DLL to the program’s directory.
4. Run the DISM and SFC scans
Sincemfc120.dllis a protected system file, running theDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scans should replace it with a cached copy in case any corruptions are found or the DLL is altogether missing.
5. Reinstall the program throwing the error
6. Temporarily disable your antivirus or security software
If you have a third-party antivirus or similar security software installed, temporarily disable it and verify whether the affected program still throws the missingmfc120.dllerror.
In case that works, I recommend eitherwhitelisting the app in your antivirus, switching back toWindows Security, Microsoft’s native security solution, or downloading aneffective antivirus software.
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
A Windows in-place upgrade will, in all likelihood, fix the missing or corruptmfc120.dllerror. The process is akin toreinstalling Windows, but this way, you don’t lose personal data.
While you are here, discover expert tips tomake your Windows PC fasterthan ever! Also, don’t miss our latest guide on themsdia80.dllfile for more information.
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:DLL errors,DLL issues,Microsoft Visual C++
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
