If Windows shows an "msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll was not found" or "msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll is missing" error when launching a program or game, the problem is usually related to damaged Microsoft Visual C++ runtime files, an incomplete application installation, antivirus interference, or broader Windows system corruption. This guide explains several practical ways to fix the error safely.
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Use Microsoft's official Visual C++ Redistributable downloads rather than third-party DLL websites.
For current applications using the corresponding runtime family, you may need the supported Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022 packages.
After installing the required runtime packages, restart the computer and test the application again.
Reinstall the Program Showing the DLL Error
Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Locate the affected program and uninstall it.
Restart Windows afterward.
Download a fresh installer from the software developer or another trusted source and reinstall the application.
Then launch it again.
Fix DLL Problems with Driver Talent X
If you are encountering several DLL errors and cannot determine which runtime or system component is responsible, Driver Talent X provides another troubleshooting option.
This can be useful when errors involve multiple runtime files rather than a single application.
Download and install Driver Talent X.
Launch the program.
Start a DLL or system scan.
Wait for the scan to identify applicable problems.
Review the detected DLL or runtime issues.
Apply the recommended repair.
Check Windows Security and Antivirus Quarantine
Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history
Review recent actions related to the affected application.
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Enter:
SFC /scannow
Press Enter and allow the scan to reach 100%.
If Windows finds protected system files that can be repaired, SFC will attempt to restore them.
Restart the computer after the process completes.
Repair the Windows Image with DISM
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Allow the process to complete.
Depending on the condition of Windows, this may take some time.
After DISM finishes, run:
SFC /scannow
Check Windows Update
Settings > Windows Update
Select:
Check for updates
Install applicable Windows updates and restart the computer.
Conclusion
The msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll error is usually caused by a damaged Visual C++ Redistributable, an incomplete application installation, antivirus interference, or corrupted Windows components. Start by reinstalling the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable packages and the affected program. If several applications show similar errors, use Driver Talent X to scan for DLL-related problems, then run DISM and SFC to repair Windows. Avoid downloading individual DLL files from unknown websites, as they may be unsafe or incompatible.
