How Can You Quickly Resolve the “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll Was Not Found” Error on Windows?

What Are the Most Effective Ways to Fix the “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll Missing” Issue for Good?

The “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll was not found” error typically appears when launching certain applications, such as Microsoft Office or Yuzu games. This issue is usually linked to problems with the Visual C++ Redistributable package or conflicts between Microsoft 365 apps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to resolve this error and restore your system’s stability.

Why Does the “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll Was Not Found” Error Occur?

• Corrupted or outdated Visual C++ Redistributable packages
• Conflicting installations of Microsoft 365 applications
• Missing or damaged DLL files due to software changes or system errors

Solution 1: Reinstall the Latest Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

1. Download the most recent Visual C++ Redistributable for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the installer, accept the license terms, and follow the instructions.
3. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Solution 2: Repair the Visual C++ Redistributable Installation

1. Open “Apps & Features” from the Start menu.
2. Locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable in the list.
3. Click “Modify,” then select “Repair” and follow the prompts.
4. Check if the error persists after the repair.

Solution 3: Remove Conflicting Microsoft 365 Apps

If you have both M365 Apps for Business and M365 Apps for Enterprise, uninstall one to prevent conflicts.

Go to “Apps & Features,” find the relevant Microsoft 365 app, and uninstall it.

Solution 4: Copy the DLL File from Another Computer

1. On a working computer, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll.
2. Copy the file to a USB drive.
3. Paste it into the same directory on your affected computer.

Solution 5: Reinstall Windows as a Last Resort

If all else fails, consider reinstalling Windows.

Back up all important data before proceeding, as this will erase your system drive.

A fresh installation will replace corrupted system files and resolve persistent DLL errors.

Key Takeaways

• Start with simple repairs like reinstalling or repairing Visual C++ Redistributable.
• Address potential conflicts by managing Microsoft 365 installations.
• Use a reliable source for DLL files—never download DLLs from untrusted websites.
• Reinstall Windows only if other methods do not resolve the issue.

By following these steps, you can efficiently resolve the “msvcp140_atomic_wait.dll was not found” error and ensure your applications run smoothly.