Mfc120.dll is Missing in Windows: 7 Ways to Download the DLL

Often, when running a program, especially .exe files for codes developed using Visual Studio, you get a mfc120.dll missing 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!

The mfc120.dll file, developed by Microsoft, is a part of the Visual C++ Redistributable library and is, by default, stored in the System32 folder on the C: drive. Programs and games that utilize the DLL may also have a copy in their specific directory.

When mfc120.dll is not found, it’s usually due to missing Visual C++ Redistributables, inadvertent deletion of the DLL, corrupted system files, and third-party apps triggering conflicts. Before you start with troubleshooting things, check for mfc120.dll in the Recycle Bin and 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 when mfc120.dll is missing is to use a reliable DLL 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 similar missing DLL issues from arising in the future!

2. Install Visual C++ Redistributables

1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, and download the Visual C++ Redistributable installer. For the 64-bit version of Windows, get both the x86 and x64 redistributables, while for the 32-bit Windows version, only x86 is required.
2. Run the downloaded setup (.exe file), and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Visual C++ Redistributable.
3. Reboot the PC and check for improvements.

In 4 out of 5 cases, installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable should download the missing mfc120.dll file in Windows. If that doesn’t work, you can download Visual 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-bit or 64-bit.

Simply go to the following path on another computer > copy mfc120.dll to 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

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Execute this command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, restart the computer and verify whether the missing DLL is restored.

Since mfc120.dll is a protected system file, running the DISM (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

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select the program throwing the error, and click on Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Restart the computer, and then reinstall the program from a reliable source, say the official website or Microsoft Store.

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 missing mfc120.dll error.

In case that works, I recommend either whitelisting the app in your antivirus, switching back to Windows Security, Microsoft’s native security solution, or downloading an effective antivirus software.

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

NOTE

The steps listed below are for Windows 11. In case you are using the previous iteration, learn how to perform an in-place upgrade on Windows 10.

1. Go to Microsoft’s website, select the OS edition and language, and then download the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Right-click on the ISO file, select Mount, and then click Open in the confirmation prompt.
3. Run the setup.exe file.
4. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
5. Click on Next.
6. Check Microsoft license terms and click on Accept to proceed.
7. Make sure the setup reads, Keep personal files and apps, and then click on Install.
8. Wait for the in-place upgrade to complete. It may take 30-90 minutes.

A Windows in-place upgrade will, in all likelihood, fix the missing or corrupt mfc120.dll error. The process is akin to reinstalling Windows, but this way, you don’t lose personal data.

While you are here, discover expert tips to make your Windows PC faster than ever!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.