Installing PHP on Windows can be a straightforward process, but it may require additional configuration to resolve dependency issues. One common problem encountered when running PHP 7 on Windows is the "VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing" error. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to install and configure PHP on Windows, focusing on resolving VCRUNTIME140.dll issues.
Understanding the VCRUNTIME140.dll Error
The VCRUNTIME140.dll error occurs when the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 is not installed or not properly configured on your system. This redistributable package is required by PHP 7, which is built using the VC14 (Visual Studio 2015) compiler.
Installing the Visual C++ Redistributable
To resolve the VCRUNTIME140.dll error, you need to install the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. You can download the redistributable package from the official Microsoft website:
- For 32-bit systems: Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 (x86)
- For 64-bit systems: Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 (x64)
It is recommended to install both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the redistributable package, even if you are running a 64-bit system. This ensures that all dependencies are met, regardless of the PHP version or architecture.
Installing PHP on Windows
To install PHP on Windows, follow these steps:
- Download the PHP installer from the official PHP website: http://windows.php.net/downloads/
- Choose the correct PHP version and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your system.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Configuring PHP on Windows
After installing PHP, you may need to configure the environment variables to point to the correct PHP executable. To do this:
- Right-click on "Computer" or "This PC" and select "Properties."
- Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left side.
- Click on "Environment Variables."
- Under "System Variables," scroll down and find the "Path" variable, then click "Edit."
- Click "New" and enter the path to the PHP executable (e.g.,
C:\php\php.exe).
Running PHP from the Command Line
To verify that PHP is installed and configured correctly, open a command prompt and type php -v. This should display the version of PHP installed on your system.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Make sure to run all Microsoft Visual C++ installations with administrator privileges (right-click → "Run as Administrator").
- If you encounter issues with Apache or other PHP-related components, ensure that you have installed the correct versions and architectures.
- Consult the official PHP documentation and Microsoft support resources for additional troubleshooting guidance.
By following these steps and installing the required Visual C++ Redistributable package, you should be able to resolve the VCRUNTIME140.dll error and successfully install and configure PHP on Windows.