Windows Error 0xc0000135: Causes and Quick Fixes

What Error 0xc0000135 Means

Error 0xc0000135 occurs when attempting to launch an application in Windows and is displayed as a dialog box with the message: "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000135)". This error indicates that the operating system cannot find or load the necessary Visual C++ runtime libraries (.dll files) required for the program to function.

The problem typically manifests when launching games, professional software (such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite), or applications compiled using Microsoft Visual Studio. The error blocks the program from starting, preventing it from running at all.

Causes

1. Missing required Visual C++ Redistributable package – The application was built using a specific version of Visual Studio, and the corresponding runtime libraries are not installed on the system.
2. Corruption of installed Visual C++ packages – Even if the packages are present, they may have been damaged due to crashes, viruses, or improper program removal.
3. Version conflict – The wrong version of the package is installed (e.g., version 2015 is required but 2013 is installed), or there is an architecture mismatch (a 64-bit application requires 64-bit libraries).
4. Deletion or corruption of system files – Malware or manual intervention may have removed critical DLL files from system directories (C:\Windows\System32, C:\Windows\SysWOW64).
5. Windows Registry issues – Invalid entries related to Visual C++ package installations can prevent them from loading properly.

Solutions

Method 1: Install Visual C++ Redistributable (Primary)

This is the most common and effective method. Starting with Visual Studio 2015, Microsoft consolidated the libraries into a single compatible package, so the same version works for applications from 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

1. Determine the required architecture. If you are unsure which version is needed (x86 for 32-bit applications or x64 for 64-bit), install both.
2. Download the official installers from the Microsoft website:
   • Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (for 32-bit applications)
   • Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (for 64-bit applications)

   💡 Tip: For older applications (pre-2015), you may need to separately install Visual C++ 2013, 2012, or 2010 packages. These are also available on the official Microsoft website.

3. Run the installers in order (first x86, then x64 if needed). A license agreement will appear—accept it and click Install.
4. Wait for each package installation to complete. A success message will appear upon completion.
5. Restart your computer—this is important for the system to update references to the libraries.
6. Test the application. In most cases, the error will be resolved.

Method 2: Verify System File Integrity

If the packages are already installed but the error persists, system files in Windows may be corrupted. Use the built-in SFC (System File Checker) utility.

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator (Win + X → "Windows PowerShell (Admin)").
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow
   

3. Wait for the scan to complete (takes 10–20 minutes). If the utility finds and repairs corrupted files, you will see a corresponding message.
4. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

⚠️ Important: If SFC cannot repair the files, try the DISM command before running SFC again:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3: Reinstall the Problematic Application

Sometimes the error is caused by corruption within the application itself or its configuration.

1. Uninstall the program that fails to launch via Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Download a fresh copy of the installer from the developer's official website (do not use an old or unofficial source).
3. Reinstall the program by following the setup instructions.
4. During installation, read the options carefully—sometimes the installer offers to automatically install necessary Visual C++ components.

Method 4: Update Windows

Outdated system components or missing updates can cause conflicts.

1. Open Windows Settings (Win + I) → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click "Check for updates" and install all available updates, including optional ones.
3. Restart your computer after installing updates.
4. Try launching the application again.

Method 5: System Restore

If the error appeared recently (after installing a program, updating a driver, etc.), restore the system to a previous working state.

1. Press Win + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
2. In the System Restore wizard, select "Choose a different restore point" → "Next".
3. From the list, select a restore point created before the error occurred and follow the instructions.
4. After the restart, test the application.

Prevention

• Install necessary Visual C++ Redistributable packages proactively. When installing new software, pay attention to system requirements—many programs explicitly state the required version.
• Regularly update Windows via Windows Update to receive the latest fixes for system components.
• Use antivirus software to protect against malware that could damage system libraries.
• Create restore points before installing major updates or new software, allowing you to roll back quickly if issues arise.
• Download software only from official sources—unofficial builds often omit required libraries or contain modified files.