Installing Visual C++ Redistributable: Complete Guide to Downloading and Setup

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

The Visual C++ Redistributable package is a set of runtime libraries required for programs and games compiled with Microsoft Visual C++ to function. If these libraries are missing or corrupted, launching an application will produce errors such as:

• The program can't start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer
• VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found
• DLL load failed: api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll

Installing the correct version of the package directly resolves these issues. This guide will help you safely download and install the latest Visual C++ components on Windows 10 or 11.

Requirements / Preparation

1. Operating System: Windows 10 (version 1507 or newer) or Windows 11.
2. Permissions: An administrator user account.
3. Internet: Required to download the installers (~70 MB per file). If no internet is available, use the offline installer method.
4. The Problem Program: It is recommended to know which specific program is causing the error to understand if an additional version might be needed (but usually the universal one is sufficient).

Step 1: Download the Official Installers

Never download Visual C++ packages from unverified sites—this can lead to virus infections. Always use the official source from Microsoft.

1. Open your browser and navigate to: Latest supported Visual C++ downloads (for x86) and Latest supported Visual C++ downloads (for x64).
   • vc_redist.x86.exe — for 32-bit (x86) programs.
   • vc_redist.x64.exe — for 64-bit (x64) programs.
2. Save both files to a convenient folder (e.g., Downloads or Desktop).

💡 Tip: Even if you have 64-bit Windows, install both packages. This ensures all programs will work.

Step 2: Install the Packages

1. Navigate to the folder where you saved the files.
2. Find the vc_redist.x86.exe file. Right-click on it and select "Run as administrator".
3. In the installer window that opens:
   • Accept the license agreement by checking the box.
   • Click the "Install" button.
   • Wait for the process to complete (the progress bar will reach 100%).
   • Click "Close".
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the vc_redist.x64.exe file.

Step 3: Alternative Method — Offline Installation for Systems Without Internet

If the target computer has no internet connection, you can use an offline installer (offline layout).

1. On a computer with internet, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (Win+R → cmd → Ctrl+Shift+Enter).
2. Execute the command to create a complete offline copy (~150 MB). Example for version 2015-2022:

   # Creates folder 'C:\VC_Redist_Offline' with full set of files
   vs_redist.x86.exe --layout C:\VC_Redist_Offline --lang ru-RU
   

   • Replace vs_redist.x86.exe with the name of your downloaded installer.
   • The --lang ru-RU flag downloads the Russian interface. Use en-US for English.
3. Copy the entire C:\VC_Redist_Offline folder to the target computer (via USB drive, network, etc.).
4. On the target computer, run the vc_redist.x86.exe (and/or vc_redist.x64.exe) file from this folder as an administrator. The installation will proceed without an internet connection.

Step 4: Verify the Result

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features (or Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features).
2. In the list of installed programs, look for entries like:
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) — 14.34.31931
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) — 14.34.31931 (The version number may differ).
3. If both entries are present, the installation was successful.
4. Important: Launch the program or game that previously showed the error. It should now work.

Possible Issues

Error 0x80070643 or 0x80240017 During Installation

This often indicates a conflict with antivirus software or corrupted system files.

• Solution: Temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall. Restart the installer. If that doesn't help, run a system file integrity check:

  sfc /scannow
  

  and then

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  

Installation "Hangs" or Doesn't Complete

• Solution: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find the vc_redist*.exe process, and end it. Uninstall any partially installed components via "Programs and Features" (look for Microsoft Visual C++ 20xx Redistributable marked as "Failed installation" or just an old version). Then repeat the installation from scratch.

"Access Denied" or "Failed to Complete Installation" Error

• Cause: The installer was not run with administrator privileges or another process is blocking the files.
• Solution: Ensure you are running the installer as an administrator. Close all unnecessary programs, especially file managers, antivirus software, and cloud sync services (OneDrive, Dropbox). Try installing in Safe Mode.

The Program Still Throws Errors After Installation

• Solution: Ensure you installed the correct architecture (x86/x64) for your program. If the program is 32-bit (the .exe file is in Program Files (x86)), it needs the x86 package. Also, try reinstalling the problematic program—sometimes its installer registers the necessary libraries itself.

FAQ

Q: Can I remove old versions of Visual C++ (e.g., 2008, 2010)? A: Not recommended. Different programs may depend on different package versions. Removing old versions can cause previously installed software to malfunction. Install new versions in addition to the old ones.

Q: What is "Universal CRT" and why do I need it? A: Universal CRT is part of Windows 10 and newer, containing core C libraries. The Visual C++ 2015+ Redistributable package installs updates for Universal CRT. If you have up-to-date Windows 10/11, the base CRT is already present, but the package adds necessary libraries and updates not included by default.

Q: Is there a difference between the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 packages? A: No. Starting with Visual Studio 2015, Microsoft releases a single binary redistributable package for all these versions. The vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe files from the Microsoft site are the latest universal version, covering all projects built with VS 2015-2022. Install exactly this one.

Q: Do I need Visual C++ on Windows Server? A: Yes, if applications built with Visual C++ are running on the server. Use the same redistributable packages for servers. Note that automatic updates may be disabled on servers, making manual installation critical.