If an application reports that MSVCP140.dll, VCRUNTIME140.dll, or another Microsoft Visual C++ runtime file is missing, installing the Visual C++ Redistributable is usually the correct fix. For software built with Visual Studio 2019, you normally do not need to find a separate, frozen “2019-only” installer. Microsoft’s current v14 Redistributable is shared by applications built with Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026.
This guide explains which package to download, how to install or repair it, how to use command-line options, and what to do when setup fails.
What the Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable actually is
Programs written in C and C++ can depend on Microsoft runtime libraries instead of including every library inside the application. The Visual C++ Redistributable installs those shared libraries centrally in Windows so compatible applications can use them.
Visual Studio 2019 belongs to Microsoft’s shared v14 runtime family. The latest supported v14 package is compatible with applications built using the Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 MSVC toolsets. The installed runtime must be the same version or newer than the MSVC Build Tools used to build the application.
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Consequently, a download page or installed-program entry may say Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable, or use another product-year label, even when it supports a Visual Studio 2019 application. The package family and processor architecture matter more than the year displayed in the product name.
Download the package from Microsoft’s latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable page.
Choose the correct download
Microsoft provides separate installers for different application architectures:
| Application or device | Installer | Permanent Microsoft link |
|---|---|---|
| 32-bit Windows application | vc_redist.x86.exe |
Download x86 |
| 64-bit x64 Windows application | vc_redist.x64.exe |
Download x64 |
| Native ARM64 application | vc_redist.arm64.exe |
Download ARM64 |
Choose the package that matches the application, not just the Windows installation. A 32-bit application cannot load 64-bit runtime DLLs, so installing x64 does not fix a missing x86 runtime.
On a normal 64-bit Intel or AMD computer, installing both the x86 and x64 packages is often sensible because the PC may run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. They are separate installations and can coexist.
On an ARM64 Windows device, the x64 package includes x64 and ARM64 binaries, but it does not replace the x86 package when a 32-bit application needs that runtime.
Download the latest supported package
- Open Microsoft’s Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads page, or use one of the permanent links above.
- Download the architecture required by the application.
- Confirm that the file is an executable downloaded from Microsoft. Avoid downloading individual DLL files from third-party “DLL download” websites.
- Optionally, right-click the downloaded file in File Explorer, select Properties, open Details, and read File version. Microsoft updates the permanent v14 links periodically, so the link does not represent one permanently fixed build number.
Install Visual C++ Redistributable interactively
The normal graphical installation requires administrator approval because the runtime libraries are installed centrally for system use.
- Open the folder containing the downloaded installer.
- Double-click
vc_redist.x86.exe,vc_redist.x64.exe, orvc_redist.arm64.exe. - Review and accept the license terms.
- Select Install.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt if Windows displays one.
- When setup finishes, restart the application that reported the missing runtime. Restart Windows as well if setup requests it or if files were previously in use.
The exact buttons shown can vary. If the same or a newer v14 runtime is already installed, the installer may offer repair, modify the existing installation, or report that no installation is necessary.
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Install from Command Prompt
Command-line installation is useful for scripts, software deployment, and unattended repairs. Open an elevated Command Prompt when possible, then run the command from the directory containing the installer or provide its full path.
Passive installation
/passive shows progress but does not require normal user interaction. /norestart prevents the installer from restarting Windows automatically.
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /passive /norestartFor other architectures, substitute the filename:
vc_redist.x86.exe /install /passive /norestart
vc_redist.arm64.exe /install /passive /norestartSilent installation
Use /quiet when no user interface or prompts should appear:
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestartSilent setup also hides visible error messages. Deployment scripts should capture the process exit code and write an installer log.
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Repair, uninstall, and help
vc_redist.x64.exe /repair /passive /norestart
vc_redist.x64.exe /uninstall /passive /norestart
vc_redist.x64.exe /?The installer also accepts /h and /help. The /layout option copies the complete redistributable contents to the current directory, while /log writes setup details to a specified file.
For example:
vc_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestart /log C:Tempvc_redist_x64.logIf the Command Prompt is not elevated, Windows may display a User Account Control prompt. In managed business environments, deployment tools may need to run the installer under an account with administrative rights.
Repair an existing installation
Repair the matching architecture when the runtime is installed but appears damaged or an application still cannot load its DLLs.
- Download the current installer for the required architecture.
- Run it and choose the repair option if it is offered.
- Alternatively, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select the relevant entry, such as Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64).
- Choose Change, then select Repair.
You can also start a repair from the command line with /repair. Use x86 for a 32-bit application and x64 for a 64-bit application; repairing the wrong architecture will not resolve an architecture mismatch.
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Check whether the runtime is installed
Look in Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Control Panel > Programs and Features. Search for entries containing Microsoft Visual C++ and check the architecture shown in the name.
For a more exact check, the v14 runtime stores its information in the registry. On 64-bit Windows, the x86 runtime is represented under the 32-bit registry path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftVisualStudio14.0VCRuntimesx86
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftVisualStudio14.0VCRuntimesx64
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftVisualStudio14.0VCRuntimesarm64The Version value contains the installed version. You can also inspect Major, Minor, Bld, and Rbld.
PowerShell example for the x64 runtime:
Get-ItemProperty `
'HKLM:SOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftVisualStudio14.0VCRuntimesx64' |
Select-Object Version, InstalledReplace x64 with x86 or arm64 to check another package.
Do not remove every Visual C++ package
Visual C++ Redistributables from different runtime families can be installed side by side. The shared v14 packages from Visual Studio 2015 onward are binary-compatible, but older families such as Visual C++ 2010 or 2013 may still be required by existing applications.
Do not routinely uninstall every Visual C++ entry and reinstall one package. Removing an apparently old package can break another program, even if the application you are currently troubleshooting works afterward. Remove or repair only the architecture and runtime that are relevant to the problem.
Troubleshoot installation failures
“Setup failed” because a newer version is installed
The installer checks whether a newer v14 runtime is already present. If it finds one, an older package may refuse to install. This does not necessarily mean the runtime is missing. Check the installed version first rather than trying to downgrade it.
Error 1603
Return code 1603 is a generic Windows Installer failure, not a diagnosis. Review the installer log for the specific file, permission, or package operation that failed. Restarting Windows, installing pending Windows updates, and retrying with the current Microsoft installer can resolve transient cases.
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Error 5: access denied
Return code 5 generally points to permissions or security software interference. Run the installer as an administrator. Antivirus, endpoint protection, group policy, or firewall controls can also block setup. For diagnosis, temporarily pause protection only if permitted by your security policy, retry the installation, and re-enable protection immediately afterward.
Error 32: a file is locked
Return code 32 means a file is in use or locked. Close applications that may use the runtime, restart Windows, and run setup again. Security software and corporate policy can also hold or scan files during installation.
Error 1620 or 0x80091007
Return code 1620 indicates that a Windows Installer package could not be opened. Microsoft also associates 0x80091007 with a payload hash mismatch. These errors commonly indicate an incomplete or corrupted installer cache or payload. Download a fresh copy from Microsoft and retry. If setup is attempting to remove an older package, the older package’s cached files may need repair first.
Error 1714
Error 1714 occurs when setup cannot remove or upgrade an older runtime because its Windows Installer cache is missing or damaged. Logs may refer to a missing file under:
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Extraction Failed from a path with special characters
The self-extracting installer can fail with “Extraction Failed — The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect” when it is launched from a path containing double-byte characters, including some Chinese or Japanese folder names.
Copy the installer to a simple path such as:
C:Tempvc_redist.x64.exeThen run it from that location.
Windows updates or a pending restart
Install pending Windows updates and restart the computer before trying again. A previous update or installer may have left runtime files locked or Windows components in a pending state.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Find detailed installer logs
The standalone redistributable installer normally writes logs to %TEMP%. Search that folder after a failed attempt for files related to the VC Redistributable.
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For additional diagnostics, Microsoft’s Visual Studio and .NET Log Collection Tool can collect setup information:
- Download Microsoft’s Visual Studio and .NET Log Collection Tool.
- Run
Collect.exe. - Extract
%TEMP%vscollect.zip. - Open the extracted
Tempfolder. - Look for filenames similar to
dd_vcredist_x64_yyyyMMddHHmmss.log. - Search the logs for
Error,Failed, andSystem Error.
Logs are particularly important for error 1603 because that return code alone does not identify the cause.
Visual Studio 2019 version context
Visual Studio 2019’s final supported servicing baseline is version 16.11, and Microsoft lists the IDE’s support through April 10, 2029. That lifecycle information applies to the Visual Studio product itself. It is separate from the version number of the v14 Redistributable installer, which Microsoft updates independently.
FAQ
Do I need a separate Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable?
Usually not. Visual Studio 2019 applications can use the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable. The current package is shared across compatible Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 toolsets.
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Will the Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable run a 2019 application?
Yes, when the application was built with a compatible v14 MSVC toolset. The installed runtime must be the same version or newer than the build tools used to create the application.
Should I install both x86 and x64 packages?
On 64-bit Windows, install both if you use applications of both architectures. x64 does not satisfy a 32-bit application because 32-bit programs require the x86 runtime.
Can I uninstall old Visual C++ Redistributables?
Do not remove them indiscriminately. Redistributables from older families, including 2010 and 2013, may be required by other software and are designed to coexist with newer packages.
Where should I download the runtime?
Use Microsoft’s official latest supported v14 download page or its aka.ms links for x86, x64, and ARM64. Avoid individual DLL download sites.
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Install or repair the Visual C++ Redistributable matching the application’s architecture. For a 32-bit program, use x86 even if Windows itself is 64-bit. Restart the application after installation.
The Bottom Line
For a Visual Studio 2019 application, download Microsoft’s latest supported v14 Redistributable rather than searching for an obsolete 2019-only package. Match the installer to the application’s architecture, install x86 and x64 separately when necessary, and repair the matching entry if it is damaged. If setup fails, use the installer log instead of repeatedly reinstalling unrelated Visual C++ packages.
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