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Most Windows 11 applications built with Microsoft Visual C++ do not include the C++ runtime files they need. If an application displays an error such as VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found or MSVCP140.dll is missing, installing the correct Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package can restore those files.
For applications built with Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, or 2026, Microsoft recommends the latest Visual C++ v14 Redistributable. Download it only from Microsoft, and choose the package architecture that matches the application—not simply the architecture of Windows.
Download Visual C++ Redistributable for Windows 11
Use Microsoft’s permanent download links below. These links point to the current v14 package and are preferable to third-party download sites.
| Package | Use it for | Official download |
|---|---|---|
| x64 | 64-bit applications | Download vc_redist.x64.exe |
| x86 | 32-bit applications | Download vc_redist.x86.exe |
| ARM64 | Native ARM64 applications | Download vc_redist.arm64.exe |
Microsoft updates the v14 package frequently, so its download page does not necessarily show one permanent “latest version” number. To check the exact version of the file you downloaded, right-click it in File Explorer, choose Properties, open Details, and read File version.
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Microsoft’s current v14 package supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is used by applications built with the Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 toolsets, which share the v14 redistributable files and are binary-compatible.
Which Visual C++ Redistributable architecture do you need?
Check the Windows architecture at Start > Settings > System > About. Under Device specifications, read System type.
Windows 11 itself is 64-bit only, but a 64-bit Windows installation can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications. The runtime must match the application:
- Install x64 for a 64-bit application.
- Install x86 for a 32-bit application, even on 64-bit Windows.
- Install ARM64 for a native ARM64 application on Windows on Arm.
- On an ARM64 Windows PC, the x64 package is suitable for x64 applications because Microsoft says it contains both x64 and ARM64 binaries.
If the PC runs a mixture of 32-bit and 64-bit programs, install both the x86 and x64 packages. They are separate architectures, not duplicate installations. Many game launchers, older utilities, and 32-bit plug-ins require x86 even when the computer is running 64-bit Windows.
How to install Visual C++ Redistributable
- Download the required installer from one of Microsoft’s links above.
- Open the downloaded file, such as
vc_redist.x64.exe. - Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Accept the license terms if shown, then select Install.
- Restart Windows if the installer requests it.
The standalone installer places the Visual C++ runtime libraries centrally on Windows so compatible applications can use them. If that architecture is already installed, the program may show maintenance options instead, including Repair and Uninstall.
Verify that it is installed
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft Visual C++.
- Look for the installed entry identifying the runtime and architecture, such as x64 or x86.
To verify the downloaded package’s exact file version, open File Explorer, right-click VC_redist.<architecture>.exe, select Properties, choose Details, and read File version.
Repair Visual C++ Redistributable
Repair is useful when the runtime is installed but an application reports missing or damaged DLL files.
- Download the latest package for the application’s architecture.
- Run the installer.
- Select Repair if that option is offered.
- Restart Windows if requested.
- Open the affected application again.
You can also open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three-dot button beside the Visual C++ entry, and use the available maintenance option. The precise controls can vary by package and Windows state.
The older Control Panel route is Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Right-click the relevant Microsoft Visual C++ entry and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.
Install from Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt, change to the folder containing the installer, and run:
vc_redist.x64.exe /installFor a progress display without normal prompts and without an automatic restart, use:
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vc_redist.x86.exe /install /passive /norestartAvailable installer options include:
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
/?, /h, /help |
Display command-line help |
/install |
Install the runtime |
/repair |
Repair the installation |
/uninstall |
Remove the runtime |
/layout |
Copy the complete redistributable contents to the current directory |
/passive |
Show progress without requiring normal interaction |
/quiet |
Suppress the user interface and interaction |
/norestart |
Prevent an automatic restart |
/log filename.txt |
Write an installation log to the specified file |
A non-elevated Command Prompt may trigger a User Account Control prompt. In managed environments, open an elevated Command Prompt if your organization’s policies require it.
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Important version and compatibility rules
The installed redistributable must be the same version or newer than the MSVC Build Tools version used to build the application. The latest v14 package can support applications built with Visual Studio 2017 and later, including Visual Studio 2015-era applications because Microsoft states that the v14 runtime remains binary-compatible with the Visual Studio 2015 MSVC tools.
Visual Studio 2015 support ended on October 15, 2025. Although the newer v14 runtime is compatible with applications built using those tools, the original Visual Studio 2015 redistributable is now a legacy, unsupported product.
Visual C++ 2013 and earlier are different runtime families. Installing the latest v14 package does not replace them. If an older program specifically asks for Visual C++ 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, or 2005, download that exact legacy runtime from Microsoft’s supported downloads page.
| Legacy runtime | Microsoft-listed version |
|---|---|
| Visual Studio 2013 | 12.0.40664.0 |
| Visual Studio 2012 Update 4 | 11.0.61030.0 |
| Visual Studio 2010 SP1 | 10.0.40219.325 |
| Visual Studio 2008 SP1 | 9.0.30729.5677 |
| Visual Studio 2015 | 14.0.24212.0 |
Keep older Visual C++ entries installed unless the application vendor specifically tells you to remove them. These runtimes are designed to coexist side by side.
Fix common installation errors
Error 0x80070666: another version is already installed
This usually means the installer is older than, or conflicts with, a newer package of the same architecture already registered in Windows. Check Settings > Apps > Installed apps before assuming the runtime is missing. Download the current package and select Repair if offered.
Return code 1603
1603 is a generic Windows Installer failure, not a specific diagnosis. Close applications that may be using the runtime, restart Windows, and retry. If it continues, collect and inspect the Visual C++ installation logs.
Return code 5: Access denied
Approve the administrative prompt or run the installation with appropriate administrator rights. Security software or an organization’s application-control policy may also be blocking the installer.
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Return code 32: a file is locked
Close programs that may be using the runtime, restart Windows, and run the installer again.
Return code 1620: invalid installer package
Delete the downloaded executable and download a fresh copy directly from Microsoft. The file may be corrupt or invalid.
Return code 1714 or an unavailable network resource
Windows Installer may be trying to remove an older runtime whose cached MSI package is missing. The installation log identifies the older version and architecture. Try removing the old entry through Windows Installer or the Windows Installer Troubleshooter. If necessary, obtain that exact older VC++ installer, use it to uninstall the old version, and then retry the current installation.
“Extraction Failed” or invalid path syntax
Microsoft documents failures when the installer is launched from a path containing double-byte characters, including some Chinese or Japanese folder names. Move the file to a simple path such as:
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Find Visual C++ installation logs
For a detailed diagnosis, Microsoft recommends the Visual Studio and .NET Log Collection Tool:
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- Download and run
Collect.exe. - Extract
%TEMP%vscollect.zip. - Open the extracted
Tempfolder. - Inspect files beginning with
dd_vcredist_<arch>_<date-and-time>. - Search for
Error,Failed, orSystem Error.
These logs are more useful than the numeric return code alone, particularly for error 1603 and failed upgrades involving an older cached installer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use a specific older v14 package when necessary
Most users should use the unversioned latest links. A versioned installer is useful when an application’s deployment process or a failed upgrade requires a particular v14 build. Microsoft’s documented URL patterns are:
https://aka.ms/vs/18/release/<version>/VC_redist.<arch>.exe
https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/<version>/VC_redist.<arch>.exe
https://aka.ms/vs/16/release/<version>/VC_Redist.<arch>.exe
https://aka.ms/vs/15/release/<version>/VC_redist.<arch>.exeFor example:
https://aka.ms/vs/18/release/14.50.35719/VC_redist.x64.exeUse the pattern that corresponds to the required version range. Do not download a similarly named executable from an unofficial mirror; Microsoft advises using a Microsoft-hosted installer that is digitally signed by Microsoft.
What the Redistributable does not install
Visual C++ Redistributable is not Visual Studio. It installs runtime libraries required by compiled applications; it does not install the Visual Studio development environment, compiler, SDK, or Build Tools.
FAQ
Do I need both x86 and x64 Visual C++ Redistributables on Windows 11?
Install both if you use both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. x86 applications require the x86 runtime even on 64-bit Windows, while x64 applications require x64.
Does the latest Visual C++ Redistributable replace every older version?
No. The v14 family covers Visual Studio 2015 and later, but Visual C++ 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, and 2005 runtimes remain separate and may need to be installed side by side.
Should I uninstall old Visual C++ Redistributables first?
No. Do not remove older entries as a general cleanup step. Older applications may depend on them, and Microsoft supports side-by-side installation of different runtime families.
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Right-click the downloaded executable, select Properties, open Details, and read File version. Microsoft frequently updates the v14 package, so the download page does not provide one permanent version number.
Is Visual C++ Redistributable the same as Visual Studio?
No. The redistributable supplies runtime libraries for applications. Visual Studio is the development environment used to write and compile applications.
The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 programs built with Visual Studio 2017 or newer, download the latest package from Microsoft’s official aka.ms link. Match x86, x64, or ARM64 to the application, install both x86 and x64 when necessary, and use Repair if the runtime is present but damaged. Older applications may still require a separate Visual C++ 2013 or earlier package.
Official reference: Microsoft’s latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads.
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