Visual C++ Redistributable Download: Fix Missing DLL Errors

Have you ever tried to launch a new game or a critical application, only to be stopped cold by a cryptic error message? You know the one: “The program can’t start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer.”

It is frustrating, technical, and stops you in your tracks.

The solution is almost always a Visual C++ Redistributable download. While the name sounds intimidatingly technical, it is actually just a standard translator that allows your computer to read software written in the C++ programming language.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly what these files are, how to download the correct version for your system, and how to banish those annoying “missing DLL” errors for good.

What is the Visual C++ Redistributable?

Before we dive into the download links, let’s simplify what this software actually does.

Think of your Windows computer as a kitchen. You have all the appliances (hardware) and ingredients (data) you need. The software you install (like a video game or Adobe Photoshop) is the chef.

However, the chef speaks a specific “language” called C++. To use your kitchen effectively, the chef needs a translator.

The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is that translator.

Developers use Microsoft Visual Studio to write code in C++.
You (the user) need the “Redistributable” package to run that code on your PC without installing the massive developer tools.

Without it, the software tries to give instructions to your computer, but your computer doesn’t understand them, resulting in a crash or an error message.

Visual C++ Redistributable Download: The Official Links

If you are here to fix an error immediately, you need the right download. Microsoft groups the most recent versions together.

The Latest Bundle: Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022

Currently, Microsoft uses a “universal” installer for the modern versions. If you download the 2015-2022 bundle, it covers all four major updates in one file. This is the most common download required for modern games and apps.

Download Links (Official Microsoft Source):

Architecture: X64 (64-bit) -> Download vc_redist.x64.exe
Architecture: X86 (32-bit) -> Download vc_redist.x86.exe
Architecture: ARM64 -> Download vc_redist.arm64.exe

Important Note: Most modern Windows computers are 64-bit. However, you often need BOTH the x64 and x86 versions installed. We will explain why in the section below.

Do I Need x86, x64, or Both?

This is the most confusing part for beginners. You might think, “My computer is 64-bit, so I only need the 64-bit file, right?”

Wrong.

The version you need depends on the application, not just your computer.

If you are running a 64-bit game (like Cyberpunk 2077), it uses the x64 redistributable.
If you are running an older 32-bit app (like an older version of Office or an indie game), it uses the x86 redistributable—even if your Windows is 64-bit.

Since you likely run a mix of old and new software, the best practice is to install both.

Quick Reference Table: Which One to Choose?

Your System Type	File to Download	Recommendation
Windows 64-bit (Standard)	`vc_redist.x64.exe` AND `vc_redist.x86.exe`	Download Both. This ensures maximum compatibility with all apps.
Windows 32-bit (Older PCs)	`vc_redist.x86.exe`	Download x86 only. You cannot install x64 files on a 32-bit system.
Windows on ARM (Surface Pro X)	`vc_redist.arm64.exe`	Download the ARM64 version.

How to Install the Visual C++ Redistributable (Step-by-Step)

Installing these files is safe and straightforward. Follow this process to ensure a clean installation.

Step 1: Check Your System Type

Press the Windows Key on your keyboard.
Type “About your PC” and hit Enter.
Look for “System type.” It will say either “64-bit operating system” or “32-bit operating system.”

Step 2: Download the Files

Using the links provided in the previous section, download the files relevant to your system. Remember, if you are on 64-bit, download both the x86 and x64 files.

Step 3: Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded .exe file (e.g., vc_redist.x64.exe).
Check the box that says “I agree to the license terms and conditions.”
Click Install.
If Windows asks for permission (UAC), click Yes.
Wait for the progress bar to finish. It usually takes less than 10 seconds.

Step 4: Repeat (If Necessary)

If you downloaded both the x86 and x64 versions, repeat Step 3 for the second file.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

This is crucial. Some changes won’t take effect until you reboot. Once your computer restarts, try launching the program that was giving you errors.

Troubleshooting: “MSVCP140.dll Was Not Found”

This is the single most common error related to Visual C++. If you see an error containing “MSVCP” or “VCRUNTIME,” it means the specific library version is missing or corrupted.

Common Error Codes:

MSVCP140.dll
VCRUNTIME140.dll
MSVCP120.dll
api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll

How to Fix It

Do NOT download individual DLL files. You will find many shady websites offering just the .dll file. Avoid these. They can contain viruses and rarely fix the problem because the DLL needs to be properly registered in Windows.
Identify the Version:
- Numbers like 140 usually refer to Visual Studio 2015-2022.
- Numbers like 120 refer to Visual Studio 2013.
- Numbers like 110 refer to Visual Studio 2012.
- Numbers like 100 refer to Visual Studio 2010.
Download the matching Redistributable. If you have the error MSVCP140.dll, install the 2015-2022 package. If you have MSVCP100.dll, you need to find the old 2010 installer.

Pro Tip: If you already have the correct version installed but still get errors, go to Settings > Apps, find the Visual C++ Redistributable, click Modify, and then select Repair. This fixes corrupted files without needing a fresh download.

The “All-in-One” Solution (AIO)

If you are a gamer or a power user who just reformatted their computer, downloading ten different installers (2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015…) is tedious.

The tech community has created All-in-One (AIO) Repacks. These are zipped files that contain every Visual C++ Redistributable version from 2005 to the present day. They install everything silently in the background with one click.

Recommended AIO Packs:

TechPowerUp Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes All-in-One
MajorGeeks Visual C++ Runtime Installer

Disclaimer: While these sites are trusted by the community, always scan downloaded files with your antivirus software.

Why Do I Have So Many Versions Installed?

If you look at your “Installed Apps” list in Windows settings, you might be shocked. You might see 10, 15, or even 20 entries labeled “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.”

Is this bloatware? Can I delete them?

The short answer is: No, do not delete them.

Windows uses a system called Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly.

Game A might be built using the 2010 version of the code. It strictly needs the 2010 library.
Game B might use the 2013 version.
App C might use the 2019 version.

They cannot share the same files because the “vocabulary” of the code changed slightly over the years. If you uninstall the 2010 version to “save space,” Game A will stop working immediately.

The good news? These files are tiny. Most are only 10-20 MB. Keeping them all installed takes up negligible space on your hard drive but ensures a stable, error-free experience.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Visual C++ Redistributable free?

Yes, it is completely free. It is a necessary component of the Windows ecosystem provided by Microsoft.

2. Can I uninstall older versions like 2005 or 2008?

It is not recommended. Many older games (like those on Steam or GOG) still rely on these specific legacy versions. Uninstalling them will break those games.

3. Why do I see multiple versions of the same year (e.g., three “2010” versions)?

This usually happens because you have both the x86 and x64 versions installed, or you have slightly different “builds” (updates) of the same year. It is safe to leave them alone.

4. Will installing these slow down my computer?

No. These are “libraries,” not active programs. They do not run in the background or use up CPU power. They simply sit on your hard drive until a program needs to read them.

5. How do I update my Visual C++ Redistributables?

Generally, Windows Update handles critical security patches for these files. However, if you install a new game, it will often run a script to install the specific version it needs automatically.

6. I keep getting “Setup Failed” when installing. What do I do?

This usually means you already have a newer version of that specific year installed. If you are trying to install the 2017 version but you already have the 2015-2022 bundle, the installer will block you because you are already covered.

7. Can I install the Visual C++ Redistributable on Mac or Linux?

No, these are strictly for the Windows operating system. However, Linux users utilizing “Wine” or “Proton” (for gaming) often install these libraries inside the compatibility layer to make Windows apps work.

8. Is it safe to download DLLs from third-party sites?

Never. Third-party DLL sites are a common vector for malware. Always get the full installer from Microsoft or a trusted tech repository.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The Visual C++ Redistributable download is an essential maintenance step for any Windows PC, especially for gamers and creative professionals. While the errors they cause are annoying, the fix is simple: download the official installers, ensure you have both x86 and x64 versions, and let them sit quietly on your drive doing their job.

Key Takeaways:

Most errors are fixed by installing the 2015-2022 bundle.
You usually need both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions.
Do not uninstall old versions; they are required for older software.
Avoid shady DLL download sites; stick to official installers.

Actionable Next Step:

Check your “Installed Apps” list right now. If you don’t see “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable,” use the links above to download and install it immediately. It will likely prevent future errors before they even happen.

For further reading on troubleshooting Windows errors, check out the official Microsoft Support documentation.

Resource: What is template for in C++26