A practical guide for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users: official Microsoft download links, the correct x64/x86 choice, installation steps, silent install commands, repair options, and fixes for common runtime errors.
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is a set of runtime libraries required by many Windows programs and games. If these libraries are missing, outdated, or damaged, an application may fail to start and show errors such as VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found, MSVCP140.dll is missing, 0xc000007b, or The code execution cannot proceed.
The safest way to fix these problems is to download the Redistributable package directly from Microsoft and install the correct architecture: x64, x86, or ARM64. In most cases on a modern 64-bit Windows PC, you should install both x64 and x86, because 64-bit Windows can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications.
Use the official Microsoft links below for the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable package. Avoid third-party download sites, repacked installers, driver-pack bundles, or archives that are not signed by Microsoft.
For 64-bit Windows applications. Recommended for almost all Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.
Download x64 from MicrosoftFor 32-bit applications. Install this too if you use older games, utilities, launchers, or 32-bit software.
Download x86 from MicrosoftFor Windows on ARM devices. Use this if your PC has an ARM-based processor.
Download ARM64 from MicrosoftYou can also open the official Microsoft documentation page: Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads.
Visual C++ Redistributable installs runtime components used by applications built with Microsoft Visual C++ / MSVC. These components include C and C++ runtime libraries that programs call when they start, load plugins, render graphics, handle files, or communicate with other system components.
For most users, the answer is simple: install the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable x64 and x86 packages from Microsoft. These packages cover applications built with modern Visual Studio versions and are the most common fix for missing VCRUNTIME140.dll, MSVCP140.dll, VCRUNTIME140_1.dll, and similar errors.
| Your situation | What to install | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit PC | x64 and x86 | x64 supports 64-bit apps; x86 supports 32-bit apps that still run on 64-bit Windows. |
| Windows 10 or Windows 11, 32-bit PC | x86 only | 32-bit Windows cannot run x64 applications or install x64 runtime packages. |
| Windows on ARM | ARM64, and possibly x64/x86 depending on the app | ARM64 devices may need native ARM64 components plus compatibility runtimes for emulated apps. |
| An old game asks for Visual C++ 2010, 2012, or 2013 | The exact older Redistributable version requested by the app | Legacy packages are separate and may be required side by side with the latest package. |
Before downloading the installer, check your system type. This helps you choose the correct package and avoid installation errors.
You can also use the Run dialog:
msinfo32 and press Enter.x64-based PC, x86-based PC, or ARM64-based PC.After downloading the correct installer, follow these steps. The installation process is the same in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
vcruntime140.dll or msvcp140.dll manually may create version conflicts, security risks, or new startup errors. Install the official Redistributable instead.
Yes, on 64-bit Windows it is usually a good idea to install both packages:
If you are not sure which package a specific program needs, install both x64 and x86 from Microsoft. This is safe on a 64-bit Windows system and often solves runtime errors immediately.
Advanced users and administrators can install Visual C++ Redistributable from Command Prompt or PowerShell. This is useful for deployment scripts, remote support, or reinstalling prerequisites before launching software.
Open Command Prompt as administrator, go to the folder with the installer, and run one of these commands:
VC_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestartVC_redist.x86.exe /install /quiet /norestartTo repair an existing installation silently, use:
VC_redist.x64.exe /repair /quiet /norestartAfter a silent installation or repair, restart Windows manually if the application still fails to launch.
Windows can have many Visual C++ entries installed at the same time. This is normal. Do not remove older entries unless you know they are not needed, because some programs depend on specific runtime versions.
appwiz.cpl and press Enter.Open PowerShell and run:
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*, `
HKLM:\Software\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "*Visual C++*Redistributable*" } |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher |
Sort-Object DisplayNameIf the package is already installed but the app still shows missing DLL or runtime errors, repair the installation.
You can also repair from Control Panel → Programs and Features: select the Visual C++ entry, click Change, and choose Repair.
If the installer fails, use the steps below. Most problems are caused by missing administrator permissions, locked files, corrupted installer cache, outdated Windows components, or a damaged previous VC++ installation.
This message usually means a newer or equivalent package is already installed. Try these fixes:
This error often indicates a 32-bit/64-bit dependency mismatch or damaged runtime files. Install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, update DirectX if the game requires it, and reinstall the affected application if necessary.
Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable x64 and x86 packages from Microsoft. Restart Windows and launch the program again. Avoid downloading the missing DLL as a standalone file.
Sometimes yes. Older applications, especially games and specialized software, may require Visual C++ 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, or 2013 runtimes. These older packages can exist side by side with the latest Redistributable.
Install an older version only when:
You can uninstall it, but in most cases you should not. Many programs rely on these packages, and removing them may cause apps or games to stop working. If you suspect corruption, use Repair first instead of uninstalling.
Uninstall only if:
To uninstall, open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, search for Microsoft Visual C++, select the package, and choose Uninstall. Restart Windows and reinstall the latest package if needed.
aka.ms, microsoft.com, or the official app vendor installer.System32 or SysWOW64.To download and install Visual C++ Redistributable in Windows, use the official Microsoft links and choose the correct architecture. On most 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, installing both x64 and x86 is the best option because it supports both modern 64-bit applications and older 32-bit software.
If an app still fails after installation, run the Redistributable installer again and choose Repair, install pending Windows updates, restart the PC, and avoid downloading individual DLL files from unofficial websites.