Guide to Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64)
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) is a foundational software package that installs runtime components required to run applications developed with Microsoft Visual C++. This specific package is essential for 64-bit Windows systems to execute many modern games, creative suites, and productivity tools that rely on shared code libraries. What is the Visual C++ Redistributable?
When developers create programs using Visual Studio, they often use pre-written code from standard C++ libraries to handle common tasks like drawing windows, processing data, or managing memory. Instead of including these libraries inside every single app—which would make files unnecessarily large—they rely on a "redistributable" package installed once on your system. Microsofthttps://www.microsoft.com
Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 - Microsoft
If you’ve ever installed a PC game, a graphic design tool, or even certain engineering applications on Windows, you’ve likely seen a popup window saying “Installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.” One of the most common and essential versions is the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64), often updated with the 2019, 2022, or latest servicing releases.
But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64), especially in its modern 2019 or 2022 update form, is a small but critical piece of Windows infrastructure. It’s not glamorous, but without it, countless games and applications simply won’t run.
If you maintain Windows PCs or build your own gaming rig, make installing the latest Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) a standard step — right after the graphics driver.
Article type: Educational / Technical Support
Target audience: General Windows users, IT support, PC gamers
Last updated: 2026
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) is a software package that installs runtime components of Visual C++ libraries. It is required to run 64-bit applications and games developed with Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Starting with Visual Studio 2015, Microsoft transitioned to a cumulative model, meaning a single installer now covers versions 2015 through 2022. Core Purpose and Features
Application Dependency: Many Windows programs depend on these libraries to perform standard tasks like mathematical calculations, file input/output, or rendering graphics.
Runtime Libraries: It installs key components such as C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, MFC, C++ AMP, and OpenMP.
Binary Compatibility: Applications built using toolsets from 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 are binary-compatible and can all run using the latest version of this package.
System Architecture: The x64 version is specifically for 64-bit applications. If you have a 64-bit operating system, you may still see both x64 and x86 (32-bit) versions installed, as different programs may require different architectures. Installation and Troubleshooting Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads
A Visual C++ Redistributable installs Microsoft C and C++ Runtime libraries. Many applications built by using Microsoft Visual C++ Microsoft Learn
Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 - Microsoft microsoft visual c 2015 redistributable 2019 x64
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) is a package of runtime library files required to run applications or games developed with Microsoft Visual C++ on 64-bit Windows systems. Key Details & Functionality
: It installs standard library components (Dynamic Link Libraries or DLLs) like VCRUNTIME140.dll MSVCP140.dll that many programs need to function properly. Cumulative Nature
: Starting with Visual Studio 2015, these redistributables are cumulative. The latest version (often labeled 2015-2022) covers all versions back to 2015. Common Use Case
: If you receive an error saying a program "cannot start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing," installing this package typically fixes the issue. Microsoft Learn Technical Specifications Architecture
version is specifically for 64-bit applications and operating systems. Included Libraries
: It includes components for C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, MFC, C++ AMP, and OpenMP. Binary Compatibility
: Applications built with Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 toolsets can all use the same latest version of this redistributable. Microsoft Learn Official Downloads
You should always download these directly from Microsoft to ensure security and the latest bug fixes. Microsoft Learn Latest Supported Version official Microsoft download page to find the current version. Direct Download (x64)
: The permanent link for the latest supported 64-bit version is aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x64.exe Microsoft Learn
: Even on a 64-bit PC, you may sometimes need to install both the
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) is a package of library files that allows programs built with Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019 to run on your 64-bit Windows system. Microsoft Learn
now provides these as a single, combined installer for versions 2015 through 2022 (and in some newer updates, up to
). This "multi-version" package is binary-compatible, meaning it replaces and updates any older 2015, 2017, or 2019 versions you might already have. Microsoft Learn How to Get It Download the Installer : You can find the latest supported version on the official Microsoft Learn page . Look for the link labeled
under the "Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022" section. Direct Official Link
: For the 64-bit version, Microsoft typically uses a permanent link for the vc_redist.x64.exe installer Run the File : Open the downloaded , agree to the terms, and click
. You may need to restart your computer to finish the process. Microsoft Learn Key Compatibility Notes and 2019 versions.
Распространяемый пакет Visual C++ для Visual Studio 2015
Understanding Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64)
If you’ve ever tried to launch a modern PC game or a professional software suite only to be met with an error message saying a .dll file is missing, you’ve encountered the need for the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
Specifically, the "2015-2019" package is one of the most vital components for any Windows user. Here is everything you need to know about what it is, why you need it, and how to manage it. What is the Visual C++ Redistributable?
When developers create applications using Microsoft Visual Studio, they use libraries of pre-written code to perform standard tasks (like displaying a window or managing memory). Instead of forcing every single app to include these massive files in their own installation folder, Microsoft provides "Redistributable" packages.
These packages install Runtime Components that allow multiple different programs to share the same library files. The "x64" version specifically targets 64-bit operating systems and applications. Why are 2015, 2017, and 2019 grouped together?
In the past, every version of Visual C++ (2005, 2008, 2010, etc.) was independent. If a program needed the 2010 version, you had to have the 2010 package installed specifically.
Starting with version 2015, Microsoft changed the architecture to be binary compatible. This means: The 2017 redistributable replaced the 2015 version. The 2019 redistributable replaced the 2017 version.
The current installer (often labeled 2015-2022) covers all of them.
When you install the "2015-2019 x64" package, you are essentially getting a "super-package" that supports any software built with Visual Studio 2015, 2017, or 2019. Common Error Messages Without this package, you will likely see errors such as:
“The program can't start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer.” “MSVCP140.dll was not found.”
“The execution cannot proceed because [file].dll was not found.”
These errors don't usually mean your computer is broken; they simply mean the application can't find the library it needs to run its code. How to Install or Repair
If you are missing this component, or if a program is crashing, follow these steps:
Official Download: Always download directly from the Microsoft Support website. Avoid third-party "DLL fixer" sites, which often bundle malware.
Choose x64: Since most modern systems are 64-bit, download the vc_redist.x64.exe. and 2022 are binary-compatible.
Note: If you are running a 32-bit app on a 64-bit system, you might also need the x86 version.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select "Run as Administrator" to ensure it has the permissions to write to system folders.
Restart: Even if not prompted, a quick reboot ensures Windows recognizes the new path to these libraries. Can I uninstall old versions?
You might notice multiple versions of the Redistributable in your "Apps & Features" list. While it looks like clutter, do not uninstall them unless you are troubleshooting a specific issue. Different programs rely on different years (2008, 2012, etc.). However, if you see multiple entries for "2015-2019," you generally only need the latest version, as it is backward compatible.
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64) is a package of essential software libraries that allow C++ applications to run on your 64-bit Windows PC. Think of it as a translator
; without it, many modern games and professional tools simply won't understand how to talk to your computer. 🚀 Why Do You Need It?
Most software isn't built from scratch. Developers use "standard libraries" from Microsoft to handle common tasks like drawing windows or managing memory. Run Modern Apps
: Programs built with Visual Studio 2015, 2017, or 2019 require these files to function. Gaming Essentials : Popular titles like Red Dead Redemption II often rely on these specific runtimes to prevent crashes. Enterprise Tools : Software like VMware Tools IBM Content Search Services require this package for core operations. Avoid Errors : It fixes common "DLL missing" pop-ups like VCRUNTIME140.dll MSVCP140.dll Microsoft Learn 🛠️ The "Cumulative" Secret
Unlike older versions (like 2005 or 2010), Microsoft now uses a cumulative update model for version 14.0 and later. Microsoft Learn
What is Visual C++ Redistributable (2026 Guide How it Works) 28 Jul 2025 —
Unlike standalone libraries of the past, modern Windows applications depend on runtime components that are not included with the operating system by default. The Visual C++ Redistributable installs the necessary C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, MFC, C++ AMP, and OpenMP libraries. Historically, versions for 2015, 2017, and 2019 were distinct; however, Microsoft introduced binary compatibility across these versions, culminating in a single unified redistributable package.
| Problem | Likely Fix |
|---------|-------------|
| Installer says “Another version is already installed” | Uninstall old 2015/2017/2019 x64 versions via Control Panel, then install the latest 2015-2022 package. |
| “0x80240017 – Unspecified error” | Windows Installer is corrupt. Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| The installer hangs | Temporarily disable antivirus, reboot, and run installer as Administrator. |
| App still shows missing DLL after install | The app may need the x86 version even on 64-bit Windows. Install both x64 and x86. |
Historically, Microsoft released separate Redistributables for each Visual Studio version (2013, 2015, 2017, etc.). However, starting with Visual Studio 2015, Microsoft made a significant change:
The runtime versions for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 are binary-compatible.
This means:
In practice, when people search for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable 2019 x64”, they are typically looking for the x64 version of the combined 2015-2019 (or 2015-2022) Redistributable package.
The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is a crucial system component that allows applications built with Microsoft Visual C++ to run on systems without the full development environment. The string "microsoft visual c 2015 redistributable 2019 x64" reflects a common naming ambiguity: Microsoft unified the runtime for versions 2015, 2017, and 2019 under a single redistributable package (version 14.x). This paper clarifies its purpose, versioning, and technical behavior on 64-bit Windows.