If you are a Windows user—whether a gamer, a software developer, or an enterprise IT professional—you have likely encountered a cryptic error message that reads: “The program can't start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing” or “MSVCP140.dll was not found.” The solution to all these problems is almost always the same: the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64).
Despite its importance, this component remains one of the most misunderstood pieces of software on the Windows operating system. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Microsoft Visual C 2015 Redistributable x64—from its core function to step-by-step installation, common errors, and best practices.
Developers who code in C or C++ using Visual Studio 2015 compile their code against these libraries. End-users must have the Redistributable installed to run that compiled software. microsoft visual c 2015 redistributable x64
To ensure your Windows system is fully compatible with applications requiring the Microsoft Visual C 2015 Redistributable x64, follow this checklist:
vc_redist.x64.exe directly from Microsoft.Tools like Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes All-in-One (by a known open-source developer) can help manage all versions, but always verify the source. Better yet, use Winget: The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Visual C++ 2015
winget install Microsoft.VCRedist.2015+.x64
If you are confused about version numbers, note that Microsoft has unified the binary compatibility for Visual C++ Redistributables starting with 2015.
These versions share the same major version number of the binary (14.0). If you install the Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable, it will satisfy the requirements for programs that ask for the 2015 version. [ ] Confirm Windows is 64-bit
vc_redist.x64.exe /quiet /norestart
/quiet – No UI, runs silently./norestart – Suppresses reboot even if needed.vc_redist.x64.exe → Run as administrator.While not always required, rebooting ensures that all newly installed DLLs are properly registered.