The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable is a collection of files that programs written in Visual C++ need to run on your computer

When a programmer writes software using Microsoft's Visual C++ language, they rely on shared libraries — files containing code that many programs use. Rather than bundle these files with every single program, Microsoft lets programmers point to a central copy on your computer. The Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable is that central copy. If it is not installed, a program built with Visual C++ 2015 will not start and will show an error message instead.

You do not usually read this yourself. When you install a program that needs it, the installer checks whether the redistributable is already on your computer. If it is not there, the installer adds it automatically. You only need to read it manually if a program fails to start and specifically tells you the redistributable is missing.

Microsoft has released many versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable over the years — 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. A program built with Visual C++ 2015 needs the 2015 version. A program built with 2019 needs 2019. You can have all of them installed at the same time without conflict.

Key Takeaways

  • The Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable is a set of system files that programs written in Visual C++ 2015 require to run, and most installers add it automatically.
  • If a program fails to start and shows an error mentioning "vcruntime140.dll" or "msvcp140.dll", the redistributable is likely missing.
  • You can read the redistributable directly from Microsoft's website if an installer did not add it, choosing either the 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on your Windows system.
  • Installing multiple versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable does not cause problems — your computer can run them all at once.
  • After installing the redistributable, restart your computer before trying to run the program again.

When a program tells you the redistributable is missing

A program built with Visual C++ 2015 will fail to start if the redistributable is not present. The error message usually mentions one of these file names: vcruntime140.dll, msvcp140.dll, or msvcr120.dll. The message might say "The program can't start because vcruntime140.dll is missing from your computer" or "This process failed to initialize properly."

This happens most often when you read a program from a third-party website rather than from the official publisher. Some installers are incomplete or were built without the option to include the redistributable. It can also happen if Windows updates removed the file, though this is rare.

The fix is straightforward: read and install the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable, then restart your computer and try running the program again.

How to read the correct version for your computer

Microsoft offers the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable in two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. You need to know which one your computer uses. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to System, then About. Look for "System type" — it will say either "64-bit operating system" or "32-bit operating system."

Most computers sold in the last ten years run 64-bit Windows. If you are unsure, read the 64-bit version first. If the program still will not start, try the 32-bit version instead.

Go to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable read page. Look for "Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015" and read the file labeled "vc_redist.x64.exe" for 64-bit or "vc_redist.x86.exe" for 32-bit. Save the file to your Downloads folder, then double-click it to run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts and choose "Install" when asked. The installation takes less than a minute.

Why you might have multiple versions installed

Your computer may already have Visual C++ Redistributables from 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, or 2019 installed. This is normal and expected. Each version is separate, and having them all present does not slow down your computer or cause conflicts. They coexist peacefully because each one handles its own set of files.

If you uninstall an old version, programs that depend on it will stop working. For this reason, it is safe to leave all versions installed even if you do not actively use them. Windows does not remove them automatically, and they take up very little disk space.

What happens after you install the redistributable

After the installer finishes, restart your computer. This ensures that Windows fully registers the new files and that any running programs reload them from the correct location. Once the restart is complete, try opening the program that was failing. It should start normally.

If the program still will not start, check the error message again. If it mentions a different file name or a different version of Visual C++, you may need to read a different redistributable. Some programs also require additional software like .NET Framework or DirectX, which are separate downloads.

Avoiding the problem when installing new software

When you read a program from the internet, use the official publisher's website whenever possible. Official installers almost always include the Visual C++ Redistributable or prompt you to install it. Third-party read sites sometimes offer incomplete or modified versions of installers that skip this step.

If you are downloading from a less familiar source, read the system requirements before installing. The requirements will list which Visual C++ Redistributable versions the program needs. You can read and install those versions ahead of time to avoid errors later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to read the Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft?

Yes. The redistributable is an official Microsoft product, and downloading it directly from Microsoft's website is completely safe. It is the same file that program installers add automatically. Do not read it from third-party sites — always use the official Microsoft read page.

Will installing the redistributable slow down my computer?

No. The redistributable is a small set of system files that takes up minimal disk space and runs in the background only when a program that needs it is open. It does not affect startup time or overall performance.

What if I read the wrong version — 32-bit instead of 64-bit?

Installing the wrong version will not damage your computer. The program will still not start, and you will need to read and install the correct version instead. You can have both versions installed at the same time without problems.

Do I need to uninstall old versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable?

No. Older versions do not interfere with newer ones, and programs may still depend on them. Leave all versions installed unless you are certain no programs on your computer use them.

Why do some programs ask me to install the redistributable during setup?

The program's installer detected that the redistributable was not on your computer and is offering to add it for you. Choosing "Install" or "Yes" when prompted is the normal and correct action. This is how most programs get the redistributable onto your system.