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Easy-To-Follow Microsoft Visual C++ ‍2015 Runtime Installation Instructions

by Lauren Ballejos, IT Editorial Expert
An image of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime logo

Key Points

  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime provides essential DLLs that allow C++-based applications to run efficiently and without compatibility errors on Windows.
  • Installing the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable ensures stability, performance, and smooth app functionality.
  • Step-by-step installation involves downloading from the official Microsoft site, verifying system type, and following on-screen prompts through setup completion.
  • Common runtime errors can be fixed by updating or repairing the runtime, checking for Windows Updates, reinstalling affected apps, or running a system file scan.
  • Regularly updating Windows and the Visual C++ Runtime maintains optimal performance and compatibility—automatable with NinjaOne’s Windows patch management.

Programs developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 require certain dynamic link libraries (DLLs) to work. To run them on your system, you’ll need to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.

💡Don’t feel like reading? Hit play on this video: Installing Microsoft Visual C++ runtime.

The basics: Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime

Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime is now consolidated into a single, backward-compatible package: the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022. This single installer contains core files required by apps developed using Visual Studio from 2015 up to the latest 2022 version.

What is Visual C runtime?

The Microsoft Visual C 2015 runtime download contains precompiled functions, classes and templates that provide the resources and support that enable C++-based applications to run smoothly and efficiently. What is Visual C runtime’s impact on your system? The runtime’s features enhance the performance and stability of applications, including libraries for handling common tasks such as memory management, input/output operations and error handling. The runtime also includes support for multi-threading, allowing applications to use multiple threads for better parallel processing.

Many software developers use the C++ programming language with Visual Studio (2015 and later), so a significant number of applications depend on the latest Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2022) to function properly. Installing this single, supported package ensures compatibility for apps built with Visual Studio versions 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

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Why install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime?

Many software developers build their applications using the C++ programming language due to its power and flexibility, so a significant number of applications depend on the Visual C++ 2015 Runtime to function properly.

Installing the Visual C++ 2015 Runtime ensures compatibility with software that requires it. Without the runtime installed, you may encounter compatibility issues and errors when trying to run applications that rely on it. What is Visual C runtime’s main benefit? It optimizes system resources, enabling applications to run faster and more efficiently while improving performance and stability. Installing the runtime lets these applications run smoothly without any issues.

How to get Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime?

Before installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime, confirm whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit. This ensures that you download and install the correct files. Here’s how to check your operating system version:

  • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “msinfo32” and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
  • Look for the “System Type” entry in the System Summary section, which will display the version of Windows your system is running (32-bit or 64-bit).

Now that you know your Windows version, prepare your system for installation with these steps:

  • Save any ongoing work and close all open applications.
  • Disable any antivirus software temporarily to avoid interference during the installation process.
  • Check that you are logged in with administrative privileges to allow for system changes.

You’re now ready to download the program. Here’s how to get the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime download:

  • Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft website.
  • Look specifically for the section titled “Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022”.
  • Download the correct file based on your system type (X86 for 32-bit or X64 for 64-bit). The file names will be x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe.
  • Click on the appropriate link to start the download.

The installation process step-by-step

Once you’ve completed the Microsoft Visual C 2015 Runtime download, here’s how to install the runtime:

  • Locate the downloaded file on your computer, usually in the Downloads folder.
  • Double-click on the file to start the installation process.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
  • Read and accept the license agreement.
  • Choose the installation location or leave it as the default.
  • Click on the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
  • Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes. You’ll see a confirmation message when the installation is finished.

Verifying the installation and performing repairs

Was the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 UWP Desktop Runtime Package download installed correctly? Here’s how to check:

  • Open the Control Panel on your Windows operating system.
  • Navigate to the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” section.
  • Look for the entry “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime” in the list of installed programs.
  • If you see the entry, the runtime has been successfully installed.

Most of the time, the installation will be successful. However, if you encounter any issues after installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime, you can repair the program through the Windows Control Panel:

  • Open the Control Panel on your Windows operating system.
  • Navigate to the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” section.
  • Locate the entry “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime” in the list of installed programs.
  • Right-click on the entry and select the “Repair” option.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the repair process.

How to fix Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime error?

Generally, your Microsoft Visual C 2015 runtime download will work as expected and your apps will run smoothly. However, if you experience runtime errors while using an app, you can resolve the issue with one of the following methods:

  • Update the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime: Follow the instructions above for how to get the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime components download at thet the official Microsoft website. Download the latest version and install it on your system.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Go to the Windows Update settings on your computer and check for any available updates. Install all updates related to the Visual C++ 2015 Runtime to fix any known issues.
  • Reinstall the Application: If the error occurs with a specific application, try reinstalling that application to resolve conflicts or issues related to the runtime libraries.
  • Perform a System File Check: Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and run the command “sfc /scannow” to scan your system for any corrupt system files and attempt to repair them.

One of these steps should fix the runtime error. If you continue to have issues, you should get assistance from the application developer or Microsoft support.

Uninstalling Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime

You shouldn’t need to remove the Visual C++ 2015 Runtime and doing so may cause certain applications to stop functioning. Have a backup plan or alternative runtime libraries in place before taking this step. However, if you do need to uninstall the runtime, here’s how to do it:

  • Open the Control Panel on your Windows operating system.
  • Navigate to the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” section.
  • Locate the entry “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime” in the list of installed programs.
  • Right-click on the entry and select the “Uninstall” option.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

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Plug-and-play with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime

You probably won’t have any problems with the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime components download on your Windows device. This essential component ensures compatibility, performance and stability so that you can run certain applications and is very stable itself. If you do encounter errors, they should be easily fixed with the instructions above.

Keeping Windows updated will ensure that you have the latest DLLs so that your applications will run smoothly. NinjaOne’s endpoint management solution lets you automate Windows updates and patches, freeing up technicians’ time and improving device stability. Learn more about NinjaOne Endpoint Management today.

FAQs

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime provides essential libraries and components that allow C++-based applications to run properly on Windows. Many programs rely on these shared runtime files for performance, stability, and compatibility.

Yes. Many applications built with Visual Studio 2015 require this runtime to function correctly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Installing it ensures those applications run without missing DLL or compatibility errors.

You can fix most Visual C++ 2015 Runtime issues by updating to the latest version, running Windows Update, or repairing the runtime through Control Panel. If problems persist, reinstall the affected application or run a system file scan to repair corrupted files.

Uninstalling the runtime is not recommended, as many programs depend on it to run. Removing it could cause those applications to fail or display errors unless alternative runtime versions are installed.

Yes, if you use both 32-bit and 64-bit applications on a 64-bit Windows system. Installing both versions ensures full compatibility across all programs, preventing “missing DLL” or startup errors.

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