Visual C++ Redistributable

ApplicationMicrosoft Corporation

Also called vc redist, vcredist, msvc runtime, vcruntime140

Microsoft CorporationSystem

Shared Visual C++ runtimes. Games and apps most often ask for the 2015-2022 x64 package. One page, not a year-by-year SKU catalog. It is not Visual Studio.

What you need to know

One 2015-2022 redist page. It is not Visual Studio.

The current Microsoft package is the v14 redistributable most games still call 2015-2022. Older year SKUs exist, but this article does not catalog each one. devenv.exe is the IDE.

What is it?: Shared C++ DLLs. 2015-2022 is the usual pack
Same as Visual Studio?: No. The IDE is a different installer
Every year SKU?: No. One page for the current stack

Feex says

If Steam says install VC++ 2015-2022, I use Microsoft Learn, not a "all in one redist" pack. I do not install Visual Studio for that DLL.

What is Visual C++ Redistributable?

The Visual C++ Redistributable installs shared CRT and STL DLLs. vc_redist.x64.exe is the setup. vcruntime140.dll is what apps load. Visual Studio (devenv.exe) is a different installer.

If you have never used it

If a game says "install Visual C++ Redistributable", you usually want the current 2015-2022 x64 package from Microsoft Learn. That one family covers apps built with VS 2015 through current VS 2022 toolsets. This is not Visual Studio the IDE. This page is not a separate article for 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013.

What is it used for?

Run C++ games and apps

Most current titles ask for 2015-2022 x64. That is this package, not a VS install.

x86 beside x64

A 32-bit game still wants vc_redist.x86.exe. The x64 pack does not replace it.

Older year SKUs only when named

2010 or 2013 redists stay side by side if a specific old app asks. They are not this page's default download.

Who is it for?

Players whose game exits on a missing vcruntime140.dll
People who almost installed Visual Studio to fix a game
Admins who keep one current 2015-2022 pack plus a rare 2013 leftover

Current status

Visual C++ Redistributable (2005) is a current shared c++ runtime from Microsoft Corporation. The vendor still points Windows users at https://learn.microsoft.com/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist.

How old is it?

Side-by-side year SKUs were the 2005-2013 model. From Visual Studio 2015 onward, Microsoft keeps one v14 redistributable that updates in place. 2015-2022 is the usual current stack games still name.

Versions

Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.

2015-2022 x64 (v14)

2015-2022 x86

2013 and earlier (side by side, only if named)

System requirements

Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.

Minimum

Minimum system requirements
Operating system	A supported Windows release Microsoft lists on the latest-supported VC++ redist page
RAM	The redist is negligible. The game sets RAM

Resource profile

CPU demand: Follows what you open inside the app
RAM demand: Follows documents, tabs, or libraries

Installed processes

These executables belong to this product when it is installed.

Installed processes
vc_redist.x64.exe	Installer. Resident pieces are DLLs such as vcruntime140.dll, not a tray app.

Startup components

No Startup Apps entry. Apps load the DLLs when they start.

File locations

Common Visual C++ Redistributable locations
Typical install	C:\Windows\System32\vcruntime140.dll

Common problems

Installed Visual Studio instead

The IDE includes toolsets. The game wanted vc_redist.x64.exe. Different product.

All-in-one third-party pack

Those bundles go stale and mix old SKUs. Use the Learn permalink for 2015-2022.

Getting unstuck

Download vc_redist.x64.exe from the latest-supported Learn page

That permalink is the current 2015-2022 family. Repair the same package if DLLs are broken.

Install x86 only if the game is 32-bit

Task Manager > Details architecture helps. Two redists on one PC is normal.

Add 2013 or earlier only when that setup names it

Those stay side by side. Do not collect every year as a habit.

Alternatives

Static linking ships the CRT inside the app. MinGW runtimes are a different toolchain. Visual Studio is the compiler IDE, not a substitute redist.

Official help and downloads

Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.

Official contacts
Download	learn.microsoft.com/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist Official installer or vendor page
Help	learn.microsoft.com/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist Vendor support
Official site	learn.microsoft.com/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist Start here, not a random exe host

Related hardware

The redist is tiny. Any Windows PC the game already supports can hold 2015-2022 x64.

Technical details

Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Visual C++ Redistributable official site · Vendor product page
Visual C++ Redistributable help · Vendor support
C++ binary compatibility 2015 and later · Why 2015-2022 share one redist family
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.