Microsoft Visual C 2015 Redistributable X64 (360p 2026)

Cause: Having 2015 alongside 2017 or 2019 can sometimes confuse older installers.
Solution:
Microsoft maintains side-by-side compatibility. However, if issues persist, uninstall all Visual C++ redistributables (2015-2022), reboot, and reinstall the latest “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022” (which supersedes the standalone 2015 version).

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) is safe, necessary, and often misunderstood. Install it once from Microsoft’s official source, keep Windows up to date, and you’ll rarely think about it again—until a game or productivity app silently relies on it and just works.

Have a specific error code? Share it below—chances are it's a quick fix involving the latest unified installer or a missing Windows Update.

Understanding Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)

If you’ve ever tried to launch a PC game or a professional software suite only to be met with an error message like "The program can't start because MSVCP140.dll is missing," you have encountered a missing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable.

While it sounds like a mouthful of technical jargon, it is one of the most essential components for any Windows-based system. Here is a clear breakdown of what it is, why you need the x64 version, and how to manage it. What is a "Redistributable"?

Software developers use "libraries" of pre-written code to perform common tasks so they don't have to reinvent the wheel for every program. Many Windows applications are written using Microsoft Visual C++. microsoft visual c 2015 redistributable x64

When a developer finishes their app, they don't include all those massive code libraries inside the app’s folder (which would make every app huge). Instead, they rely on a "Redistributable" package. This is a centralized bundle of those libraries that lives on your operating system, allowing multiple different programs to "share" the same code. Why "x64"?

The x64 tag refers to the 64-bit architecture of your operating system.

x64: For 64-bit Windows. Most modern PCs built in the last decade run this. x86: For 32-bit Windows.

Pro Tip: Even if you have a 64-bit computer, you may still see the x86 version installed. This is normal; 32-bit applications still require the x86 libraries to run, even on a 64-bit system. Common Errors and Fixes

The most frequent reason people search for this keyword is a system error. The most common "symptoms" of a corrupted or missing 2015 Redistributable are: MSVCP140.dll is missing VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b) How to Fix These Errors:

Repair the Installation: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Find "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)," click the three dots (or right-click), select Modify, and then click Repair. Cause: Having 2015 alongside 2017 or 2019 can

Clean Reinstall: If a repair fails, uninstall the package entirely. Then, visit the official Microsoft Download Center to download a fresh copy.

The 2015-2022 Bundle: Note that Microsoft now bundles the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 versions into a single installer. Installing the latest "2015-2022" package will often resolve issues for all four versions simultaneously. Is it Safe to Delete?

You might see a dozen different versions of these Redistributables (2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015) in your App list. Do not delete them to save space.

Each version is unique. An older game might specifically require the 2010 version, while a newer app needs the 2015 version. Deleting them will cause those programs to stop functioning immediately. They take up very little space and are best left alone unless you are troubleshooting a specific error.

Are you currently seeing a specific .dll error message when trying to open a program?

Installation:

Common issues:

The x64 denotes the architecture of your operating system:

If you have a 64-bit version of Windows (which most people do today), you need the x64 redistributable to run 64-bit software. Many modern AAA games and professional applications (like Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks) require the x64 version specifically.

Modern games are almost exclusively 64-bit. Titles like:

All rely on the Visual C++ 2015 x64 runtime. Without it, you’ll encounter launch errors or crashes.

| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix | |---------|--------------|-----| | "The program can't start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing" | Missing or corrupted x64 redist | Reinstall the latest x64 package | | "API-MS-WIN-CRT-STDIO-1-1-0.DLL missing" | Old Windows version (pre-7 SP1/8.1/10) or missing Windows Updates | Install KB2999226 (Universal C Runtime update) | | Installation fails with 0x80240017 | Corrupted system component store | Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth then retry | | Multiple versions shown in Apps & Features | Normal. Apps install the specific version they were tested with | Leave them. Do not manually uninstall older ones unless you confirm no app needs them | The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) is