Visual C++ Redistributable 2015-2022 x64

Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64) — Overview

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64) is a runtime package that installs the required 64-bit C and C++ runtime libraries for applications built with Microsoft Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Many modern Windows applications and games depend on these libraries to run correctly.

This package is provided and maintained by Microsoft and is designed to support a wide range of software compiled with the unified Visual C++ runtime introduced in Visual Studio 2015.

Purpose and Function

The Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64) provides:

• Core C Runtime (CRT) and C++ Standard Library components
• Runtime DLLs such as vcruntime140.dll, msvcp140.dll, and related files
• Support libraries required by applications using Visual Studio toolchains
• Compatibility for software built across multiple Visual Studio versions (2015 through 2022)

Because Microsoft unified the runtime starting with Visual Studio 2015, this single redistributable package supports applications compiled with all later Visual Studio releases in the 4.x runtime family.

Why It Is Required

Many Windows programs are dynamically linked against the Visual C++ runtime. If the correct redistributable is missing, users may see errors such as:

• “The program can’t start because vcruntime140.dll is missing”
• “msvcp140.dll was not found”
• Application startup failures or crashes

Installing this redistributable resolves those issues by providing the required runtime libraries system-wide.

Architecture Notes

• This package installs 64-bit (x64) runtime libraries only.
• On 64-bit Windows, some applications may still require the x86 (32-bit) redistributable to be installed separately.
• Both x64 and x86 redistributables can coexist safely on the same system.

Installation and Updates

• Installed via standalone Microsoft installer or bundled with application installers
• Updates are delivered through Windows Update when available
• Newer versions replace older 2015–2022 builds automatically through in-place updates

The redistributable is backward compatible, meaning installing the latest version is generally recommended.

Typical Use Cases

• Running modern PC games
• Supporting productivity and creative software
• Running tools and utilities developed with Visual Studio
• Ensuring system compatibility for enterprise and consumer applications

Summary

Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64) is an essential Microsoft runtime package that provides the 64-bit C and C++ libraries required by applications built with Visual Studio from 2015 through 2022. It ensures compatibility, stability, and proper execution of many modern Windows applications and games.