Microsoft | Visual C 2015 Redistributable X64

What is Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)?

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package (x64) is a runtime component required to run applications developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2015. Specifically, this version installs runtime components of the Visual C++ libraries required to run 64-bit (x64) applications on a 64-bit Windows operating system.

Many software programs (games, productivity tools, and utilities) rely on these libraries to function. If a program fails to start and cites a missing .dll file (such as msvcp140.dll or vcruntime140.dll), installing this package is usually the solution.

Part 6: The Relationship Between 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022

Let’s clarify one major point of confusion: binary compatibility.

Starting with Visual C++ 2015 version 14.0, Microsoft made a commitment: any application built with version 14.0 (2015), 14.1 (2017), 14.2 (2019), or 14.3 (2022) can run on the same redistributable package—specifically, the latest update.

That’s why Microsoft now offers a combined installer: microsoft visual c 2015 redistributable x64

Official Download Links (Microsoft)

As of 2025, Microsoft has unified the download for Visual C++ 2015-2022. However, you can still obtain the standalone 2015 version from the official catalog.

1. Direct from Microsoft Learn / Download Center

   • Navigate to: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-US/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist
   • Look for “Visual Studio 2015 (VC++ 14.0)”
   • Select vc_redist.x64.exe (for 64-bit).

2. Microsoft Update Catalog (for IT pros)

   • Search for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)”
   • Ensure the version number is 14.0.24215.1 or later.

Should you keep it?

Yes, absolutely. It’s not bloatware. It’s a core system component. Removing it will break many legitimate applications (Steam games, Adobe apps, CAD software, etc.). Let Windows Update or the application installers manage the versioning. What is Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)

Check your version

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32
2. Find vcruntime140.dll (for 2015).
3. Right-click → Properties → Details.
   The Product Version should be 14.0.24215.1 or higher (e.g., 14.0.24245.1 is a security update).

2. The Specifics: Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)

The designation “2015” refers to the underlying version of the Visual C++ runtime library (version 14.0). This is crucial because runtime libraries are not always backward compatible. A program built with Visual Studio 2015 expects runtime version 14.0, not version 12.0 (from Visual Studio 2013).

The “x64” denotes the processor architecture. This particular package is for 64-bit (x86-64) systems. It contains 64-bit versions of the runtime DLLs, intended for 64-bit applications running on a 64-bit version of Windows. (The separate x86 version is for 32-bit applications, which run on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows via emulation). A 64-bit application cannot use 32-bit DLLs, and vice versa, hence the need for architecture-specific redistributables.

Key files installed by this package (typically to C:\Windows\System32):

• vcruntime140.dll – Core runtime functions (exception handling, startup/shutdown).
• vcruntime140_1.dll – Additional runtime (for newer C++ features in 2015 update 3).
• msvcp140.dll – C++ Standard Library (iostreams, containers, algorithms).
• ucrtbase.dll – The Universal C Runtime (UCRT), a shared system component introduced with Windows 10.

Note on the Universal CRT: Starting with Visual Studio 2015, Microsoft restructured the runtime. The UCRT is now a Windows operating system component (Windows 10 and later have it built-in; Windows 7 and 8 receive it via Windows Update). This reduces the need for application-local copies but also creates unique compatibility scenarios across different Windows versions. As of 2025, Microsoft has unified the download

The “Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022”

• Filename: VC_redist.x64.exe (same name!).
• Includes: Runtime DLLs for 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
• Version number: e.g., 14.40.33807.0.

Practical advice:
Unless you have a legacy system that specifically requires the Microsoft Visual C 2015 Redistributable x64 (e.g., an ancient enterprise app that checks the version registry string), you should install the 2015-2022 combined package. It is fully backward compatible and reduces clutter.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

If you are seeing specific error messages, here is how this package solves them:

1. Gaming and Graphics

Most modern PC games and graphics software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, or Steam games) require this package. Without it, the game may crash immediately upon launch or fail to open entirely.