Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 — Download & Install Guide

Step-by-Step: Installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 (x86 & x64)The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 installs runtime components of Visual C++ libraries required to run applications built with Visual Studio 2015. Many Windows programs depend on these runtime DLLs (for example, msvcp140.dll and vcruntime140.dll). This guide walks through identifying which package you need, safely downloading the installers, and installing both x86 and x64 versions to avoid runtime errors.

What the 2015 Redistributable includes and why it matters

The 2015 redistributable provides the Visual C++ runtime libraries used by programs compiled with Visual Studio 2015. Programs may require:

• x86 (32-bit) runtime: required for 32-bit applications, even on 64-bit Windows.
• x64 (64-bit) runtime: required for 64-bit applications.

If an application reports missing DLLs such as msvcp140.dll or vcruntime140.dll, installing the appropriate 2015 redistributable often fixes the error.

Before you begin — checklist

• Confirm your Windows edition and architecture: open Settings > System > About or press Windows key + Pause/Break. Note whether your OS is 32-bit or 64-bit.
• If you run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications (common on 64-bit Windows), plan to install both x86 and x64 redistributables.
• Close running applications, especially installers or programs that might be updated.
• Have administrator privileges (you’ll need them to install system components).

Step 1 — Download the official installer

1. Open a modern browser and go to Microsoft’s official download page for the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. (Microsoft later combined 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 into a unified redistributable; if you prefer the integrated package, the page for “Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022” is commonly used. For strictly 2015-only files, use the 2015 page.)
2. On the download page choose the correct files:
   • vc_redist.x86.exe — 32-bit installer
   • vc_redist.x64.exe — 64-bit installer
3. Click Download and save the files to an easy-to-find folder (Downloads, Desktop).

Step 2 — Verify file integrity (optional but recommended)

If Microsoft provides checksums (SHA-256) on the download page, compare them against the downloaded files:

• On Windows PowerShell run:

  
  Get-FileHash .c_redist.x64.exe -Algorithm SHA256 Get-FileHash .c_redist.x86.exe -Algorithm SHA256 

• Confirm the hashes match the values listed on the Microsoft page. Mismatched hashes can indicate a corrupted or tampered download.

Step 3 — Install the redistributable(s)

1. Right-click the downloaded installer (vc_redist.x64.exe or vc_redist.x86.exe) and choose “Run as administrator.”
2. Accept the license terms, then click Install.
3. If a supported version is already installed, the installer may offer Repair or Uninstall options. Choose Repair to fix broken components.
4. Wait for the installation to complete and click Close.
5. Repeat the process for the other architecture if needed.

Notes:

• On a 64-bit machine, install both vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe to support both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
• If the installer fails, record the error code/message; it helps troubleshooting.

Step 4 — Confirm installation

• Open Control Panel > Programs and Features and look for entries named:
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x86)
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)
• You may also see combined entries like Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable depending on which package you downloaded.

Common errors and fixes

• Installer fails with an error: try running Windows Update — missing system updates can block installation. Reboot and retry.
• “A newer version is already installed”: use Programs and Features to Repair or Uninstall the newer package, then reinstall if necessary. Often the combined 2015-2022 redistributable is backward-compatible and preferable.
• Missing DLL after install: ensure you installed the correct architecture (x86 for 32-bit apps). Some apps bundle their own redistributables; check app documentation.

When to install the newer combined redistributable

Microsoft offers unified packages (e.g., Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022) that cover multiple Visual Studio releases. These are generally safe and recommended because they provide newer security fixes and backward compatibility for programs requiring 2015 runtimes. Use the 2015-only package only if a specific application explicitly requires that exact version.

Uninstalling or repairing

• To repair: Control Panel > Programs and Features > select the redistributable > Change > Repair.
• To uninstall: select the redistributable and click Uninstall. Only uninstall if you’re certain no installed applications depend on it.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

• Run installer as Administrator.
• Install both x86 and x64 on 64-bit Windows.
• Check for Windows Updates and reboot.
• Repair existing redistributable via Programs and Features.
• Verify file integrity if download seems suspect.

Summary

Installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 is usually straightforward: download the correct vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe from Microsoft, run each installer as administrator, and repair if needed. On 64-bit Windows, install both architectures to ensure compatibility with all applications.