Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable is a collection of runtime files that programs written in Visual C++ need to run on your computer

When a software developer writes a program in Microsoft Visual C++, they use pre-built code libraries to handle common tasks like displaying windows, reading files, or managing memory. Instead of bundling all that code into every single program, developers rely on a shared set of files — the redistributable — that sits on your computer once and serves many programs at once.

The 2015 version specifically contains the runtime files for programs built with Visual C++ 2015. If you install a program that was written with that version of Visual C++, Windows will look for these files. If they are not there, the program will not start and you will see an error message asking you to download or reinstall the redistributable.

You do not need to understand how it works to use it. You only need to know whether your computer has it, whether a program you want to run needs it, and how to get it if you are missing it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable is a set of system files that programs written in Visual C++ 2015 require to run, and many common Windows programs depend on it.
  • You can check whether your computer already has it by opening Programs and Features in Control Panel and searching for "Visual C++ 2015".
  • If a program will not start and shows an error mentioning Visual C++ or a missing DLL file, downloading the redistributable from Microsoft's official website usually fixes it.
  • You need the version that matches your Windows system — 32-bit or 64-bit — though installing both versions does no harm and many computers have both.
  • Once installed, the redistributable works silently in the background and does not require any action from you.

When you need to download it

You need the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable only if a program on your computer will not run and displays an error. The error message usually mentions "Visual C++", "runtime", or a file name ending in ".dll". Common error messages include "The program can't start because MSVCP140.dll is missing from your computer" or "Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error".

Some programs install the redistributable automatically when you install them, so you may already have it without knowing. Many Adobe programs, some games, and various Windows utilities include it in their setup. If the program runs without errors, you have what you need.

You should not download it preemptively just in case. There is no harm in having it, but there is no benefit either unless a program actually needs it. Wait until a program fails to start, then download it.

How to check if your computer already has it

Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer. Click "Programs" or "Programs and Features" depending on your Windows version. A list of installed programs will appear.

Use the search box in the upper right corner of the Programs and Features window and type "Visual C++ 2015". If the redistributable is installed, you will see one or more entries with that name. If nothing appears, your computer does not have it.

You may see multiple versions listed — for example, "x86" (32-bit) and "x64" (64-bit). Both can coexist on the same computer without conflict. The x86 version runs 32-bit programs, and the x64 version runs 64-bit programs. Most modern computers have both.

Where to download it from Microsoft

Go to Microsoft's official download page for Visual C++ redistributables. Search your web browser for "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable download" to find the current link, or visit the Microsoft Support website directly. Do not download from third-party sites, as redistributables are common targets for malware bundling.

On the Microsoft page, you will see options for different versions. Choose the one that matches your Windows system: "x86" for 32-bit Windows or "x64" for 64-bit Windows. If you are unsure which you have, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, select "Properties", and look for "System type". It will say either "32-bit Operating System" or "64-bit Operating System".

If your Windows is 64-bit, you can download and install both the x64 and x86 versions. Many computers run both because some older programs still use 32-bit code even on 64-bit Windows. Installing both does no harm.

How to install it

Once you download the file, double-click it to start the installer. A window will appear asking you to accept the license terms. Click the checkbox to agree, then click "Install". The process usually takes less than a minute.

Windows may ask for permission to make changes to your computer. Click "Yes" to proceed. When the installation finishes, you will see a message saying the setup was successful. You do not need to restart your computer, though some programs may ask you to do so.

After installation, try running the program that was failing. It should start normally. If it still does not work, the problem may be something else — in that case, check the program's support page or contact its developer.

Different versions and what they mean

Microsoft releases a new Visual C++ Redistributable with each major version of Visual C++. The 2015 version is one of several in common use. Other versions you might see include 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Each one is separate and independent — installing one does not replace or remove another.

A program written with Visual C++ 2015 needs the 2015 redistributable specifically. A program written with Visual C++ 2019 needs the 2019 version. Your computer can have all of them installed at the same time without conflict. If you have multiple programs from different years, you may end up with several redistributables on your system, and that is normal.

The x86 and x64 versions of the same year are also separate. The x86 version is for 32-bit programs, and the x64 version is for 64-bit programs. A 64-bit program needs the x64 version; a 32-bit program needs the x86 version. On a 64-bit Windows computer, you can have both.

What to do if installation fails

If the installer shows an error or says the installation failed, try these steps in order. First, restart your computer and try installing again. Second, download the file again — your first download may have been incomplete or corrupted. Third, make sure you downloaded the correct version for your Windows system (32-bit or 64-bit).

If the problem persists, check whether an older version of Visual C++ 2015 is already installed. Go back to Programs and Features, find any Visual C++ 2015 entry, and uninstall it. Then download and install the latest version from Microsoft's website.

If you are still having trouble, the issue may not be the redistributable itself. The program that is failing to start might have other missing files or dependencies. Check the program's documentation or support page for other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable?

Yes, if you download it from Microsoft's official website. Microsoft publishes and maintains the redistributable as part of its standard software library. Always download from Microsoft's site directly, not from third-party download sites, to avoid malware or corrupted versions.

Do I need to uninstall old versions before installing a new one?

No. Multiple versions of Visual C++ Redistributable can coexist on your computer without conflict. You only need to uninstall an old version if the installer tells you to, or if you are troubleshooting a failed installation.

Will installing the redistributable slow down my computer?

No. The redistributable is a small set of system files that sit in the background. It does not run constantly or consume significant resources. You will not notice any change in your computer's performance after installing it.

What if a program still will not start after I install the redistributable?

The program may need a different version of Visual C++ Redistributable, or it may have other missing dependencies. Check the program's system requirements or support documentation to see what else it needs. You can also try contacting the program's developer for help.

Can I delete the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable after installing it?

You can uninstall it through Programs and Features, but do not do so unless a program is causing problems. If you uninstall it, any program that depends on it will stop working. Only remove it if you are certain no programs on your computer use it.