The Microsoft Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable is a package of library files (DLLs) required to run applications and games built using Visual Studio 2019. These libraries handle common tasks like mathematical calculations and file input/output, so developers don't have to rewrite them for every program. Key Features and Compatibility Unified Package : Since 2015, Microsoft has used a "binary compatible" model. This means a single installer (version 14.x) covers applications created in Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 . Shared Infrastructure : Instead of every app including its own copy of these libraries, the Redistributable is installed once centrally so multiple programs can share it. Not Part of Windows Update : Unlike the .NET Framework, these runtimes are usually not updated via standard Windows Update; they are often installed alongside third-party software like games or office tools. Why You Might Need It Runtime Errors : If you try to open an app and see an error like "MSVCP140.dll was not found," it usually means the Redistributable is missing or corrupted. Gaming : Many modern games rely on these components to function. 32-bit vs. 64-bit : Even on a 64-bit Windows system, you may need both the x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) packages because a 32-bit application requires the 32-bit runtime to function. How to Install and Manage Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads
The Complete Guide to Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable Packages 1. What Are They? The Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable Packages are runtime components required to run applications developed with Microsoft Visual C++ 2019. They install the necessary C++ standard library (e.g., MSVCP140.dll, VCRUNTIME140.dll) on a computer that does not have Visual Studio installed. Key point: If a program asks for "MSVCP140.dll" or gives "runtime error" messages, you likely need this package.
2. Which Files Do They Install? Unlike older versions (VC++ 2015 and 2017), the 2015–2022 runtimes are binary-compatible . However, the 2019 redistributable specifically installs: | File | Purpose | |------|---------| | vcruntime140.dll | C runtime (CRT) and C++ exception handling | | vcruntime140_1.dll | Additional C++ features | | msvcp140.dll | C++ Standard Library (std:: functions) | | msvcp140_1.dll , msvcp140_2.dll , etc. | Additional library support | | concrt140.dll | Concurrency Runtime | | vccorlib140.dll | C++/CX support for UWP | (Version numbers may be 14.2x for VC++ 2019.)
3. Versions & Compatibility | Visual Studio Version | Redist Version | Binary Compatibility | |----------------------|----------------|----------------------| | VC++ 2015 | 14.0 | ✔ Compatible with 2017/2019/2022 | | VC++ 2017 | 14.1 | ✔ Compatible with 2015/2019/2022 | | VC++ 2019 | 14.2 | ✔ Compatible with 2015/2017/2022 | | VC++ 2022 | 14.3 | ✔ Compatible with 2015/2017/2019 | Important: The 2019 redistributable can run apps built with 2015, 2017, or 2019. However, it will not cover every library from 2022 if the app specifically requires a 14.3+ function. visual c++ 2019 redistributable packages
4. Download Links (Official Microsoft) Only download from microsoft.com domain. Latest 2019 Redistributable (End of support: 2024-2029 depending on edition)
X64 (64-bit): https://aka.ms/vs/16/release/vc_redist.x64.exe X86 (32-bit): https://aka.ms/vs/16/release/vc_redist.x86.exe ARM64 : https://aka.ms/vs/16/release/vc_redist.arm64.exe
Note: vs/16/release refers to Visual Studio 2019 (v16.x). The links remain valid. Alternative: Latest All-in-One (recommended for most users) Microsoft now recommends using the VC++ 2015-2022 Redistributable for all modern C++ apps. It supersedes 2019. The Microsoft Visual C++ 2019 Redistributable is a
Download from: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe (x64)
But for strict 2019-only environments, use the 2019 links above.
5. Step-by-Step Installation Step 1: Determine architecture This means a single installer (version 14
64-bit Windows → Usually need x64 (and sometimes x86 for 32-bit apps) 32-bit Windows → x86 only ARM64 devices (Surface Pro X, etc.) → ARM64
Step 2: Check if already installed