Which Version? x86 vs x64 Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 Explained

How to Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 (Step‑by‑Step)The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package 2015 installs runtime components required to run applications developed with Visual C++ on a computer that does not have Visual C++ 2015 installed. These components include libraries such as the C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, MFC, C++ AMP, and OpenMP. Many Windows applications and games rely on these redistributables; installing the correct version fixes “missing DLL” errors like MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll.

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Before you begin — pick the right package

There are two main builds you may need:

• x86 — for 32‑bit applications (works on both 32‑bit and 64‑bit Windows when the app itself is 32‑bit).
• x64 — for 64‑bit applications (only for 64‑bit Windows).

If you run both 32‑bit and 64‑bit apps that depend on the redistributable, install both versions.

Also check:

• Windows edition: the x64 installer requires 64‑bit Windows; x86 works on both.
• Existing runtimes: newer universal packages (Visual C++ 2015-⁄₂₀₂₂) are binary‑compatible for many apps. If an app specifically requests the 2015 redistributable, prefer that version.

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Step 1 — Download the installer

1. Open a web browser and go to the official Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributable 2015. (Search “Visual C++ 2015 redistributable Microsoft download” or use Microsoft’s site.)
2. On the download page select the file that matches your OS architecture:
   • vc_redist.x86.exe — 32‑bit runtime
   • vc_redist.x64.exe — 64‑bit runtime
3. Click Download and save the file(s) to a known location (e.g., Downloads folder).

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Step 2 — Verify file integrity (optional but recommended)

If Microsoft provides checksums on the download page, compare the checksum of the downloaded file with the one on the site to ensure the file was not corrupted or tampered with. On Windows, you can use PowerShell:

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

Compare the output with the published SHA256 value.

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Step 3 — Run the installer

1. Locate the downloaded file (vc_redist.x86.exe or vc_redist.x64.exe).
2. Right‑click the file and choose Run as administrator — this ensures the installer can place files into system folders and register components.
3. Accept the license terms by checking the box, then click Install.

If you see a prompt for an existing installation (Repair/Uninstall):

• Choose Repair to restore missing or corrupted runtime files.
• Choose Uninstall only if you need to remove the runtime (rare for typical troubleshooting).

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Step 4 — Follow on‑screen prompts and wait

The installer will copy DLLs and register required components. Wait for the process to complete; it usually takes less than a minute. If prompted, restart your computer to complete the installation — some applications require a reboot for runtime changes to take effect.

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Step 5 — Confirm installation

To verify installation:

• Open Control Panel → Programs and Features (or Settings → Apps → Apps & features).
• Look for entries like:
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x86) — version number
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) — version number

For command‑line verification, list installed packages with PowerShell:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "Visual C++ 2015" } 

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Troubleshooting common issues

• Installer fails with “Another version of this product is already installed”:
  • Use Programs and Features to Repair or Uninstall the existing Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable, then reinstall.
• Missing DLL errors persist after installation:
  • Ensure you installed the correct architecture (x86 vs x64) for the application.
  • Try installing the newer combined redistributable (for example, Visual C++ 2015-2019) which is binary‑compatible with many apps.
• Installation error 0x80070666:
  • This generally means a newer or different related runtime is already installed. Repair or uninstall conflicting versions and reattempt installation.
• Permission issues:
  • Run the installer as Administrator and temporarily disable antivirus if it blocks installation.

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When to install the newer combined redistributable

Microsoft later distributed combined redistributables that cover 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022. Many apps that require 2015 will work with those newer packages. If you prefer a single up‑to‑date runtime for compatibility and security, install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (labelled for 2015–2022) from Microsoft’s site. However, some legacy installers explicitly check for the original 2015 package — in that case install the 2015 package specifically.

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Automated / silent installation (for admins)

You can install silently for deployment:

• For x86:

  
  vc_redist.x86.exe /install /quiet /norestart 

• For x64:

  
  vc_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestart 

  Use /norestart to suppress automatic reboot; handle restarts centrally.

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Uninstalling the redistributable

• Open Control Panel → Programs and Features, select the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable entry, then click Uninstall.
• For silent uninstall:

  
  vc_redist.x64.exe /uninstall /quiet /norestart 

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Final notes

• Keep runtimes updated: newer redistributables may include important security fixes.
• Install both x86 and x64 when in doubt.
• If an application still fails after installing the runtimes, check that the app itself is compatible with your Windows version and consult the app’s support/documentation.

If you want, I can provide direct download links, checksum examples, or a short troubleshooting checklist tailored to a specific error message you’re seeing.