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VC++ Runtime Track

VC++ Runtime DLL — Official Safe Fix

If you see msvcp*.dll, msvcr*.dll, vcruntime*.dll, vcomp*.dll, or concrt*.dll reported missing, the right answer is install the matching Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, not drop a random DLL into System32.

✓ TL;DR — solves 90% of cases:
Open Microsoft's official page, download VC++ 2015-2022 Redistributable, install both x86 and x64, reboot. This one installer covers everything built with VS 2015 through 2022.

Open Microsoft Learn →

① Why "just drop a DLL into System32" never works

Wrong version. A given msvcr100.dll differs across VS 2010 service packs; the wrong copy makes the program crash, not run.
Wrong bitness. 32-bit programs need 32-bit DLLs in SysWOW64; 64-bit programs need 64-bit DLLs in System32 (counterintuitive).
Unknown origin = malicious code risk. Sample data from VirusTotal repeatedly shows "DLL download sites" hosting trojans and adware.
No Windows updates after. Even if the right file works today, future Microsoft security patches won't reach a manually placed DLL.

② Install the latest merged redist (recommended)

Visit Microsoft Learn · Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable.
Download both VC_redist.x64.exe (for 64-bit programs) and VC_redist.x86.exe (for 32-bit programs).
Install both. x86 and x64 do not conflict — installing both is the safe default.
Reboot and try the failing program again.

💡 How do I verify it's the real Microsoft installer?
The genuine files are named VC_redist.x64.exe or VC_redist.x86.exe. Right-click → Properties → Digital Signatures tab should show a valid signature from Microsoft Corporation. If the file name contains words like "fixer", "activator", or "green edition", it is not from Microsoft.

③ Older versions still needed by legacy software

Microsoft maintains a separate Redistributable for each major VS release. Older software may need a specific older version. Here are the major versions and their typical DLLs:

Visual C++ 2015-2022

Official download →

The merged latest redist covers everything built with VS 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

msvcp140.dllmsvcp140_1.dllmsvcp140_2.dllvcruntime140.dllvcruntime140_1.dllconcrt140.dllmfc140.dllmfc140u.dllvcomp140.dll

Visual C++ 2013

Official download →

msvcp120 / msvcr120 / vcomp120 family.

msvcp120.dllmsvcr120.dllmsvcr120d.dllvcomp120.dll

Visual C++ 2012

Official download →

msvcp110 / msvcr110 / vcomp110 family.

msvcp110.dllmsvcr110.dllmsvcr110d.dllvcomp110.dll

Visual C++ 2010

Official download →

msvcp100 / msvcr100 / vcomp100 family.

msvcp100.dllmsvcr100.dllmsvcr100d.dllvcomp100.dll

Visual C++ 2008

Official download →

msvcp90 / msvcr90 family.

msvcp90.dllmsvcr90.dll

Visual C++ 2005

Official download →

msvcp80 / msvcr80 family — common in legacy software.

msvcp80.dllmsvcr80.dllmsvcr80x.dll

Visual C++ 2003

Official download →

msvcp71 / msvcr71 family — only very old programs.

msvcp71.dllmsvcr71.dll

Visual C++ 2002

Official download →

msvcp70 / msvcr70 family — extremely rare today.

msvcp70.dllmsvcr70.dll

Visual C++ 6.0

Official download →

Usually shipped with Windows; absence means system files damaged.

msvcp60.dll

Visual C++ 5.0

Official download →

Ancient — easier to reinstall the affected program.

msvcp50.dllmsvcr50.dll

④ Still errors after installing?

In rare cases the DLL is not the actual problem:

System files damaged. Run as administrator in PowerShell:
```
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
The program's bundled DLLs were deleted by antivirus. Add the program to the trusted list and reinstall from the vendor.
UCRT issue on old systems. Windows 7 / 8.1 users missing ucrtbase.dll or api-ms-win-crt-* should install KB2999226.

⑤ Stay on the safe path

Do not use "DLL download sites", "DLL Repair Tool.exe" downloads, or random patches from network drives. Always pick the official installer recommended in this guide.

Need a specific DLL? Go back to the Fix Guide or use DLL Index.