Document ID: MSVC-REDIST-2019-X64
Version: 1.0
Date: April 24, 2026
This guide shows how to safely download, install, and verify the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2019 Redistributable (x64) on Windows.
The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installs runtime components of Visual C++ Libraries required to run applications developed with Visual C++ on a computer that does not have Visual C++ installed.
Many games and software programs (such as Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, and various PC games) require this specific package to function correctly. If you receive an error message mentioning "MSVCP140.dll" or "VCRUNTIME140.dll", installing this package usually fixes the problem. Document ID: MSVC-REDIST-2019-X64 Version: 1
If you are an avid PC gamer, a software developer, or simply someone who installs a lot of desktop applications on Windows, you have almost certainly run into a cryptic error message that reads: “The program can't start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing” or “MSVCP140.dll was not found.” The solution to this problem almost always lies in one specific file: the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 to 2019 Redistributable Package (x64).
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain exactly what this package is, why you need the x64 version, how to download it safely from official sources, and how to troubleshoot common installation issues.
If you are setting up a new gaming PC or troubleshooting a misbehaving application, use this checklist: If you are setting up a new gaming
You will see several options. For a standard modern Windows PC, look for the X64 link.
(Note: If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows, or trying to run a legacy 32-bit app on a 64-bit machine, you may also need the x86 version. It is safe to install both.)
To understand the Redistributable, you first need to understand how software is built. Developers write code in languages like C++. To make that code run on your computer, it needs to be compiled. However, instead of writing basic functions (like how to print text or do math) from scratch for every program, developers use a standard library of code provided by Microsoft. You will see several options
The Visual C++ Redistributable is a package that installs the runtime components of these libraries. In simple terms: it contains the "translator" your computer needs to understand and run programs built with Microsoft Visual C++.
Crucial Warning: Never download redistributable packages from “DLL download sites,” third-party aggregators, or torrents. These files are often outdated, contain malware, or are bundled with adware. Only download directly from Microsoft’s official website.