| OS | Supported | Notes | |----|-----------|-------| | Windows 7 SP1 | Yes | Requires KB2999226 (Universal CRT) for some updates | | Windows 8 | Yes | Limited support (better on 8.1) | | Windows 8.1 | Yes | Full support | | Windows 10 | Yes | Fully compatible | | Windows 11 | Yes | Fully compatible | | Windows Server 2012 R2+ | Yes | |
| Linking | Pros | Cons |
|---------|------|------|
| Dynamic (/MD) | Smaller EXE, security updates via redist update | External dependency, redist required |
| Static (/MT) | No redist needed, self-contained | Larger EXE, must recompile for security fixes |
vc2013redist_x86 is only needed for dynamic linking.
It is crucial to note the current status of this package: vc2013redistx86
Risk Assessment: As of 2024, the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable is officially unsupported. While it will continue to function, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates or bug fixes.
In simple terms, software developers write code, but that code often relies on shared "libraries" of pre-written functions to perform common tasks (like math calculations, displaying graphics, or managing memory). Microsoft provides these libraries as part of Visual C++.
Rather than every developer including these massive libraries inside their specific game or app download, they rely on the user having a "Redistributable" package installed on their PC. The 2013 version specifically contains libraries created for software built using the Visual Studio 2013 development environment. | OS | Supported | Notes | |----|-----------|-------|
Target architecture
Silent install support
Side-by-side compatibility
Missing DLL fixes
Developers should not statically link CRT (/MT) to avoid bloated binaries and security patch challenges. The redistributable allows updating all VC 2013 apps via a single Windows Update.