How to Fix a Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error on Windows

Many Windows applications rely on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to function correctly — from games and software like Adobe Photoshop to system tools like File Explorer. But sometimes, you might encounter a popup that says: “Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error” This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.

If you’ve seen this error while opening a program, game, or even during startup, don’t worry — you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explain why this error occurs and walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

What Causes the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error?

This error typically appears when a program that relies on Visual C++ libraries encounters a missing, corrupted, or conflicting file. Some of the most common reasons include:

Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributable packages
Missing or outdated runtime components
System file corruption (SFC/DISM errors)
Faulty or outdated graphics drivers
Third-party software conflicts
Security programs (like antivirus) interfering with app execution

Fortunately, the issue is fixable with a few simple methods.

Fix 1: Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

The first and easiest step is to repair your existing Visual C++ packages.

Press Windows + R, type: appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
In the list of installed programs, look for entries named:
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2010–2022 Redistributable (x86/x64)
Select one, click Change, and then choose Repair.
Repeat this for all installed versions.
Restart your computer.

Tip: Repairing redistributables ensures that all required runtime libraries are re-registered correctly.

Fix 2: Reinstall All Visual C++ Redistributables

If repairing didn’t work, you might need to reinstall all Visual C++ packages from scratch.

Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps and uninstall every Visual C++ Redistributable version.
Visit Microsoft’s official download page: Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributables
Download both the x64 and x86 installers for each version (2008 to 2022).
Install each package one by one.
Restart your computer after the installations.

Pro Tip: Some programs still depend on older versions, so make sure to install all the redistributables — not just the latest one.

Fix 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause the Visual C++ runtime error if essential Windows libraries are broken.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
In Command Prompt, type: sfc /scannow
Wait for the process to complete (it may take 10–15 minutes).
Restart your PC once done.

If errors are found but can’t be fixed automatically, proceed to the next fix using DISM.

Fix 4: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool repairs deeper issues in Windows components that may affect runtime libraries.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
Run the following commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once completed, restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Fix 5: Update Graphics and Display Drivers

Sometimes the runtime error is triggered by outdated or corrupted graphics drivers, especially in gaming or multimedia apps.

Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) → Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
After updating, restart your PC.

Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers directly from your GPU manufacturer’s website.

Fix 6: Disable or Temporarily Uninstall Antivirus Software

Overactive antivirus tools can sometimes block runtime libraries or flag them as false positives.

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings.
Toggle off Real-time protection temporarily.
Try reopening the app that was showing the runtime error.

If this fixes the issue, add the program to your antivirus exclusion list.

Note: Remember to re-enable protection afterward for safety.

Fix 7: Reinstall the Problematic Application

If the runtime error appears for one specific app or game, it’s possible its installation is corrupted.

Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
Find the program showing the error and uninstall it.
Restart your PC.
Reinstall the latest version of that program or game from a trusted source.

This ensures all associated Visual C++ libraries are correctly re-registered.

Fix 8: Perform a Clean Boot (to Rule Out Conflicts)

A clean boot helps identify if a startup program or background service is conflicting with the Visual C++ runtime.

Press Windows + R, type: msconfig and hit Enter.
Go to the Services tab → check Hide all Microsoft services → click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab → click Open Task Manager → disable all startup items.
Restart your PC.

Now, try opening the problematic program again. If it works fine, a third-party service was likely the culprit.

Fix 9: Install Pending Windows Updates

Missing system updates can cause compatibility issues with runtime libraries.

Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Download and install all pending updates.
Restart your PC.

This ensures all system components and runtimes are aligned with your current Windows version.

Wrapping Up

A Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error may look intimidating, but it’s usually easy to fix once you identify the cause.

Start by repairing or reinstalling the Visual C++ packages, updating drivers, and running SFC/DISM scans. Most users find their issue resolved after one of these steps.

By maintaining updated redistributables and keeping your system clean, you can prevent future runtime errors and keep your apps running flawlessly.