How to Fix Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Setup Fails Error 0x80240017

When installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable, you might encounter the dreaded message: Setup Failed — Error 0x80240017: Unspecified error

This usually happens on Windows 10 or Windows 11 when the system cannot properly install or update the Visual C++ 2015 runtime components.

The good news? This issue is fixable — and in most cases, you don’t even need to reinstall Windows.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes error 0x80240017, and show you exactly how to fix it using multiple proven methods.

What Causes Error 0x80240017 During Visual C++ 2015 Installation?

This error typically indicates that Windows encountered a conflict or missing dependency during the installation process. Common causes include:

• Outdated or corrupted Windows Update components
• Previous Visual C++ installations interfering with setup
• Missing Windows system updates (like KB2999226 or KB2919355)
• Damaged system files or registry entries
• Unsupported or incomplete Windows build

Because Visual C++ 2015 relies on specific Windows updates and shared runtimes, even a small system inconsistency can cause this error.

Fix 1: Install All Pending Windows Updates

Before anything else, ensure your system is fully up to date. Visual C++ 2015 requires certain updates that may not be installed yet.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update → Check for updates.
3. Download and install all available updates (including optional ones).
4. Restart your computer.

Once Windows is updated, try running the Visual C++ 2015 installer again.

Note: Visual C++ 2015 depends on Universal C Runtime (CRT) updates that are included in later Windows builds.

Fix 2: Uninstall Previous Visual C++ Versions

Sometimes, existing or corrupted Visual C++ versions can block the new setup.

1. Press Windows + R, type: appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
2. In the list of installed programs, find entries named:
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x86)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64)
3. Right-click each entry and choose Uninstall.
4. Restart your PC.

After rebooting, try reinstalling the Visual C++ 2015 setup again.

Pro Tip: If you see entries for 2017 or 2019, don’t remove them. Those versions share components with 2015 and may automatically upgrade the older package later.

Fix 3: Manually Install Required Windows Updates (For Older Builds)

If you’re running Windows 8.1 or an older Windows 10 build, the Visual C++ 2015 setup needs two specific updates to complete successfully.

Download and install manually:

• KB2999226 – Update for Universal C Runtime in Windows https://support.microsoft.com/help/2999226
• KB2919355 – Windows 8.1/Server 2012 R2 Update https://support.microsoft.com/help/2919355

After installing these updates, restart your system and try running the vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe installers again.

Note: On Windows 11, these updates are already included — you can skip this fix.

Fix 4: Repair Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update service is corrupted or misconfigured, it can block Visual C++ installation.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run these commands one by one:
   net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
3. Restart your PC.

This resets Windows Update components and clears any stuck installation caches.

Then, try reinstalling the Visual C++ 2015 package again.

Fix 5: Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can interfere with installer operations and trigger setup errors.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type and run: sfc /scannow
3. Wait until the scan reaches 100%.
4. Then, run these DISM commands:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. Restart your computer after completion.

Pro Tip: After repairing system files, retry the Visual C++ 2015 setup. Many users report this resolves the 0x80240017 error instantly.

Fix 6: Use the Visual C++ 2015–2022 Combined Redistributable

Since Microsoft merged newer runtime versions (2015–2022), installing the latest package often resolves older installation issues.

1. Visit Microsoft’s official page: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist
2. Download both installers:
   • vc_redist.x64.exe
   • vc_redist.x86.exe
3. Right-click each file → select Run as Administrator → Install.
4. Restart your PC.

Tip: This combined redistributable automatically includes the Visual C++ 2015 components and works across Windows 10 and 11.

Fix 7: Clean Install Using Safe Mode (Last Resort)

If the installation still fails, perform the setup in Safe Mode to bypass background process conflicts.

1. Press Windows + R, type: msconfig and press Enter.
2. Go to Boot → check Safe boot → click OK → Restart.
3. Once in Safe Mode, run:
   • vc_redist.x64.exe
   • vc_redist.x86.exe
     as Administrator.
4. After installation, reopen msconfig, uncheck Safe boot, and reboot normally.

Note: Safe Mode ensures no other software interferes with the installer, which can resolve stubborn Visual C++ setup errors.

Wrapping Up

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Setup Fails Error 0x80240017 is typically caused by outdated system components, missing updates, or corrupted files — not by the installer itself.

By updating Windows, repairing system files, or installing the combined Visual C++ 2015–2022 redistributable, you can fix this error quickly and safely.

If all else fails, running the setup in Safe Mode usually resolves stubborn installation conflicts once and for all.

After completing these steps, restart your computer, and your apps or games that depend on Visual C++ 2015 should now launch without any errors.