Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\VisualStudio\14.0\VC\Runtimes\x64 | Select Version The Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is not bloatware. It is the linguistic bridge between your operating system and your applications. Treat it like a driver: keep it installed, keep it repaired, and only get it from Microsoft.
Microsoft maintains a support page titled "The latest supported Visual C++ downloads." Search for that, or look for the file named: VC_redist.x64.exe (for 64-bit Windows, which 99% of users have) visual c++ 2017 redistributable
You can also check which version is currently installed via PowerShell: Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\VisualStudio\14
Not exactly. While Windows Update delivers security patches, it does not install every development library. If you are seeing an error like: "The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found" That 140 number points directly to the Visual C++ 2015-2017 era. You are missing the runtime. If you are troubleshooting a missing vcruntime140.dll or msvcp140.dll error right now, follow these steps: Microsoft maintains a support page titled "The latest
But what is it? Why do you need so many versions? And why does it sometimes break?
If you have ever installed a video game, launched a CAD application, or tried to run an open-source utility on Windows, you have likely seen the phrase flash across your screen.