how to fix my microsoft visual c++ 2015-2022 redistributable (x64)

Sean Cho 0 Reputation points
2026-07-13T10:03:12.81+00:00

my microsoft visual c++ 2015-2022 redistributable will not delete the older version so i cannot download the newer one. It say it cannot find it in my files, but it still wont let me download the newer version?

Developer technologies | Visual Studio | Setup

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  1. AI answer

    2026-07-13T10:03:26.6533333+00:00

    This usually matches error 1714: the older VC++ Redistributable entry is corrupted in the Windows Installer cache, so setup can’t remove the previous version and blocks the newer install.

    Try this in order:

    1. Run the installer as administrator
      • Right-click the VC Redist installer.
      • Select Run as administrator.
    2. Temporarily disable protection software
      • Turn off Windows Defender real-time protection.
      • Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or endpoint protection.
      • Retry the install.
      • Reenable protection software afterward.
    3. Install pending Windows updates
      • Open Windows Update.
      • Install all pending updates.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Retry the installation.
    4. Remove the broken older version first If setup reports that the older version can’t be removed, use one of these supported methods:
      • Method 1: Use Windows Installer troubleshooting
        • Try using the Windows Installer to manually remove the old VC Redist version.
        • If prompted, let the Windows Installer troubleshooter attempt to fix the problem.
        • Retry the newer installation.
      • Method 2: Uninstall the exact old version using its original installer
        • Identify the old VC Redist version that is failing.
        • Download that exact older version from a Microsoft source.
        • Run that installer and uninstall the old version.
        • Retry installing the newer version.
    5. Check whether a newer version is already installed For Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022, the redistributable is binary compatible and uses the same runtime family. If a more recent version is already installed, the older package won’t install.
      • Check this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\VisualStudio\14.0\VC\Runtimes\x64
      • Look at the Version value.
      • If the installed version is newer than the one being installed, skip the older installer and use the latest supported package instead.
    6. Only use Microsoft-signed installers If an older installer is needed, download it only from Microsoft sources. Do not use third-party repackaged redistributables.

    If the uninstall/install still fails, collect the VC Redist logs and note:

    • the version being installed
    • the previously installed version
    • the installer error code

    If the problem is not covered by the common fixes, submit a report with those details and the logs.

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  2. Nancy Vo (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 8,155 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-14T04:09:27.81+00:00

    Hello @Sean Cho ,

    Thanks for your question.

    This issue occurs because Windows still has an entry for the old Visual C++ Redistributable, but the uninstall files are missing. I recommend using Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to remove the broken entry.

    You can refer to these following steps:

    1. Download the tool by copying the link below:
    https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/E/9/7E9188C0-2511-4B01-8B4E-0A641EC2F600/MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab

    If your browser blocks the download, select Keep or Keep anyway.

    1. Run the tool and click Next.
    2. Select Uninstalling.
    3. Choose Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) from the list.
    4. Select Yes, try uninstall.
    5. Restart the computer.
    6. Install the new version: Now that the old version is wiped clean, download and install the newest version directly from Microsoft here: Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads.

    For detailed information, you can refer to Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed. Using this tool is highly recommended over manually deleting registry files, which can permanently damage Windows.

    I hope this addresses your question. If this response was helpful, please consider following the guidance to provide feedback. Thank you.

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