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Fix: Can’t Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable
Easy to follow expert fixes
6 min. read
Updated onJanuary 26, 2024
updated onJanuary 26, 2024
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Key notes
VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable packages install run-time components required to runC++ applications built using Visual Studio 2015. However, several users have reported an error when installing Microsoft VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable.
This error can occur for several reasons, including an existing installation of the redists. Also, if you have a newer version of Redists installed, check it for compatibility issues.
In this article, we have listed a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the error installing Microsoft VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable issue.
Why can’t I install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable?
Several elements could hinder you from installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable. Here are some possible reasons and solutions:
What can I do if I can’t install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable?
1. Remove the existing Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package
If VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable does not appear in the Add/Remove Programs list. However, you still get the error 0x80070666 – Another version of this product is already installed – try installing the redistributable using the Command Prompt.
If the issue persists, try to install available Windows updates and other patches. Skip this step if you don’t want to install pending Windows updates.
2. Install Windows updates and patches
After installing the updates, check if the error still appears while installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable.
3. Remove Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable through Command Prompt
Changing your directory to the relevant folder in Command Prompt is important before executing theuninstallcommand.
4. Reinstall Visual Studio 2017 Redistributable package
As a workaround,uninstallthe 2017 Redistributable package and then reinstall again after installing the 2015 Redistributable package.
This is a workaround, but it might work if you get an error while installing Microsoft VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable.
Reinstalling the Microsoft Redistributable app can help you fix theDark and Darker server error, read this guide to learn more.
5. Remove the temp files
6. Re-register the Windows Installer service
Once you have successfully re-registered the Windows installer service, you can install the Visual StudioC++ Redistributable package without errors.
The error installing Microsoft VisualC++ 2015 Redistributable usually occurs due to an existing installation of the identical package or newer version, but that can be easily fixed. And this becomes all the more important whenCorel VideoStudio won’t open.
Fixing this issue can be very important, especially when you are trying toinstall OpenCL on your Windows 11 computer; read this guide to learn more.
Lastly, please tell us which fixes worked for you in the comments section.
More about the topics:Microsoft Visual C++
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
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