Fix Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error in Windows 10
- The so-called runtime errors occur during program execution. You may encounter them in various cases, but don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps to ensure things get back to normal in no time.
- If you're suddenly presented with the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error after a reboot of the operating system or shutdown, you may try to remove your graphics card driver or reinstall Windows 10.
- This page contains further recommendations on what to do if getting system errors.
- If you experience similar issues, you’ll most likely find a solution in our dedicated Windows 10 errors hub.
Well, if you upgraded recently to Windows 10 and you installed the latest updates, seemingly everything works well in Windows 10.
However, after a reboot of the operating system or shutdown, you may be prompted by a Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library window with a message saying that This application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Still, you won’t need to worry because we have a fix to the Visual C++ runtime library error in Windows 10 and you can continue your normal use of the operating system afterward.
What is the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error? This is an error caused by a conflict between the operating system and the video card driver. There’s also a chance that the Visual C++ feature is broken or corrupt.
In this case, we recommend TweakBit Driver Updater (100% safe and tested) to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.
Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error can be problematic, and speaking of errors, users reported the following issues as well:
- Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error r6025, r6034, r6016, r6030, r6002 – Sometimes this error message comes with an error code. The R error code is the most common, and you can fix most R error codes by using one of our solutions.
- Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error explorer.exe, qbw32.exe, atibtmon.exe, csrss.exe, nvvsvc.exe – Sometimes this error might give you the name of the file that caused it. To fix the problem, you just have to find the application that is related to the problematic file and reinstall it.
- Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error Excel, Internet Explorer, Skype, Steam, Java – This error message can appear while using various applications, and many users reported this error while using Excel, Skype, Steam and Java.
- Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error on startup – In some cases, this error message can appear right on startup. This is usually caused by your startup applications.
- Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error Nvidia – Several users reported that this error was caused by their Nvidia graphics. To fix the problem, you need to update or reinstall your drivers.
- Microsoft Visual C++ setup failed, not installing – Several users reported that they can’t install Visual C++. According to them, the setup fails to complete on their PC.
- Microsoft Visual C++ unspecified error – Sometimes you might get an Unspecified error message. This can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
- Microsoft Visual C++ keeps crashing – Another relatively common problem with Visual C++ is frequent crashing. To fix the problem, you just have to reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables.
How can I fix Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error?
1. Remove your graphics card driver
Your graphics card driver can often cause Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error, and to fix it you need to reinstall your graphics card driver by doing the following:
- In the Search bar enter device manager. Select Device Manager from the list of results.
- Expand the Display adapters section and right click your graphics card. Select the Uninstall device option from the menu.
- A confirmation menu will now appear. Check Delete the driver software for this device and click on Uninstall.
- Close the Device Manager window as well as the other windows you have opened.
- Reboot your Windows 10 PC.
Windows can’t automatically find and download new drivers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Check to see if you still get the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error. If you do not then it means that you need to update your graphics card driver to the latest version that is compatible with your Windows 10 system version.
To see how to update your drivers, we advise you to check our guide on how to update your graphics card driver.
2. Perform a clean boot
Sometimes third-party and startup applications can interfere with your system and cause Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error to appear. To fix this problem, you need to perform a clean boot by doing the following:
- Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig. Now press Enter or click OK to run it.
- Now you have the System Configuration window in front of you. Left-click or tap on the Services tab situated in the upper side in this window. Check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services. Left-click or tap on the Disable all button afterward.
- Left-click or tap on the General tab situated in the upper side of this window. Check the Selective startup feature. Uncheck the box next to Load startup items. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
- Reboot your Windows 10 PC.
Check now to see if you still get the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error. If you do not get the error anymore you will have to do this step but this time disable the applications one by one and see exactly which of them is causing this error to appear.
3. Reinstall Windows 10
- You will have to completely reinstall the Windows 10 operating system by following the link below.
- After you successfully reinstalled the operating system following the tutorial below, you will have to make sure that you do not update your PC until Microsoft fixes the issues with Visual C++ Runtime error.
Epic guide alert! Reinstall Windows 10 with a few quick steps. Everything you need to know is right here.
4. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
To fix Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error, you just have to reinstall your Visual C++ Redistributables. To do that, follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + S and enter the control panel. Select Control Panel from the list.
- When Control Panel starts, navigate to Programs and Features.
- Once the Programs and Features window opens, locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable and double click it to remove it.
Once you remove all Redistributables, you have to download them from Microsoft’s website. Keep in mind that you’ll have to install all available Redistributables in order to fix this problem.
If you don’t want to uninstall and download all Redistributables, you can choose to repair your installation. To do that, follow these steps:
- Follow the steps from above and open Programs and Features.
- Now select the Redistributable you want to repair and click on Change.
- When the Setup window appears, click on the Repair button and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair process.
Keep in mind that not all Redistributables support repair. If the Change option from step 2 isn’t available, your only option is to remove the selected Redistributable.
This might be a bit tedious solution, but many users reported that reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributables fixed the problem for them, so be sure to try it.
5. Create a new user account
If you’re still getting Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error, you might be able to fix the problem simply by creating a new user account. To do that, follow these simple steps:
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app and go to Accounts.
- Navigate to Family & other people in the left pane. In the right pane, click on Add someone else to this PC.
- Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Now click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter the desired name for a new account and click on Next.
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.
After creating a new account, you need to sign out from your current account and switch to a new one. If the problem doesn’t appear, it means that your old account is corrupted.
To fix the problem, move your personal files to a new account and use it instead of your old account.
6. Turn off the Compatibility mode
Compatibility mode is a useful feature that allows you to run old applications on your PC. However, this feature can sometimes cause Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error to appear.
To fix the problem, you need to disable Compatibility Mode by doing the following:
- Locate the application that is giving you this error, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
- Go to the Compatibility tab and make sure that Run this program in compatibility mode for isn’t enabled. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.
After doing that, try to run the application again and the error message shouldn’t appear.
7. Reinstall the problematic application
If you’re getting Microsoft Visual C++ error while trying to run a specific app, you might want to try reinstalling that application. Sometimes your files can get corrupted, and that can cause this error to appear.
To fix the problem, simply reinstall the application that is giving you this problem and check if that helps. To ensure that the problem doesn’t reappear, be sure to download and install the latest version.
You are done, the steps above will fix your Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library error in the shortest time possible.
If you encounter any other troubles along the way, you can write us below in the comments section of the page and we will help you further with this issue. Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have.
FAQ: Learn more about runtime errors in Windows 10
- What is the difference between runtime error and syntax error?
Runtime errors often occur due to performing illegal operations, while syntax errors are a clue that you are not using proper syntax in coding.
- What causes runtime errors in C++?
Most of the time, runtime errors in C++ are caused by poor programming practices. The program simply cannot handle the data it has been received.
- How do you prevent runtime errors?
To prevent runtime errors, you may write an error handler that explains why the error occurred and gives you the chance to quickly correct the input that caused the error in the first place.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in March 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
