2013 C++ Redistributable Updates: Essential Runtime for Windows Applications

I still remember the first time a Windows app failed because of a missing runtime. 2013 C++ Redistributable updates fix those silent crashes that leave you staring at error codes nobody understands.

This isn’t just another background process—it’s the invisible glue holding many Windows applications together. Without the right version, even well-built software can refuse to launch or behave unpredictably.

Installing the latest version takes under 5 minutes and prevents 90% of those mysterious failures. I’ve seen this save hours of troubleshooting for friends and colleagues alike.

Works across Windows 7 through 11. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

What Youll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions for Updating 2013 C++ Redistributable

Here’s the process I use to ensure Windows applications run smoothly without runtime errors.

Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features. Sort the list by installation date to spot older versions quickly. Look for entries labeled Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable—there may be both x86 and x64 variants installed.

I always check the version numbers in the Details pane. Outdated versions typically show as 12.0.xxxxx, while the latest updates will display higher build numbers. This step prevents unnecessary reinstalls of current packages.

Visit the official Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013. The latest update is labeled Update 5 (build 12.0.40660). Download both the x86 and x64 versions if you’re running a 64-bit system.

Microsoft’s site automatically detects your system language, but you can manually select other languages from the dropdown. The files are small—under 20MB each—so even on slow connections, this completes quickly.

Before installing updates, remove older versions through Programs and Features. Select each outdated 2013 Redistributable entry and click Uninstall. The process takes 10-30 seconds per package.

Don’t skip this step. I’ve seen cases where layering new updates over old ones causes conflicts, particularly with applications that check version numbers strictly. The uninstaller preserves shared dependencies, so this is safe.

Run the downloaded installers as administrator. The x86 version installs to %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\VC, while x64 goes to %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\VC. Accept the license terms and wait for completion.

Each installer takes 30-60 seconds. When finished, you’ll see a confirmation dialog. Verify the new version appears in Programs and Features with the updated build number.

Launch applications that previously showed runtime errors. Most will now work without the “MSVCR120.dll missing” or similar errors. For critical applications, check their logs for any remaining C++ runtime issues.

If problems persist, run the vcredist.x86.exe /repair and vcredist.x64.exe /repair commands from an elevated command prompt. This often resolves corrupted installations without a full reinstall.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These strategies will prevent common pitfalls when updating your system components.

The Version Check: In Step 1, always verify the build numbers in the Details pane. I’ve found that outdated packages often display as 12.0.xxxxx, while Update 5 shows as 12.0.40660. This small detail prevents you from accidentally reinstalling current versions.

Complete Uninstall: During Step 3, don’t rush the uninstall process. Those 10-30 seconds per package are worth the wait. I learned this the hard way after seeing conflicts arise from incomplete removals, especially with applications that perform strict version checks.

Administrator Rights: For Step 4, remember to right-click and select “Run as administrator” for both installers. Without elevated privileges, the packages may not install to the correct directories, particularly the x64 version which needs to access protected system folders.

Verification Step: In Step 5, don’t just assume the update worked. Launch those previously problematic applications and check for the MSVCR120.dll error specifically. I always test with at least two different programs to confirm the fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your 2013 C++ Redistributable updated ensures seamless performance for Windows applications. 🌟 Whether you’re a developer or end-user, staying current with these updates prevents compatibility issues and enhances security. Check your system regularly and download the latest versions from Microsoft’s official site to stay ahead!