Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64): Essential Runtime for 64-Bit Apps

I still remember the first time a Windows app crashed because this runtime was missing. Back in my Microsoft days, we’d see this exact error pop up in support tickets constantly.

The 2013 version specifically handles older 64-bit applications that won’t run without it. It’s not flashy, but it’s the invisible glue holding many legacy programs together. Without it, you’ll hit cryptic errors that make no sense to average users.

Installation takes 2 minutes and requires zero configuration. The package is small, silent, and won’t conflict with newer versions. I’ve deployed this on hundreds of machines without a single issue.

Works on Windows 7 through 11, and yes, it’s still necessary for some enterprise software. Here’s how to get it installed properly.

What Youll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing the 64-Bit Runtime

Here’s the cleanest way to get your system running 64-bit applications without dependency errors.

Before downloading, confirm you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows. Right-click This PC or My Computer, select Properties, and look under System type—it should read x64-based PC. This runtime won’t install on a 32-bit system.

Ensure you have at least 50MB of free disk space. I also recommend closing all running applications to prevent any conflicts during the installation. This avoids those mysterious “installation failed” errors that can pop up when background processes interfere.

Head to Microsoft’s official download page for the Visual C++ Redistributable. There are multiple versions available, so select the one labeled specifically for 2013 and x64. The file name should include vc_redist.x64.exe.

Avoid third-party download sites—they often bundle adware or outdated versions. Microsoft’s site is the only source I trust for this. The file size should be around 6-7MB; if it’s significantly larger or smaller, you’ve likely grabbed the wrong version.

Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator. Even if you’re on an admin account, this step prevents permission-related errors. The installer will prompt for confirmation—click Yes to proceed.

Follow the on-screen prompts. The installation typically completes in under 1 minute. When finished, you should see a confirmation message stating Setup completed successfully. If you see any warnings or errors, note the exact text—it’s usually a clue about missing dependencies.

Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features. Scroll through the list and look for an entry labeled Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64). Its version number should appear as 12.0.xxxxx.

For extra confirmation, open Command Prompt and type where vcruntime140.dll. If the runtime is installed correctly, it should return a path pointing to System32 or SysWOW64. No results mean the installation didn’t complete properly.

Launch any 64-bit application that previously gave you dependency errors. If it runs without complaints about missing DLLs or runtime components, you’re all set. I like to use a lightweight tool like CPU-Z for this test—it’s small, fast, and relies on these runtimes.

If the app still fails, try repairing the installation. Go back to Programs and Features, right-click the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64) entry, and select Repair. This often fixes corrupted installations without requiring a full uninstall.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These practical insights will help you avoid common pitfalls during installation and verification.

Download Verification: Always double-check the file size is around 14MB when downloading from Microsoft’s official page. I’ve seen third-party sites offer smaller files that may be incomplete or corrupted. The x64 label should be clearly visible in the filename and download description.

Admin Rights Essential: In Step 2, running the installer as administrator isn’t optional—it’s critical. Without elevated permissions, the installation may appear successful but leave your system in a state where dependent applications still can’t find the necessary DLL files. I learned this the hard way when several games kept failing despite the confirmation dialog appearing.

Verification Shortcut: For Step 3, instead of digging through Control Panel, you can quickly verify by opening Command Prompt and typing where vcruntime140. If you see a valid path in the results, you’ve confirmed the runtime files are properly installed. This saves time over manual checking in Programs and Features.

Testing Strategy: When testing in Step 4, start with a lightweight 64-bit application first rather than a complex game. If the simple app runs without MSVCR120.dll errors, you can be confident the runtime is working before launching more demanding software.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64) is a must-have for running 64-bit applications smoothly on Windows. By installing it, you ensure compatibility and performance for software built with this runtime. 🚀 If you haven’t already, download and install it today to keep your system optimized and error-free!