Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 Package Download ((install)) Jun 2026
Useful for IT admins or when the GUI fails.
| Feature | Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 (UWP) | Classic VC_redist.x64.exe | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | .Appx package | .exe installer | | Target Apps | UWP, Store, Desktop Bridge apps | Traditional Win32 desktop apps | | Management | Windows App Installer / PowerShell | Standard .exe installation | | Deployment | App store / Sideloading | Direct download from Microsoft | | Common Path | %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps\ | %windir%\system32\ | | Install Method | Add-AppxPackage | Double-click .exe and follow wizard |
Your Windows build is older than 1809. Solution: Update Windows via Settings > Windows Update. Or, try an older version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 (find it in older SDKs).
Because the runs at a high privilege level for some applications, it is a target for DLL hijacking. Always: Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 Package Download
Run the downloaded executables ( vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe ).
Think of it as a shared digital toolkit. Instead of every software developer including the exact same massive C++ libraries inside their individual app packages, Windows uses a centralized system. Apps built using C++ point to this shared Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 framework.
A final crucial note is about . When searching for this package, you will find many third-party websites offering direct downloads. You should avoid these . Downloading system libraries from untrusted sources is a significant security risk, as files can be packaged with malware or be outdated, causing system instability. Useful for IT admins or when the GUI fails
If an application specifically requests Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 in .appx form (common when sideloading apps via PowerShell), do the following:
Microsoft provides direct .appx package links for manual installation. Choose the link that matches your system architecture:
Once completed, type this command to repair the system image: powershell DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Use code with caution. Or, try an older version of Microsoft
If you need the of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 for inclusion in an MSIX package or for sideloading:
https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.x64.14.00.Desktop.appx
This clarifies what it is. But to understand its necessity, you have to know how it’s different from other common runtimes you may have seen, like the standalone executables ( .exe files) you download for games.