Cannot repair Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022

Fred Bair 5 Reputation points
2026-06-25T22:42:19.9633333+00:00

Receiving Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 error and cannot repair. Tried all suggested ways.

Developer technologies | C++
Developer technologies | C++

A high-level, general-purpose programming language, created as an extension of the C programming language, that has object-oriented, generic, and functional features in addition to facilities for low-level memory manipulation.

0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Nancy Vo (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 6,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-26T06:12:40.61+00:00

    Hello @Fred Bair ,

    Thanks for your question

    You can refer to these following steps:

    1. Safely Back Up Your Registry
    • Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter.
    • At the very top left, click File > Export.
    • Save this file to your Desktop and name it "Registry Backup" (this is just for safety).
    1. Remove the Corrupted Visual C++ Block
    • In the Registry Editor, copy and paste this path into the address bar at the top and press Enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products
    • This folder holds the background data for installed programs. We need to find the specific folder blocking your C++ files.
    • Click through the sub-folders under "Products" (they will look like long strings of random letters and numbers).
    • As you click each one, look at the ProductName on the right side of the screen.
    • Once you find the folder where the ProductName says Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64), right-click that specific folder on the left and select Delete.
    • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
    1. Install the Fresh Copy

    Please try and let me know if it works. I'd be happy to investigate further if needed.

    I hope this addresses your question. If this response was helpful, please consider following the guidance to provide feedback.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. AI answer

    2026-06-25T22:42:34.34+00:00

    Use the supported repair/uninstall paths and then reinstall the latest supported VC++ 2015–2022 Redistributable.

    1. Try repairing from Windows Settings / Control Panel
      • Windows 11/10 Settings:
        1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
        2. Find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64) and (x86).
        3. Select the More icon → Advanced options (if available) → Repair.
      • Control Panel:
        1. Open Control Panel → Programs > Programs and Features.
        2. Right‑click Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64) → Repair (or Change → Repair).
        3. Repeat for the x86 entry.
    2. If repair fails because an older version can’t be removed (error 1714 / corrupted cache) Follow the steps under “Older version can't be removed”:
      1. From the VC Redist log files, note the version that can’t be removed.
      2. Method 1 – Windows Installer
        • Use Windows Installer (and its troubleshooter if prompted) to manually remove that specific VC Redist version.
        • Retry the VC++ 2015–2022 installation/repair.
      3. Method 2 – Manually remove the old version
        • Download the VC Redist installer for that old version.
        • Run it and choose to uninstall the old VC Redist.
        • Retry installing/repairing the current VC++ 2015–2022 Redistributable.
    3. If the issue is that a newer VC++ 2015–2022 is already installed (error 0x80070666 / 1638)
      • VC++ 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 share the same major version; only one instance can be installed at a time.
      • When a newer version is already installed, older installers fail with messages like:

        Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue.

      • This is by design. Keep the newest version installed and ensure any app installers can handle this error (for example, skip installing their bundled older redist).
    4. If VC++ 2015–2022 is missing or corrupted and apps fail to start
      • Install the latest supported Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (both x86 and x64) from the official download in the documentation: latest supported versions of the Visual C downloads.
      • There is no need to uninstall first if the current install is simply broken; running the latest vc_redist.x86.exe and vc_redist.x64.exe will repair/refresh the runtime.
    5. If none of the above works
      • Make sure Windows is fully updated; incomplete servicing can block MSI repairs.
      • Use the general Windows app repair guidance to attempt a repair/reset of the entry if it appears as an app.
      • If the Windows Installer cache is badly corrupted and manual removal of the old VC Redist still fails, consider using the Windows Installer troubleshooter and then retry the steps in section 2.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.