How to Fix Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error? Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to IPC GAMES! Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error often appears as a message out of nowhere when one is performing any work or playing an application or game; this may becomennoyance, but thankfully, it can be resolved to some extent. If you have ever faced such an encounter, the standard message you see is:

“This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.”

The cause of this error is most likely to be your C++ runtime library, a collection of files that executes core functions for several other files and often becomes the source of errors on its own. This error can appear like a major problem but don’t worry. There are a number of ways you can rectify the problem. In this article, we provide easy-to-follow instructions on what to do to fix the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error.

Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error

Note: We write this post only to help people who download games from IPC Games, And this is also for those users who are troubled by similar problems. how to fix Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error.

What is the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error?

The Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error is common when a certain program or a game requests the C++ runtime library files for some reason, and some error occurs. The C++ runtime library is needed for the performance of many applications as it is a bundle of functions that are needed by different software built with a C++ compiler.

What is the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error?

While handling this error, the likely causes are believed to include some corrupt installed files, some necessary C++ libraries that are either missing or expired, and some flaws embedded in the application. Windows 32 and 64-bit versions are affected by this error, and the error codes can be reported with different applications such as Microsoft Office, video games and other software programs installed by the user.

Common Causes of the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error

Before we go into the remedies, let’s take a glance at a few of the possible sources of Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error: Before we go into the remedies, let’s take a glance at a few of the possible sources of Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error:

  • Corrupt or Put Missing C++ Redistributables: You may encounter this type of runtime library error where the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables are either corrupted, missing or outdated, and those are the factors that can lead to such an error.
  • Damaged Application: Sometimes the application or game you are using is– there are situations when the application or game you are using is improperly installed or is not up to date, causing runtime library conflicts.
  • Old Drivers: If there are drivers, particularly graphics or system drivers, which are outdated, such drivers could be the cause of the conflicts against the C++ libraries, thus instigating runtime errors.
  • Malware or Virus: Sometimes, malicious software applications disable some system files or libraries; thus, interference with systems can cause runtime errors.
  • System malfunction: Sometimes, Windows registry errors can also be the root cause of runtime library misbehavior, such as failure to call the given function for access to the run time library.

The causes of the issues have been established; now, we turn our focus to the practical steps to resolve the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error. You can also What is Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Starting from the basic procedures, the first action to be taken in recovering from an error is to perform a computer restart. Yes, this might sound too basic, but at times, doing a restart is sufficient to resolve minor problems and remove any such temporary hiccups that may be the reason behind the occurrence of the stated error.

  1. Ensure your work is done and all the applications are shut.
  2. Select the Start Menu and select the Restart button.
  1. After this, check if the error is still present after the computer has finished restarting.
Restart Your Computer

If the problem is not resolved still, moving forward to the next issues would be appropriate.

Step 2: Update Windows and Drivers

Keeping your Windows OS and drivers on your device always updated is important so that you do not encounter mistakes such as the Microsoft C++ Runtime library error. Outdated drivers may sometimes conflict with the runtime library files.

How to Update Windows:

  1. To access the Settings, click on the Start button, then select the Settings menu, which is represented by a gear.
  2. Proceed to go to the Update & Security section.
  3. After this, select Windows Update and press Check for Updates.
  4. Should updates be accessible, download them and restart your PC.
Update Windows and Drivers

How to Update Device Drivers:

  1. Go to the Start menu, then right-click it and choose Device Manager.
  2. Look through the sections to locate the devices that you are going to update (e.g., Display Adapters, Sound, Video and Game Controllers).
  3. Click on the device with the right mouse button and choose the Update Driver Software option.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and closely follow the prompts on the screen.
How to Update Device Drivers

When you finish installing Windows and drivers, see if the error: Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error is gone.

Step 3: Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

As stated before, one of the reasons for this error to occur is the unavailability or corruption of Visual C++ Redistributables. Fortunately, you can easily repair or reinstall them.

How to Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables:

  1. Go to the Control Panel (search for Control Panel and click on it).
  2. Go to Programs, then to Programs and Features.
  3. In the list, go to the bottom and locate the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable versions. Depending on the programs you have installed, you could have a number of these versions.
  4. Select any Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable and right-click on it. Select Change.
  5. In the soon-to-appear window, click on Repair.
  6. If repairing it doesn’t help, then you will need to remove the redistributable and then obtain and install the most recent version from Microsoft’s website.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

After performing the Repair or reinstall procedure, restart the computer and see if the error remains present.

Step 4: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

At times, due to system file corruption in a device, errors can arise, like the Microsoft C++ runtime library error. If such circumstances arise, one can run the built-in system file checker (SFC) to repair the damaged system files.

Steps to run SFC

  1. To run the SFC scan, open the Start Menu and then type cmd. Then, right-click and select Command Prompt.
  2. After this, a new window will appear requesting permission to run the program.
  3. In the Command Prompt, type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
  4. The system will check and scan for and try to fix any files that may be corrupt. The user should understand this may take quite a while.
  5. When the scan is done, you will have to reboot the computer.
Run the System File Checker (SFC)

To check whether the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error is fixed or not, please check it after running SFC.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Boot

Many third-party applications or startup apps may interfere with the C++ runtime library and its functionality. If you suspect so, you can perform a clean boot to determine whether or not such apps are contributing to the error.

Steps on How to Perform a Clean Boot:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys.
  2. Enter msconfig in the search box and click enter.
  3. On the system configuration window, open the services tab.
  4. At the bottom of the window, there is an option that says Hide all Microsoft Services. Click on that and select Disable all options.
  5. Then, go to the Startup tab and press Open Task Manager.
  6. Over there, turn every startup item off.
  7. Then press the X on the task manager and select OK on the System configuration window.
  8. Then restart the machine.
Perform a Clean Boot

After that, when your system starts up, check if the issue still exists. Suppose it does not start enabling services and startup items one by one to see which of them was the cause of the problem.

Step 6: Check for Malware

Runtime library error messages can be a result of malware or viruses that disrupt the normal operation of system files. It is advisable to carry out a complete scan of the entire system using an antivirus program.

One can use Windows Defender, which is a part of the operating system, if he does not have an antivirus program. Alternatively, an individual is free to install any other antivirus software which they find appropriate.

What steps to take to conduct a malware scan with the Windows Defender:

  1. Click the Start Menu and enter the phrase Windows Security in the search box.
  2. When the same phrase appears in the results, click it.
  3. In the next window, switch to the tab labeled Virus & Threat Protection.
  4. Choose either the Quick Scan or Full Scan options; the last option will take longer but will be more effective.
  5. Perform any necessary procedures as suggested: any threats may be quarantined or removed.
Check for Malware

Finally, after the scan has been performed, the computer has to be restarted to assess whether the problem persists or not.

Step 7: Reinstall the Application

In the event you get the Microsoft C Runtime Library Error with a specific program only, then there is a strong likelihood that this particular program is what is making things go wrong. If that is the case, reinstalling the said application could rectify the concern.

How to Reinstall the Application:

  1. Access Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Locate the application that is having undue trouble with the list of installed files, right-click it, and select the Uninstall option.
  3. Once uninstallation is complete, reboot the PC.
  4. Now, head to the official web page of the application, download the newest version of it, and install it.

After reinstalling the program, check whether the error occurs the next time you use the application.

Step 8: Restore Your System

If none of the options listed above work, please perform a system restore to a point prior to when the error started occurring. The System restore feature helps you revert settings and files of the Computer to a previous point, thus undoing the changes and recent activity that may have caused the issue.

How to demonstrate the System Restore feature:

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui and hit the Enter key.
  2. Select the system restore point according to the instructions provided and perform the system restore.

After the process of restoration finishes, see whether the problem has been rectified.

Conclusion

“We would like to inform you that The Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error usually annoys the user, but if proper steps are taken, it can easily be resolved. Start with updating the drivers and Windows; after that, try to repair or reinstall the C++ Redistributables. Also, running SFC and operative tools such as Clean Boot can help isolate the issue. As a last resort, if all the other solutions have failed, system restoration will be the most viable option.

Thus, you should eliminate the Microsoft C++ Runtime Library Error using this guide and resume working with the applications in an unsurpassed manner. However, should the problem remain, the user may consider contacting Microsoft or a professional.”

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The Author

IPC Games

I am a dedicated gamer and free games provider with over a decade of experience. I curate and share various free games, host online events, and collaborate with developers to bring the best gaming experiences to my community.