Download Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable
Higinia Livoti
How to Download Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable
If you are a Windows user, you may have encountered some applications that require Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable to run. But what is it and how can you download and install it on your computer? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get it.
What is Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable?
Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is a package that installs the runtime components of Visual C++ libraries on your computer. These libraries are used by many applications that are built with Microsoft C and C++ tools, such as Visual Studio 2017. If your app uses these libraries, you need to have Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable installed on your system before you can run the app.
Why do you need it?
Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is essential for running some apps that are developed with Microsoft C and C++ tools. These apps may use features, functions, or data types that are defined in the Visual C++ libraries, such as the standard template library (STL), the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC), or the Active Template Library (ATL). Without Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable, these apps may not work properly or may not work at all.
How does it work?
Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable works by copying the necessary files to your computer and registering them in the system registry. These files include DLLs (dynamic link libraries) that contain the code and data for the Visual C++ libraries, as well as manifest files that specify the dependencies and versions of the DLLs. When you run an app that uses these libraries, the system will load the DLLs from the location where Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable installed them.
How to download and install Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable?
There are two main ways to download and install Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable on your computer: from the official Microsoft website or from other sources. We will explain both methods below.
Download from Microsoft website
The easiest and safest way to download and install Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is from the official Microsoft website. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to this page on the Microsoft Learn website.
- Scroll down to the table that lists the latest supported English (en-US) Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
- Choose the link that matches your system architecture: ARM64, x86, or x64. If you are not sure what architecture your system has, you can check it by following these instructions.
- Click on the link to download the installer file (vc_redist.xxx.exe) to your computer.
Choose the right architecture
It is important to choose the right architecture for your system when downloading Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. The architecture of the redistributable package must match the architecture of your app's target platform. For example, if you want to run a 32-bit app on a 64-bit system, you need to download and install the x86 version of Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. Similarly, if you want to run a 64-bit app on a 32-bit system, you need to download and install the x64 version of Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. However, if you want to run a 64-bit app on a 64-bit system, you can download and install either the x86 or the x64 version of Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable, as both will work.
Run the installer
Once you have downloaded the installer file, you can run it by double-clicking on it or right-clicking on it and choosing Run as administrator. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process. You may need to accept the license agreement and choose a destination folder for the files. The installation should not take more than a few minutes.
Download from other sources
If you cannot or do not want to download Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable from the official Microsoft website, you can also download it from other sources, such as third-party websites or software repositories. However, this method is not recommended, as it may pose some risks, such as malware infection, corrupted files, or outdated versions. If you decide to download Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable from other sources, you should take some precautions to ensure that you get a safe and reliable package.
Use an all-in-one package
One option is to use an all-in-one package that contains all the versions and architectures of Visual C++ Redistributable in one installer file. This can save you time and hassle, as you do not need to worry about choosing the right package for your system or app. However, this also means that you will install some unnecessary files that may take up disk space and affect your system performance. One example of an all-in-one package is Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes All-in-One, which is updated regularly and verified by VirusTotal.
Verify the integrity of the files
Another option is to download Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable from a reputable source that provides the original files from Microsoft. However, you should always verify the integrity of the files before installing them, as they may have been tampered with or damaged during the download process. You can do this by checking the file size and hash values of the files against the official values provided by Microsoft. You can find these values on this page under the Details section for each package. You can use tools such as HashTab or HashCheck to calculate and compare the hash values of your files.
How to troubleshoot Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable installation issues?
Sometimes, you may encounter some issues when installing or using Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable on your computer. These issues may include error messages, missing DLLs, app crashes, or compatibility problems. Here are some common solutions that may help you fix these issues:
Check for Windows updates
One of the first things you should do is to check for Windows updates and install them if available. Windows updates may contain important fixes and improvements for your system and apps, including Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. To check for Windows updates, follow these steps.
Repair or reinstall Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable
If Windows updates do not solve your issue, you may need to repair or reinstall Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable on your computer. This can help you fix any corrupted or missing files that may cause problems for your apps. To repair or reinstall Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable, follow these steps.
Contact Microsoft support
If none of the above solutions work for you, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. Microsoft support can help you diagnose and resolve your issue with Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. You can contact Microsoft support by phone, chat, email, or online forum. To find the best way to contact Microsoft support for your issue, visit this page.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is and how to download and install it on your computer. We have also provided some tips on how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise with Visual C++ Redistributable. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable:
- What is the difference between Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable and Visual Studio 2017?
- Do I need to install both x86 and x64 versions of Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable?
- How can I uninstall Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable?
- How can I update Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable?
- How can I check if Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable is installed on my computer?