Download the Microsoft installer for the exact installed version 14.51.36247, use it to remove the broken x86 runtime, and then install the latest x86 Visual C++ Redistributable.
1. Remove version 14.51.36247 using its matching installer
The dialog indicates that Windows has lost the cached vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi. Do not download that individual MSI from an unofficial website.
- Cancel the MSI prompt.
- Open Microsoft’s Welcome to Dev Essentials downloads page, sign in or create a free account, and search for Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Locate x86 version 14.51.36247 and download its
VC_redist.x86.exe. - Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
- Select Uninstall.
- Restart Windows.
Microsoft documents this matching-old-installer method for situations where an older VC++ runtime cannot be removed because its cached installer is missing. Microsoft also warns that old redistributables should be downloaded only from Microsoft and must be Microsoft-signed.^1^
2. Install the current x86 runtime
After restarting:
- Download the latest official x86 installer:
https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x86.exe - Right-click
vc_redist.x86.exeand select Run as administrator. - Select Install, or Repair if that option appears.
- Restart Windows and launch the game again.
The x86 package is required here even on a 64-bit PC because the runtime architecture must match the game’s architecture. The latest v14 redistributable supports applications built with Visual Studio 2017 and later.^2^
Do not remove unrelated Visual C++ 2013, 2012, 2010, or other older entries: different games can require those side-by-side versions.
If the exact old installer is unavailable
Because normal uninstall has already failed, use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter rather than trying the same uninstall again:
- Download and open:
https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/E/9/7E9188C0-2511-4B01-8B4E-0A641EC2F600/MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab - Select Uninstalling.
- Select Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X86 Minimum Runtime – 14.51.36247.
- Allow the tool to remove or repair its damaged Windows Installer registration.
- Restart Windows.
- Install the latest x86 package from step 2 above.
The troubleshooter is intended to repair incomplete uninstall data and registry information that prevents programs from being removed or updated.^3^
Avoid manually deleting entries from the registry or C:\ProgramData\Package Cache; that can damage other installed runtimes.
References