Cannot update any Microsoft Visual C++

Hi Michael,

When the installer keeps asking for files from a previous installation, the old Visual C++ entries are still registered with Windows Installer, but their original setup files are gone. Updating or uninstalling them then fails, even after a reset, because many PC reset images reinstall the same packages.

1. Remove the broken entries

Download and run Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

Choose Uninstalling, select each Microsoft Visual C++ … Redistributable entry that won't update, and let the tool remove it. Restart afterwards.

2. Install the current redistributable

From Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads, install both the X64 and the X86 versions. One package covers all apps built with Visual Studio 2015 and later.

If an app still asks for an older version (2005–2013), install that one from the same page.

If it still fails, please post the exact error message and which Visual C++ version it mentions.

If this fixes it, please mark it as accepted so others with the same problem can find it.