If you are a Windows user—especially a gamer, developer, or someone who frequently installs applications from the Microsoft Store or open-source platforms like GitHub—you have likely encountered an error message mentioning Microsoft.vclibs.140.00. This cryptic-sounding file is not a virus, nor is it a standalone program you can “run.” Instead, it is a runtime dependency package crucial for many modern Windows applications.
In simple terms, Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 is part of Microsoft’s Visual C++ runtime libraries packaged as an AppX (application package) for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) and desktop-bridged applications. The “140” refers to Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (all share the same major version number 14.0). The .00 often indicates a baseline version.
Without this package, many apps will fail to launch, crash on start, or display errors like:
This article will explain everything you need to know: what the package does, why you need it, where to download it safely, how to install it correctly, and how to troubleshoot common errors.
To download and install the Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 package (also known as the C++ Runtime framework for the Universal Windows Platform), you can use the official Microsoft download center or PowerShell for manual installation. 1. Direct Download Links
Microsoft provides direct .appx package links for manual installation. Choose the link that matches your system architecture:
Intel/AMD 64-bit (x64): https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.x64.14.00.Desktop.appx
Intel/AMD 32-bit (x86): https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.x86.14.00.Desktop.appx
ARM 64-bit: https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.arm64.14.00.Desktop.appx
ARM 32-bit: https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.arm.14.00.Desktop.appx 2. Manual Installation via PowerShell
If the direct download does not automatically trigger an installer, use PowerShell to install the package: Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
Run the following command (replacing the URL with the one corresponding to your architecture from the list above):Add-AppxPackage -Path "https://aka.ms/Microsoft.VCLibs.x64.14.00.Desktop.appx"
To verify the installation, run:Get-AppxPackage -Name "Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop" 3. Official Download Center
You can also visit the Microsoft Download Center for the full Visual C++ UWP Desktop Runtime Package. This is often used when a standard app installer fails due to missing dependencies: Microsoft Visual C++ UWP Desktop Runtime Package 4. For Developers (Visual Studio)
If you are a developer, these packages are included with Visual Studio:
Location: %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft SDKs\Windows Kits\10\ExtensionSDKs\Microsoft.VCLibs.Desktop\14.0
Requirements: You must have the "Universal Windows Platform development" workload installed with the "C++ (v14x) Universal Windows Tools" component. C++ Runtime framework packages for Desktop Bridge
To ensure you get the correct and safe version of the Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 package (part of the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015–2022), follow the official download method below.
Critical Warning: Do NOT download this package from random “DLL download” websites. Many host malware disguised as runtime files. Always use official Microsoft sources.
Even with the correct Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 package download, you may encounter issues. Here’s how to resolve them.
This report details the function, importance, and installation procedures for the Microsoft.vclibs.140.00 package. This package is a core dependency for thousands of applications on the Windows operating system. It is formally known as the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
Understanding this package is critical for resolving application crashes, "DLL missing" errors, and ensuring software compatibility within the Windows environment.
Unlike classic Win32 DLLs, the .appx versions of vclibs do not auto-update via Windows Update unless they are part of the main operating system. To stay secure:
It is important to distinguish between two similar names:
| Package Name | Typical Use | Where to Get |
|--------------|--------------|----------------|
| Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 (UWP) | Microsoft Store apps, Xbox app, certain sandboxed applications | Microsoft Store or manually via Add-AppxPackage |
| VC_redist.x64.exe / VC_redist.x86.exe | Traditional Win32 desktop applications (games, .exe installers) | Microsoft’s official download center |
If a traditional .exe program fails – install the standard redistributable.
If a Microsoft Store app or UWP app fails – you need the .appx version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.
In your Visual Studio project, add a reference to the Microsoft.VCLibs framework. In the app manifest, declare the dependency. Then, when you build your bundle, the store will list it as a required dependency.
