Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library Error
What is this error?
A Visual C++ runtime error dialog appears, usually stating 'Runtime Error! Program: [game path]'. Indicates the game's C++ code hit an unrecoverable error.
Common causes
- corrupted game installation
- Visual C++ runtime corruption
- incompatible mods or overlays
- outdated Visual C++ Redistributable
- buffer overflow or memory corruption in game
How to fix it
- Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
- verify game files
- remove mods
- run as administrator
Too many steps? Crashless can diagnose this automatically — checks your drivers, temps, VRAM, and 400+ known error patterns.
Get free AI diagnosis Detailed analysis
"Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library — Runtime Error!" is a crash dialog that appears when a game's C++ code encounters a fatal error. The dialog usually shows the game's executable path and a vague error message.
Common in games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, The Sims 4, and older titles.
How to fix it:
- Uninstall and reinstall all Visual C++ Redistributables — remove every version from Apps & Features, restart, then install 2005 through 2022 (both x86 and x64) from Microsoft
- Verify game files through Steam/Epic/your launcher
- Remove all mods — this error is extremely common with modded Bethesda games (Skyrim, Fallout)
- Run the game as Administrator
- Delete the game's config/INI files to reset settings to defaults (they regenerate on next launch)
- Disable overlay software — Discord overlay, Steam overlay, GeForce Experience overlay
- Make sure your Windows is fully updated
- If the error mentions a specific module, search for that module name + the game name for targeted solutions
When to seek help
If this error keeps happening after trying the fixes above, it may point to a deeper hardware or system issue. Consider professional help if:
- The crash occurs across multiple games or applications
- You see the same error after a clean Windows install
- Your PC is less than a year old (could be a warranty issue)
- You smell burning or hear unusual sounds from your PC
Or let Crashless do the deep analysis for you -- our AI checks drivers, temps, event logs, and 400+ known patterns automatically.
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