VC2013Redistx86 (formally known as vcredist_x86.exe) is a 32-bit installer for the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package.
This package installs the necessary runtime components (DLLs) required to run applications or games developed using Visual Studio 2013 on computers where that software isn't already installed. Key Technical Details Version: 12.0 (Visual C++ 2013).
Architecture: x86 specifically targets 32-bit applications. On a 64-bit Windows system, you may need both the x86 and x64 versions because 64-bit software uses the x64 libraries, while 32-bit programs still require the x86 libraries. vc2013redistx86
Libraries Included: Standard C++, C Runtime (CRT), ATL, MFC, OpenMP, and C++ AMP.
Storage Location: On 32-bit Windows, DLLs are placed in C:\Windows\System32. On 64-bit Windows, they go into C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Why You See It on Your System Latest Supported Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads VC2013Redistx86 (formally known as vcredist_x86
The Visual C++ 2015-2022 redistributable (version 14.x) uses the Universal CRT, is still supported, and receives security updates. However, it is not binary compatible with VC++ 2013. Recompilation required.
It is crucial to note the current status of this package: Chapter 8: Common Questions (FAQ) 10
Risk Assessment: As of 2024, the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable is officially unsupported. While it will continue to function, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates or bug fixes.
The vc2013redist_x86 package is a critical system component distributed by Microsoft as part of the Visual Studio 2013 (MSVC 12.0) toolchain. It installs the runtime libraries necessary to execute applications developed with Visual C++ 2013 targeting the x86 architecture. Without these libraries, applications compiled with MSVC 2013 fail to launch, displaying missing DLL errors. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of its contents, dependency chain, installation mechanisms, registry modifications, security implications, and lifecycle management.
| OS | Supported | Notes | |----|-----------|-------| | Windows 7 SP1 | Yes | Requires KB2999226 (Universal CRT) for some updates | | Windows 8 | Yes | Limited support (better on 8.1) | | Windows 8.1 | Yes | Full support | | Windows 10 | Yes | Fully compatible | | Windows 11 | Yes | Fully compatible | | Windows Server 2012 R2+ | Yes | |
An app compiled with VC 2013 links via #pragma comment(lib, "msvcr120.lib"). The embedded manifest requests:
<assemblyIdentity type="win32" name="Microsoft.VC120.CRT"
version="12.0.21005.1" processorArchitecture="x86" />
msvcr120.dll, not msvcr140.dll (VS 2015).