How to Fix "Microsoft.VisualCpp.Redist.14" Visual Studio 2022 Error

---

How to Fix "Microsoft.VisualCpp.Redist.14" Visual Studio 2022 Error

When Visual Studio 2022 reports errors like "Couldn't install Microsoft.VisualCpp.Redist.14," it can be an exhausting troubleshooting journey for IT professionals and software editors. This blog summarises an iterative approach tested against this persistent installer failure, particularly where WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) and corrupted Visual C++ Redistributables are involved.

When the pressure's on to complete and then Visual Studio 2022 stops installing or updating due to a "microsoft.visualCpp.Redist.14" error, you have hit a one of the most troubleshooting bug you may ever come in contact with.  You are likely facing issues with the runtime's installation, permissions, or conflicts with WSL. Here’s a detailed log of the successful multi-step resolution which worked after many attempts:stackoverflow+3

Step 1: Clean Up Corrupted Installations

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.

• Run these commands to fully delete any tangled Visual Studio files:

powershell
Remove-Item -Path "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022" -Recurse -Force
Remove-Item -Path "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\VisualStudio\Packages\*" -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

This ensures no remnants of failed redistributable or package installations interfere with new installs.learn.microsoft+1​

Step 2: Manually Install Visual C++ Redistributables

• Visit Microsoft’s official downloads page for redistributables.learn.microsoft​

• Download both:

  • vc_redist.x64.exe

  • vc_redist.x86.exe

• Right-click each installer and select "Run as Administrator."

• Choose "Repair" if prompted or install afresh.

This bypasses installer permission issues, registers missing files, and lets Visual Studio recognise the required runtime.learn.microsoft+3​

Step 3: Restart and Reinstall Visual Studio

• Restart your PC to unlock files and reset system paths.

• Run Visual Studio Installer as Administrator.

• Proceed with installation or modification of workloads.

This step ensures fresh registration of dependencies and often resolves installer errors referencing C++ Redistributable failures.

---

Handling WSL Conflicts

If you have WSL/Ubuntu installed, evidence from error logs and community reports shows it can trigger Redistributable installation errors and .NET debugging issues in Visual Studio.github+1​

WSL Workaround Options:

• A. Temporarily Disable WSL During Visual Studio Install

  • In PowerShell (Administrator):

    powershell
    wsl --shutdown
    dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart
    # Restart PC, install Visual Studio, then re-enable:
    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart
    

• B. Install Without WSL Debugging Component

  • In Visual Studio Installer:

    • Navigate to the "Individual components" tab.

    • Uncheck ".NET Debugging with WSL."

    • Complete the install, and add WSL debugging later if needed.

---

Alternative Solutions If All Else Fails

• Try Visual Studio 2025 Insider Preview for improved installer stability.

• Use Visual Studio Code with the .NET SDK for lightweight development.learn.microsoft​

• Use Microsoft’s official Visual Studio Uninstaller Tool if manual cleanup fails.learn.microsoft​

• Report your issue using the "Provide Feedback" option in the installer to help Microsoft update its troubleshooting resources.stackoverflow+1​

---

Key Takeaway

The root cause is almost always a corrupted or inaccessible Visual C++ Redistributable installation. Manually installing redistributables independently from the Visual Studio Installer works around permission and accessibility issues, allowing a successful IDE setup. Identifying and handling WSL conflicts is critical if you develop in mixed environments.github+2​