When trying to Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64), It says the file cannot be found

Question

Recently I have downloaded a game from steam and when I try to play it it says I am missing Microsoft Visual C++. When I download it it says there is an error and there is already an installation in progress. Then I go to delete the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) so that I could maybe redownload it, however I get an error message saying that the file is not found. I have tried many things like trying to download the (x86) version, many different trouble shooters, downloading previous versions, and trying to go through the Visual studio Setup app, but nothing seems to have done anything. I just recently got this computer (around 2 weeks ago, prebuild from IBuyPower) Is it possible the manufacturer had set something up wrong? Also is there any way to fix this issue other than like factory resetting the computer? any suggestions help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello Asher, here's a few things you can try to resolve your issue.

Method 1: Check the status of Windows Installer Services

a)    Press Windows key + R and type services.msc in the search field and press ENTER.

b)    Scroll down and find the Windows Installer.  Double-click “Windows Installer” in the Services list.

c)   Ensure that the Windows Installer service is running.

d)    Right-click Windows Installer, and then click Start. If Start is unavailable and the Stop and Restart options are available, this tells you that the service is already started.

Method 2: Check for antivirus software that might be blocking you from making changes
If you have any third party security software installed on your computer I would suggest you to disable security software temporarily and perform a clean boot and check if it helps.

Method 3: use a third party software like Revo Uninstaller to remove software
You can try using a third party application to uninstall this package; Download and install Revo Uninstaller:https://www.revouninstaller.com/products/revo-u... Open the application and click on Uninstaller; Select Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x86) from the list, right click and select Uninstall;

Answer 2

Hi @Asher Yost , 

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A! 

Have you tried to use the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter tool to uninstall the Visual C++ Redistributable item? 

If it doesn’t work, please manually remove the registry entry and files associated with the Redistributable. (Before modification, please backup the registry.) 

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall 

Sincerely,

Anna

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