How to fix Runtime errors in Windows 10

What is Runtime errors

Runtime error is a common windows issue that has been pestering most of the users. When trying to launch a program, the issue is accompanied by a “Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library” window with a message like “This application has requested Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way” that restricts users from further engagement. It is usually caused by Visual C++ malfunction that can be arisen due to many reasons. Since Visual C++ is an indispensable part of graphics, the problem may be intimately correlated with video card drivers. Therefore, the error typically appears whilst the system fails to establish correctly with video card drivers or because Visual C++ is corrupted and has to be restored. Malware intervention, corrupted files, or outdated software can also lead to Runtime errors. However, you do not have to spend your time searching for solutions because we have gathered them right in the article below.

Runtime error (sample 1)

Runtime error (sample 2)

Runtime error (sample 3)

1. Reinstall Visual C++

In case the problem is related to Visual C++ malfunction, there is a chance that some files are corrupted or missing and have to be refreshed to fix the problem. You can either reinstall it by downloading the newest Redistributable packages from the official website or repair it manually. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl and then press Enter.
2. Select the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable programs in the list and click Change in the upper bar.
3. Once the setup window is opened select the Repair button.
4. After finished, reboot your PC and see if Runtime error withered away.

2. Update/Delete Display Drivers

Outdated drivers may also be one of the reasons causing Runtime errors. This is why updating to the newest can potentially resolve the issue. And here is how:

1. Right-click on the Start menu button and select Device manager.
2. In the opened tab find Display Adapters and expand a drop-down menu.
3. Locate your display adapter (sometimes both), and click Update Driver.
4. Windows will start searching for available updates and automatically install them on your computer.

You can also delete the entire adapter so that Windows could restore it automatically after rebooting.

1. Do the first 2 steps mentioned above. Locate your display adapter and click Uninstall.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and, once finished, restart your PC.

You can also use the IOBit Driver Booster utility that is able to scan your device for the lacking drivers and immediately replace them with the newest.

Driver Booster start screen

Driver Booster scan results

Driver Booster tools section

3. Run a Clean Bootup

Often times third-parties applications that were downloaded from the web can conflict with your system, therefore, causing the “Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library” error. Clean bootup allows starting your PC only with in-built apps and services to find out whether some secondary app prompts the issue. Follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows key + R combination and paste msconfig.
2. Then in the opened window go to the Services tab located on top.
3. Check the box next to Hide All Microsoft Services and click on the Disable all button.
4. Now choose the General tab and select the Selective startup option. Make sure that the box is checked only next to the Load System Services.
5. Click Apply and OK. Then reboot your PC.

Check now if you see the error. If everything works properly now, you should run the same procedure by disabling the applications one by one in order to see which one was causing the problem.

4. Reinstall the problematic application.

If you are struggling to open a specific application (be it a game or other program), then you should consider deleting it from Programs and Features panel and running the installation once again. Hopefully, this will rectify the issue.

5. Disable the Compatibility Mode

Initially, Compatibility Mode was developed to allow obsolete applications to run on the newest version of PCs. Although, sometimes this feature can interfere with Visual C++ hence cause the popping up issue. This is how you can switch it off:

1. Find the application that caused the error, then right-click on the shortcut and choose Properties.
2. Move to the Compatibility tab and disable the Run this program in compatibility mode for option.
3. Click Apply and OK below.
4. After doing so, try to launch the broken application once again.

6. Running the DISM scan

This method is effective if there is a problem with inner system files that were corrupted or missed due to some updates or inadvertent manipulations. It does not require downloading any additional software, all you need is already built in your WindowsOS.

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching tab next to the Start Menu button.
2. Then type the dism /online /cleanup-image /restore health command and press Enter to run the process.
3. Wait some time till the scan completes and restart your computer. Hopefully, the error will no longer persist.

If none of the previous steps helped you get to the logical conclusion of this annoying error, then there is a slight chance that your computer is infected with Unwanted Applications or Malware that caused the Runtime errors. This means that you should scan your device for malware and uninstall it afterward. We personally recommend using Malwarebytes that has been stellar at detecting different kinds of malware and uninstalling them instantly. It also offers a free trial for one-time elimination so that you do not need to opt for the paid version.