The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64) is a collection of runtime components necessary to execute 64-bit applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1 on computers without the full software installed. The "Updated" versions primarily include critical security fixes for vulnerabilities in Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) libraries that could allow attackers to compromise a system. Key Features and Purpose
Runtime Libraries: Installs essential components like the C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, MFC, C++ AMP, and OpenMP.
Application Compatibility: Many older applications and games rely on these specific 2008-era libraries to function.
Security Patches: Recent updates (such as KB2538243) address DLL planting vulnerabilities and other security risks identified in the MFC library. System Requirements Requirement Operating Systems Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003, and Server 2008 Architecture 64-bit (x64) Storage Approximately 5.0 MB for the installer file Prerequisites Windows Installer 3.1 or later is required for installation Installation and Maintenance
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Redistributable Package (x64) is a legacy runtime library required to run 64-bit applications built with Visual C++ 2008 SP1. While the base product reached the end of extended support on April 10, 2018, critical security updates remain the standard for current installations. Latest Version & Downloads
The most current version for x64 systems is 9.0.30729.6161, which includes the MFC Security Update (KB2538243).
Official Installer: Download the vcredist_x64.exe directly from the Microsoft Download Center.
Alternative Security Update: If your specific application requires the ATL Security Update, it is available under a separate download page.
Command Line Installation: You can also use the Windows Package Manager for a quick install:winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x64. Key Updates Included
KB2538243 (MFC Security Update): Addresses a vulnerability where applications built with the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library could be compromised via DLL planting.
KB973552 (ATL Security Update): Resolves security issues that could allow an attacker to gain control of a Windows-based system. Compatibility & Requirements
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64) installs runtime components required to run 64-bit applications developed with Visual C++ 2008 SP1. While this software reached its official end of support on April 10, 2018, Microsoft has released subsequent security updates to address critical vulnerabilities. Latest Updated Versions
The most current "updated" versions of this legacy package are typically security updates released to patch vulnerabilities like those in the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) or Active Template Library (ATL):
MFC Security Update (v9.0.30729.6161): This is considered the final build and is available at the Microsoft Download Center. The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package
ATL Security Update: Released to fix issues that could allow an attacker to compromise a system.
Winget Installation: You can install the x64 version via command line using: winget install -e --id Microsoft.VCRedist.2008.x64. Compatibility and Usage
Purpose: It is essential for older software that depends on msvcr90.dll, msvcp90.dll, and msvcm90.dll.
Operating Systems: Although officially listed for older OS like Windows 7 and Vista, the final build is reported to be compatible with Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2012 R2.
Modern Alternatives: For applications developed with newer versions of Visual Studio (2015–2022), you should use the latest supported Visual C++ redistributable, which is frequently updated and actively supported. Troubleshooting
If you encounter errors during installation, such as "missing MSI" or corruption, it is recommended to:
Uninstall existing 2008 redistributables using the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter.
Run sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth in an administrator command prompt. Reinstall the latest MFC Security Update manually.
Here’s a short, helpful story about that specific software component—Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64)—and why it matters.
Title: The Missing Bridge
Lena was a data analyst who loved old-but-gold engineering software. One day, she upgraded to a new Windows 11 laptop. Everything was fast—until she tried to run a legacy simulation tool called ThermoCalc 2009. The error popped up instantly:
"The program can't start because msvcr90.dll is missing."
She frowned. “What’s msvcr90?”
She searched online, and the answer led her to a Microsoft page: Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64).
But why did she need it? Her laptop was new. Her OS was modern.
Here’s the helpful part Lena discovered:
The Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable is a set of runtime files that allows programs built with Visual C++ 2008 (often from 2008–2012) to run on a computer that doesn’t have Visual Studio installed.
msvcr90.dll stands for “Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, version 9.0” (2008’s internal version).
Without it, any 64-bit program compiled with that older toolkit will fail immediately, no matter how powerful your modern PC is.
Lena found two versions on Microsoft’s site: x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit). Her simulation tool was 64-bit, so she needed the x64 one.
She downloaded vcredist_x64.exe with this exact filename:
vcredist_x64.exe — version 9.0.30729.6161 (the SP1 updated one, which includes security and stability fixes from 2011).
She ran the installer. It finished in 10 seconds. No reboot needed.
Then she launched ThermoCalc 2009 again.
It worked perfectly.
Lena smiled. “So it’s like a translation bridge between old code and new Windows.”
Exactly. And because she installed the updated SP1 version (not the original 2008 release), she also avoided a known C++ exception handling bug that could crash software randomly. Title: The Missing Bridge Lena was a data
From that day on, Lena kept a folder called Redist_Backup with VC++ 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012–2022 runtimes. “Never know when an old engineering gem needs a bridge,” she’d say.
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package x64 updated is far more than a dusty old installer. It is a bridge between classic Windows software and modern operating systems. Without its 64-bit runtime DLLs, thousands of applications—from beloved RPGs to critical accounting tools—would crumble into “missing DLL” errors.
By understanding what it is, why the “updated” version matters, and how to install it safely, you ensure your system remains both compatible and secure. Remember these key takeaways:
The next time you fire up Fallout: New Vegas or launch a legacy engineering simulation, spare a thought for the humble VC++ redistributable – the silent enabler behind your software’s second life.
If you are a PC gamer, a software developer, or an IT professional managing legacy Windows systems, you have likely encountered a cryptic error message: “The program can’t start because msvcr90.dll is missing” or “Runtime Error: R6034.” The solution to these issues often points to a single, crucial software component: The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64).
But in the sprawling ecosystem of Windows runtimes, not all versions are created equal. The keyword “updated” attached to this package is not just marketing fluff—it is a technical necessity. This article provides a deep dive into what this package is, why the 64-bit (x64) version specifically matters, how to identify a genuinely updated copy, and where to find it safely.
Generally, no. Removing this package may break older but critical applications. Only uninstall if:
To understand the Redistributable, you must first understand the compiler. Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 (version 9.0) is a development environment used by programmers to write applications in C++. When a developer finishes coding, they compile the code into an executable (.exe) file.
However, most C++ applications do not run entirely on their own. They rely on a set of shared libraries known as the C++ Runtime Library (e.g., msvcr90.dll, msvcp90.dll). Instead of forcing every developer to bundle these large files with every single app (which would waste disk space and memory), Microsoft created the “Redistributable Package.” This package installs the runtime libraries once, centrally, on your operating system. Any application that needs them can then call upon those shared files.
SP1 (Service Pack 1) was a critical update to the original 2008 release. It fixed dozens of security vulnerabilities, resolved memory leak issues, and added support for newer Windows features at the time (Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2).
The x64 variant is specifically designed for 64-bit processors. While a 32-bit (x86) app can run on a 64-bit OS, a 64-bit app cannot run without the correct 64-bit runtime files. Many high-performance games, CAD software, and server-side tools compiled in 2008-2012 specifically target x64.
Even with the updated package, problems can occur. Here is your diagnostic cheat sheet:
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Fix |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” | Corrupt WinSxS manifest or mixed x86/x64 dependencies. | Run sfc /scannow, then reinstall the x64 package. |
| “The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0150002)” | Missing the SP1 version of the runtime. | You installed the original 2008 RTM. Uninstall and install the updated SP1 version. |
| “msvcr90.dll not found” even after install | A 64-bit app is looking in the wrong path (SysWOW64 is for 32-bit). | Ensure the x64 package installed to System32, not just SysWOW64. |
| Installer hangs at “Processing: Windows7_KB…” | The installer is checking for an obsolete Windows Update. | Use the /quiet switch from command line to bypass UI hang. | The Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable is a
WARNING: Do not download from random DLL websites. They often bundle malware, outdated versions, or corrupted files.
The only safe source is Microsoft’s official Download Center or Microsoft Update Catalog. However, Microsoft has hidden legacy redistributables behind search queries.