Update the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package
The first fix you should attempt when dealing with a runtime error, is to ensure you have the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. You can install the latest version of the package manually by first uninstalling the current version on your computer, then downloading the latest update from Microsoft’s website.
In the Start menu search bar, type “Control Panel. " Open Control Panel from the search results and look for an option called Programs and Features. In the Programs and Features window, select the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages and click Uninstall. You will have to do this for each package. In the uninstallation wizard window, click on Uninstall. After you’ve uninstalled all the packages, open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page. Here, click on the links, under the Link section. It’s recommended you download both the x86 and x64 versions of the package. Once the download completes, open the downloaded file, then click on Install. You will need to accept the license agreement and hold the proper administrative privileges to install the program. Reboot your computer.
This method will fix the runtime error if it was caused by an outdated version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Run the affected program to confirm this. If the error persists, move on to the solutions listed below.
Troubleshoot the Runtime Error Using Clean Boot
Sometimes, third-party programs or services can conflict with each other, resulting in a Runtime Error. To rule this out, you can Clean Boot your computer with all other third-party services disabled, except the one affected by the runtime error. While it may sound similar to Safe Mode, there are quite a few differences between Clean Boot and Windows Safe Mode.
To Clean Boot your computer, do the following:
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run application. Type msconfig in the text box, then press Enter. In the System Configuration windows, click on the Services tab. Check the Hide all Microsoft Services box. Click on Disable all. Now, in the Services list, look for the affected application and enable it. If your application is not mentioned in the list, simply move on to the next step. Click Apply and close the System Configuration window. Open Task Manager using the CTRL + Shift + ESC shortcut. Click on the Startup tab, Disable each Service by selecting it, then click Disable. You will have to do this one by one. Close the Task Manager, then reboot your computer. Launch the affected application.
If the application executes successfully, then it’s likely that the runtime error is being caused by some other third-party program on your computer. To find out which program, enable each program one by one in the System Configuration window, and see which one results in the error.
Update Windows to the Latest Version
Microsoft is regularly pushing out updates for Windows 11. Most of them are fairly useful, and they do provide much-needed fixes for bugs and other errors. Therefore, it may be worth your while to update your Windows 11 OS to the latest version.
Relate: How to Find Out Every Last Thing About Windows Update
While Windows does this automatically, updates could be paused due to a metered internet connection or other settings. To update Windows manually, follow these steps:
Right-click the Start button, then click on Settings. Using the navigation bar in the left, click on Windows Update. Now, click on the Check for updates box. If Windows finds any updates, click the Download and install button. Windows will automatically download and install the latest updates.
Many a time, Windows updates also come with the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Thus, it’s always a good idea to keep Windows updated to keep your C++ redistributable at current standards.
Update the Display Drivers
Many a time, outdated display drivers cause an array of errors in Windows. One of these errors is the runtime error. Updated drivers prevent such errors while fixing previous ones. Thus, finding and replacing outdated Windows drivers is a skill in itself.
Usually, Windows automatically updates Windows drivers, but you may have to manually update your display drivers if you use a dedicated graphics card. You can do the same, using Device Manager:
Press Win + R to launch the Run command. Type devmgmt. msc in the text box, and hit Enter. In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters option. Right-click on the display driver, then select Update driver. On the next screen, click on Search automatically for drivers. Wait for Windows to download and install the latest driver. Reboot your computer.
Hopefully, updating the display driver will fix the runtime error. In some cases, you may have to visit your GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver from there.
Use System Restore to Roll Back to a Previous State
As a last resort, you can use System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier state when you did not get the runtime error.
Be sure to back up any data you have created since then, before proceeding further.
Click on the Start menu, and type System Restore in the search bar. From the search results, click on the Create a restore point option. In the next window, click on the System Restore option. Select Choose a different restore point, and click on Next. Choose a Restore Point on the next screen. Click Next. After that, click Finish.
Windows will reboot your computer into an earlier state by using the Restore Point. This process can take some time.
Runtime Error Fixed
Using the methods listed above, the Windows Runtime Error you’re facing should be resolved. It’s important that you follow the steps carefully because they involve tampering around with your operating system.
Additionally, many users also report facing slow startup times in Windows 11. Fortunately, that too can be fixed easily.
