The Sims 4 VC++ Runtime Redistributable error on Windows 10 [GAMER'S GUIDE]

by Madalina Dinita

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies... read more

  • Some users complained that when playing The Sims 4 they experience the VC++ Runtime Redistributable error.
  • In order to solve this problem, you should find and disable certain antivirus features.
  • Missing updates can cause this error, therefore it's important to keep your PC up to date.
  • Also, make sure you have the necessary Redistributablespackages installed.

The Sims 4 is a fun game to play, allowing players to practice their social skills and build strong connections with the other Sims. However, the game is sometimes affected by various technical issues, ranging from minor issues to game-breaking bugs.

In this article, we're going to focus on a particular error message and how to fix it. The VC++ Runtime Redistributable error is quite a common one, but the good news is that there are some quick workarounds that you can use to fix it.

But first, here's how one player describes the V ++ error:

I am having major issues with the installation of my Sims 4 game.
It has no problem downloading, but as soon as it's ready to install I get an error message saying "error the vc++ runtime redistributable package was not installed successfully 1612."
I have tried looking on forums already from various sights with no success. I have tried chatting with EA customer service agents, but none of them know what the hell they're doing.

How can I fix VC++ Runtime Redistributable error in The Sims 4?

The Sims 4 is a great game, but many users reported that they can't run it due to VC++ Runtime Redistributable error. Speaking of this error, here are some similar issues that users reported:

  • Sims 4 VC++ error 5100 – This is a common error that can prevent you from running The Sims 4. However, you can fix it by installing the necessary Visual C++ components.
  • Sims 4 error 1638 – If you encounter this error, be sure to try disabling your antivirus and check if that solves the problem.
  • The Sims 4 won't open, load – Sometimes this error will prevent The Sims 4 from starting. However, you should be able to fix these kind of issues by using one of our solutions. We've written extensively about this already, so you can check out this in-depth guide for further assistance.

1. Disable your antivirus

Many users reported that they can't run or install The Sims 4 due to VC++ Runtime Redistributable error. This can be caused by your antivirus, and in order to fix the problem, it's advised to find and disable certain antivirus features and check if that helps.

If the issue is still there, you might have to completely disable your antivirus. As a last resort, you might even have to uninstall your antivirus.

Users reported that both McAfee and Norton caused this issue, but other antivirus applications can also cause this problem.

For the Norton users, we've got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC. There's a similar guide for McAffe users, as well.

If you're using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, be sure to check out this amazing list with the best uninstaller software you can use right now.

If uninstalling the antivirus solves the problem, your next step would be to consider switching to a different antivirus.

There are many great antivirus applications on the market. Most of the best antivirus software come with free trial versions, so you can try out a few if you are undecided.

2. Install the missing updates

Sometimes you might encounter VC++ Runtime Redistributable error while trying to run The Sims 4 if your PC is out of date. Missing updates can cause this and many other errors to appear, therefore it's important that you keep your PC up to date.

Windows 10 downloads the missing updates automatically for the most part, but due to certain issues you might skip an update or two. However, you can always check for updates manually. To do that, just follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now navigate to Update & Security section.
    Sims 4 error 1638
  3. Click Check for updates button in the right pane.
    Sims 4 error 1638

If any updates are available, Windows 10 will download them in the background and install them once you restart your PC. After updating your operating system, check if the problem is still there.

If you're having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

3. Make sure you have the necessary packages installed

If you can't run The Sims 4 due to VC++ Runtime Redistributable error, it means that Visual C++ Redistributables are missing. However, you can fix that issue simply by installing them.

There are several ways to do that, but the best one is to download them directly from Microsoft's website. Here's a list of the most common Redistributables that games tend to use:

  • Download the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2010
  • Download the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2012
  • Download the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013
  • Download the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015

Keep in mind that you need to install a version of Redistributables that matches your system architecture. After installing the necessary packages, the issue should be resolved.

If you don't want to download the required packages, you can also go to The Sims 4 installation directory. Navigate to _Installer vc directory and you should see several vc folders. Navigate to each folder and run the setup file from each directory.

Some users are recommending uninstalling all Visual C++ packages from your PC and then letting Origin install the packages that it needs. Players confirm that you need to install both the 2010 and 2012 versions for the Sims 4 to run smoothly, so be sure to install them.

4. Reinstall Origin

Sometimes VC++ Runtime Redistributable error can appear while trying to run The Sims 4 if your Origin installation is corrupted. To fix the problem, some users are suggesting uninstalling Origin from your PC.

Before you uninstall it, you might want to back up all your games, except The Sims 4, so you don't have to download them again.

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There are several ways to remove an application, but if you want to completely uninstall it, it's advised to use uninstaller software.

This is a special application that can remove any software from your PC along with all of its files and registry entries.

We recommend you look into the best uninstaller software options because they can be of great use and contribute to keeping your PC clean and optimized.

Now download The Sims 4 again and check if the problem is still there.

5. Remove problematic updates

According to users, sometimes this issue can occur due to certain system updates. While most updates tend to fix issues, certain updates can cause some minor glitches to occur.

Speaking of issues, many users claim that a certain Windows update caused VC++ Runtime Redistributable error to appear while starting The Sims 4. However, you can fix that simply by removing the problematic update. To do that, just follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
  2. Now click on View installed update history.
    Sims 4 VC++ error 5100
  3. Click Uninstall updates.
    Sims 4 error 1638
  4. Look for KB2918614 update on the list and double-click it to remove it.
    The sims 4 won't open

Once you remove the update, check if the problem is resolved. If you don't have this update on the list, maybe there's a different update causing the issue.

If this error message started appearing after installing an update, you need to find that update and removing by following the instructions above.

Keep in mind that Windows 10 tends to install updates automatically, so if update was the problem, be sure to block automatic updates from installing.

6. Clean your registry

According to users, VC++ Runtime Redistributable error can sometimes appear due to your registry. Your registry might have some corrupted entries, and those entries can interfere with The Sims 4 and other games and prevent you from running it.

To fix this problem, users are suggesting cleaning your registry and to remove problematic entries.

This can be a tedious process to do manually, but there are many great registry cleaners that can help you with this problem.

When attempting to play The Sims 4, outdated and/or corrupt applets, cookies, and registry errors might create a variety of problems.

One of the greatest tools we tested on this error is the CCleaner freeware program that fixes your Sims 4 damaged registry entries, cookies, Flash, Java caches, and other issues that may be creating run time errors.

Analyze and run the cleaner first, then scan your registry for problems and run the program to fix them. You may need to scan and run the depending on how many bugs are discovered, but it will undoubtedly be of assistance.

After cleaning the registry, the issue should be completely resolved.

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7. Make sure that the Windows Installer service is enabled

Sometimes VC++ Runtime Redistributable error can appear because certain components can't be installed properly. According to users, Windows Installer is usually the problem, and to fix it, you need to be sure that this service can start automatically.

To do this, just follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Now press Enter or click OK.
    Sims 4 VC++ error 5100
  2. When Services window opens, double-click Windows Installer to open its properties.
    Sims 4 error 1638
  3. Click the Start button to start the service.
    Sims 4 VC++ error 5100

After starting the service, try to run the game again. Several users suggested setting Startup type to Automatic, so you might want to try that as well. Once you start this service, check if the problem is resolved.

Most users don't know what to do when the Windows key stops working. Check out this guide and be a step ahead.

We hope the solutions listed above helped you to get rid of the V ++ error and install The Sims 4 on your computer.

If you've come across other workarounds to fix the V ++ error, list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.

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