Reinstallation doubt regarding Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 distributable package error

Jainil Panchal 0 Reputation points

can we resolve this SQL Server 2019 install warning - Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 distributable package error, by re-installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 distributable package, if the current windows version already got end of support?

  1. Erland Sommarskog 134.7K Reputation points • MVP • Volunteer Moderator

    Can you show a screenshot so that we understand what you are talking about?

  2. Akhil Gajavelly 1,830 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator

    Hi @Jainil Panchal ,

    Thank you for your question.

    As requested by the Erland, could you please share a screenshot of the warning or the complete error message shown during SQL Server 2019 setup?

    The recommendation depends on the specific warning being reported. While reinstalling or updating the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable can resolve issues related to missing or corrupted runtime components, if the underlying Windows version is out of support, there may be additional operating system supportability considerations that need to be reviewed.

    Once you provide the screenshot or exact message, we can help determine whether the warning is related to the Visual C++ Redistributable itself, SQL Server setup prerequisites, or the operating system version.

    Thanks,
    Akhil.

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1 answer

  1. AI answer

    Yes, the warning can be addressed by installing a supported Visual C++ Redistributable, but reinstallation alone is usually not the key point. The important aspects are:

    1. SQL Server 2019 supportability of VC++ Redistributable
      • SQL Server 2019 installs and depends on Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (v14.x).
      • Per the component policy, when the Redistributable is installed by a Microsoft product that is still in support (such as SQL Server 2019), that Redistributable remains supported for security fixes for the lifetime of that product, even if the underlying Visual Studio version is out of mainstream support.
    2. End of support for Windows vs. Redistributable
      • If the Windows OS itself is out of support, that does not change the fact that the VC++ Redistributable installed by SQL Server 2019 is supported in the context of SQL Server’s lifecycle.
      • Security scanners may still flag the Redistributable as “end of life” based on Visual Studio lifecycle, but for SQL Server 2019 the Redistributable is supported as long as SQL Server 2019 is supported.
    3. Whether to reinstall the VC++ 2017/2015–2022 Redistributable
      • If the SQL Server 2019 setup warning is due to a corrupted or mismatched VC++ runtime, installing the latest supported VC++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (matching x64/x86 architecture) is appropriate.
      • Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 share the same v14 Redistributable; the latest v14 package is binary compatible with apps built with any of those toolsets. Installing the latest v14 package upgrades the runtime for all such apps, including SQL Server 2019.
      • Only one v14 Redistributable can be installed at a time; installing a newer one overwrites the older version and is the recommended state.
    4. Do not remove Redistributables installed by SQL Server
      • Components that SQL Server setup installs (including VC++ Redistributables) must not be uninstalled. Removing them can cause SQL Server features to fail or behave unexpectedly, and they may be reinstalled during patching.
    5. If the warning comes from a security scanner
      • For machines where SQL Server 2019 is installed, the recommended approach is to work with the security team to configure exclusions for the VC++ Redistributable installed by SQL Server, since it is supported for the duration of SQL Server’s lifecycle.
      • If the same Redistributable is present on machines without SQL Server or other listed Microsoft products, follow the scanner’s guidance and update or remove as appropriate.

    In summary: yes, installing the latest supported VC++ 2015–2022 Redistributable is a valid way to ensure the runtime is current and compatible for SQL Server 2019, but the Redistributable remains supported in the context of SQL Server 2019 even if the underlying Visual Studio 2017 or the Windows version is out of support. Avoid uninstalling any VC++ Redistributable that SQL Server setup has installed.

    References:

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