Troubleshooting vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing Error – Fix Windows 10 Installation Issues

Resolving the “vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi Missing” Error on Windows 10

The "vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing" error is a common installation issue faced by many Windows 10 users. It occurs when a program attempts to install Visual C++ components during setup but cannot find the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi file it requires. This vital Microsoft Visual C++ runtime file contains essential libraries and dependencies needed for programs built using Visual C++ to function properly.

When this file goes missing or becomes corrupted, affected software will fail to install or crash on launch. Thankfully, there are several effective troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing error and get your programs running again on Windows 10.

Verifying the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi File is Truly Missing

First, we need to check whether the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi file is actually missing from your system or if the error is being caused by something else. Search for the file name on your local drives, especially in the Windows/WinSxS folders. You can also extract a fresh copy of the file from the installation media or download it directly from Microsoft.

What is VC runtime minimum x86?

The package includes the Microsoft C Runtime libraries, and is installed as part of the operating system or as an optional update. The VC Runtime Minimum X86.msi is a program that runs applications that use Visual C++ libraries. It is an installer for the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package.

How to remove Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 x64 minimum runtime?

Run the Windows Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to completely remove the Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X64 Minimum Runtime – 14.32.31332 Then, install the package provided above. If I helped you anyway, It makes me happy.

If the file is indeed missing or corrupt, you will need to replace it by reinstalling the Visual C++ redistributable package.

Running the Installer as Administrator

Often, the “vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing” error occurs due to insufficient permissions. We recommend right-clicking on the installer executable and selecting “Run as administrator”. This grants the setup file the necessary access to install vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi and other required components in protected Windows folders.

If you still get the same error message, proceed to activate the built-in administrator account in the steps below.

Activating the Built-in Administrator Account

Another permission-related cause is the installer not having access to the Windows system folders when running under a standard user account. Switching to the built-in admin account isolates whether this is the case.

To enable the hidden administrator account in Windows 10:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Typenet user administrator /active:yesand press Enter
3. Restart your PC and log in using the administrator account
4. Attempt to install the software again

If the error no longer appears when signed in as the built-in administrator, you can confirm the standard user lacks the necessary permissions.

What version of Visual Studio 2022 is available?

Microsoft has been working on Visual Studio 2022 version 17.0 for quite some time now. Currently, their latest Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is running on Visual Studio 2022 version 17.0 Preview 4.1. It also includes Visual C++ Redistributables 2022. You can download it using the direct download links given down below.

Where is VC_runtimeminimum_x86 MSI located?

An error popped up saying, “Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package ‘vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi’ in the box below” The source path is: “C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\ {36A1E79B-581A-4FE5-843D-84C2D3C9431E}v14.29.30135\packages\vcRuntimeMinimum_x86\”

Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Software

Corrupted Visual C++ installations are a common source of the missing msi file error. Uninstalling the offending software entirely using Control Panel and reinstalling it fresh often resolves the issue:

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
2. Locate and uninstall the problem software
3. Restart your computer
4. Download the latest version of the software installer
5. Run the installer as administrator

This will replace any missing or damaged Visual C++ components with a clean new set.

Using automated repair tools

Specialized software utilities are available that can automatically scan for and replace corrupted system files like vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi. For example, the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter diagnoses issues blocking installs and removals then attempts to fix them.

Other dedicated registry cleaners check for broken Visual C++ entries and repair the damage. Using one of these automated tools can swiftly fix the missing dependency file if other methods are unsuccessful.

When all else fails, repair or reset Windows

In rare cases, the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi error may indicate an underlying Windows system file corruption or registry issue that prevents installing the package properly. Running the built-in Startup Repair or resetting Windows 10 to factory condition could resolve it when other fixes have not.

How do I uninstall VC runtime minimum x86 MSI?

Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up. Again, click Uninstall in the window that appears. Similarly uninstall any other similar packages as well. Navigate to your browser and locate the VC runtime minimum x86.msi package to download. After the download process is complete, double-click on the file to launch the setup.

Why am I getting error messages when installing VC_Redist x64 / x86?

This is good advice, but while trying to install the “vc_redist.x64.exe” or “vc_redist.x86.exe” package I experienced error messages like the one below after a Windows update: The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable.

Where can I download Visual C++ redistributable for Visual Studio 2019?

The Redistributable is available in the my.visualstudio.com Downloads section as Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2019 (version 16.7). Use the Search box to find this version. To download the files, select the platform and language you need, and then choose the Download button.

But this should be used as a last resort due to potentially losing personal files and settings in the process.

Conclusion

The “vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing” error is a stubbon yet solvable installation hurdle. With one of the troubleshooting methods above, you can get the vital Visual C++ runtime file back in place and have your programs running smoothly again. We recommend verifying the file is actually missing, running installers as admin, activating the built-in administrator account, reinstalling software, using automated repair tools, and lastly repairing or resetting Windows itself.

With persistence, you can overcome this common Windows 10 installation error. Let us know in the comments if any of these solutions worked to fix the vc_runtimeMinimum_x86.msi missing problem for you!

References

1. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/43512889/missing-vc-runtimeminimum-x86-msi-and-installation-wont-work
2. https://www.exefiles.com/en/msi/vc-runtimeminimum-x86-msi/

How to fix Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 x86 minimum runtime – 14.32.31326?

Select “Programs and Features” from the search results and find the entry for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X86 Minimum Runtime – 14.32.31326.” Select it and click on the “Change” button. From here, you can choose to repair or reinstall

How do I uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2015?

Open the tool and then select “Uninstall” on the page it says “do you need help installing or uninstalling” On the next page with the list, select Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 (whatever) and hit next to “Try Uninstall” Repeat steps 5 – 6 until I didn’t see any “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015” left in the list. Note that the popup is still showing.

How do I change Visual C++ x86 minimum runtime?

To do this, you can use the “Programs and Features” control panel. Open the Start menu and type “programs and features” in the search bar. Select “Programs and Features” from the search results and find the entry for “Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 X86 Minimum Runtime – 14.32.31326.” Select it and click on the “Change” button.