Corrupt VCRuntime crash error

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

InDesign fails to launch or crashes on startup due to corrupted VCRuntime files after a Windows update.

InDesign 2020 and later versions may fail to launch on Windows systems due to corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ runtime (VCRuntime) files, often caused by faulty Windows updates. When this issue occurs, InDesign crashes immediately on startup with a system error message, typically before the splash screen appears, preventing you from opening any documents.

Corrupted Visual C++ runtime files prevent InDesign from launching

Repairing the VC installed resolves this issue. Before you begin, close all applications on your system.

InDesign application error dialog box on Windows showing the message, Unable to start correctly (0xc0000142) with an OK button.
Resolve the InDesign startup error.

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

Right-click each of the installed Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages (x64 and x86).

Select Change > Repair (if the Change option is available). Follow the instructions to repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

Programs and Features window shows a Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable with the Change option highlighted.
Access maintenance options.

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Modify Setup dialog box with Repair button highlighted.
Start the repair process for the installed runtime components.

Restart the system and launch InDesign.

If the issue remains unresolved, download the latest VCRuntime from the Microsoft support site and repeat steps 1-4.