(Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) correctly, your system requires specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to provide the necessary runtime components
. Without these, the emulator may fail to launch or throw "missing DLL" errors. Microsoft Learn Required Visual C++ Components
While x360ce has evolved over several versions, most modern iterations (including the latest 4.x "All-in-One" version) generally require:
Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022
: This is often distributed as a single "latest supported" installer. Architecture : You should install both the (32-bit) and
(64-bit) versions, regardless of your Windows architecture, because x360ce must match the architecture of the game you are emulating. Installation Guide Download from Official Sources Navigate to the Official Microsoft Visual C++ Downloads Look for the section titled Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 Select the Correct Files vc_redist.x86.exe (for 32-bit support). vc_redist.x64.exe (for 64-bit support). Run the Installers Double-click each Agree to the license terms and click If you receive an "Admin" pop-up, click to allow the changes. Restart Your Computer
A system restart is often required for the libraries to be correctly recognized by x360ce. Troubleshooting "Missing DLL" Errors
If x360ce still doesn't work after installing the 2015-2022 packages, you may need older versions for compatibility: DirectX End-User Runtimes
: x360ce frequently relies on DirectX libraries. Ensure you have the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer installed. .NET Framework : Older versions of x360ce require
, which can be enabled via the Windows "Turn Windows features on or off" menu. Xbox 360 Controller Emulator Summary of System Prerequisites Requirement Recommended Version Visual C++ 2015-2022 (x86 & x64) Core runtime libraries End-User Runtimes (June 2010) Controller input processing .NET Framework 4.6 or higher Interface and application logic specific version of x360ce (3.x vs 4.x) is best for the game you are trying to play? X360CE • Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
To install x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) and ensure its "Exclusive Mode" functions correctly, you must install specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages alongside other core system dependencies. Essential Microsoft Visual C++ Requirements
x360ce relies on these libraries to translate DirectInput calls into XInput.
Version Compatibility: Most versions of x360ce require the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013.
Dual Architecture: If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, you must install both the x86 and x64 versions of the redistributable. x360ce install microsoft visual c exclusive
Latest Cumulative Updates: Newer versions of the emulator (4.x) often require the unified Visual C++ 2015-2022 redistributable package to avoid runtime errors.
Installation Tip: If you have recently upgraded your operating system, such as moving to Windows 10 or 11, it is highly recommended to uninstall and then reinstall these redistributables to ensure proper registry registration. Other Mandatory Dependencies
Before the Visual C++ libraries can work effectively, ensure these components are also present on your system:
DirectX End-User Runtime: Specifically the June 2010 version is required regardless of your current OS.
.NET Framework: You must enable or install .NET 3.5 (which includes 2.0 and 3.0) and .NET 4.6 or higher.
Installation Order: Always install the .NET Framework before updating DirectX to ensure all libraries are correctly recognized. How to Install for "Exclusive Mode" X360CE • Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
To use x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator), you must have the specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages installed. The emulator relies on these libraries to bridge communication between your generic controller and the game. Required Visual C++ Packages
The exact versions you need depend on which version of x360ce you are running:
x360ce 4.x (Latest): Requires the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (both x86 and x64 versions).
x360ce 3.x (Legacy): Requires the Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable and occasionally older versions like 2010 or 2012 for specific game compatibility. Installation Guide
Download Runtimes: Visit the official Microsoft support page to download the latest redistributables.
Tip: Even on 64-bit Windows, you should install both the x86 and x64 versions, as many games are 32-bit and require the x86 runtime. Install x360ce:
Download the latest version from the official x360ce website. Plug in your controller
Extract the ZIP file and run x360ce.exe as an administrator. Install Virtual Driver (For 4.x): In the app, navigate to the Issues tab.
If prompted, click Install to set up the ViGEmBus Virtual Gamepad Emulation Driver. Map Your Controller:
Connect your controller and click the Add... button in the Controller 1 tab.
Use the Record function in the dropdown menus to map each physical button to the virtual Xbox 360 layout.
Save and Play: Click Save All and keep the application minimized in your system tray while you play. Common Troubleshooting
"MSVCP140.dll missing": This error confirms you are missing the Visual C++ 2015-2022 runtime.
App Closes Immediately: This often happens if you have the 2015-2019 "bundle" installed but the app specifically searches for a standalone 2015 version. If re-installing the latest bundle doesn't work, try a clean uninstall of all C++ redistributables before a fresh install.
Administrator Rights: Always run the .exe as an administrator to ensure it can create the necessary .dll files in game folders.
Are you setting this up for a specific game, or just trying to get a generic controller working in general?
To ensure x360ce functions correctly, you must install specific versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
. The "exclusive" nature of these installations often refers to the app requiring specific, older standalone packages rather than just the latest combined version. Required Visual C++ Versions Depending on your x360ce version, you typically need: Visual C++ 2013
: Most stable versions of x360ce require the 2013 redistributable. Visual C++ 2015-2019/2022
: Modern versions (v4.x) often look for this combined package. Architecture Rule : If you are on a 64-bit Windows system, you must install both the x86 and x64 versions of the required redistributables. Xbox 360 Controller Emulator The "Exclusive" Requirement Story x360ce will crash.
The term "exclusive" or specific installation issues often stem from how x360ce detects libraries:
To run x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator), you must have specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages installed, as the application relies on these libraries to bridge controller inputs. Core Requirements
Depending on the version of x360ce you are using, the requirements vary:
For Newer Versions (v4.x): Generally requires the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022. Users have reported that some versions specifically look for the standalone 2015 Redistributable even if newer combined packages are present.
For Older Versions (v3.x and below): Requires the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013 or 2012 Update 1. Mandatory Installation Steps
Install Both Architectures: On 64-bit systems, you must install both the x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions of the Redistributable. Many game executables are 32-bit and require the x86 library regardless of your OS version.
Verify .NET Framework: Ensure .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.6+ are enabled in "Windows Features".
DirectX Update: The DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010) is required for full compatibility. Troubleshooting "Exclusive" Install Issues
If x360ce continues to prompt for a C++ installation even after you've installed it: Visual C++ Runtime Error Solution Windows PC Permanent Fix
Once the Visual C++ runtimes are confirmed and exclusive mode is active, finish your setup:
Game Settings > Hook Mode.x360ce.ini (your controller settings)xinput1_3.dll (the fake Xbox DLL that replaces the system one)Note: If the game crashes on launch, delete xinput1_3.dll and re-open x360ce. Then generate a xinput9_1_0.dll instead (Settings > Options > Version Emulation).
x360ce is written in C++ using Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Modern Windows does not ship with these runtime libraries by default. When x360ce runs, it calls specific functions located inside files like MSVCP140.dll (the C++ Standard Library) and VCRUNTIME140.dll (the runtime compiler).
The "Exclusive" Requirement: Unlike many simple utilities, x360ce requires the latest combined package of Visual C++. It is not enough to have the 2013 version or the 2008 version. You need the Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86 and x64) specifically. This is the "exclusive" dependency—if you install the wrong architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit) or an older version, x360ce will crash.
Even after following the install guide, you might encounter issues. Here is the specific troubleshooting tree for this error keyword.