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Windows Side-by-Side Configuration Error — Detailed SxS Fix Guide

Errorapplication

Overview

Detailed guide to fixing Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) configuration errors preventing applications from starting due to missing or mismatched Visual C++ runtime manifests.

Key Details

  • Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly allows multiple versions of DLLs to coexist on the same system
  • The error 'The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect'
  • The application manifest specifies which exact version of runtime DLLs it requires
  • Event Viewer > Application log > SideBySide source shows the specific missing assembly
  • Most commonly involves MSVCR/MSVCP (Visual C++ Runtime) version mismatches

Common Causes

  • Required Visual C++ Redistributable version not installed
  • Visual C++ Redistributable corrupted after partial uninstallation
  • Application compiled with a specific VC++ version not available on the system
  • Multiple VC++ Redistributable versions conflicting in the WinSxS store
  • Corrupted WinSxS component store preventing assembly resolution

Steps

  1. 1Check Event Viewer > Application log > SideBySide source for the exact missing assembly name and version
  2. 2Install all Visual C++ Redistributable versions: 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022 (both x86 and x64)
  3. 3Repair existing redistributables: Control Panel > Programs > select VC++ Redist > Change > Repair
  4. 4Use sxstrace to diagnose: sxstrace Trace -logfile:sxstrace.etl then sxstrace Parse -logfile:sxstrace.etl -outfile:sxstrace.txt
  5. 5Run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted WinSxS components
  6. 6Reinstall the failing application to restore its manifest and dependencies

Tags

side-by-sidesxsvisual-cppmanifestassembly

Related Items

windows-error-side-by-side-configurationwindows-SxS-Error-side-by-side-configuration-error

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check Event Viewer > SideBySide events for the exact version. When in doubt, install all versions (2005-2022) in both x86 and x64. Get them from Microsoft's official download page.