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Fix 0Xc0000076 Error in Windows 10

By Richard Peck

The 0xc0000076 error is caused by a lack of a library on Windows, typically Visual C++, DirectX or similar.

The error shows when you are trying to run a large application such as a game or some sort of graphics application. It is caused because the application will require an element from the library, which is either not installed or not accessible on your system.

The way to solve this problem is to ensure that you have the appropriate library / dependencies required by the application to run. It should resolve 90% of the issues with the error.

Cause

The typical error message for the 0xc0000076 error is as follows:

The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000076)

The key to fixing this is to understand that every application on Windows requires a series of "libraries" or "dependencies" to help it run. These libraries are stored on the hard drive as DLL files, applications such as DirectX and "redistributable" packages such as Visual C++. Whilst Microsoft distributes most of the most popular libraries, there are a number provided by other companies too.

The bottom line of the 0xc0000076 error is that your system is unable to load the dependencies required to run the application.

Solution Steps

1. Reinstall Visual C++

Visual C++ is typically the culprit here. It is a collection of programs distributed by Microsoft to help enhance the functionality of Windows. Unfortunately, like many things "Microsoft", they've overcomplicated it - making VC++ a totally third party download and splitting up between different versions, each of which has to be downloaded in order to provide the required functionality.

Unfortunately, it is often the case that even if the correct VC++ is installed, it becomes damaged or corrupted, preventing applications from reading it correctly. The first step to fixing the 0xc0000076 error, therefore, is to ensure you've installed the latest versions of the required VC++ redistributable packages.

• In Windows 7, click onto "Start" | "Control Panel" | "Add / Remove Programs"
• In Windows 10, right-click onto "Start" | "Windows" button | select "Programs and Features"
• From the list that appears, select any versions of "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable", and NOTE DOWN their year number (this is important)
• After noting down the years, you should then right-click each of the listings and select "Uninstall"
• After uninstalling them, restart your PC
• After restart, you'll need to browse to Google and look for "Microsoft latest visual C++ packages"
• For each of the "years" that you noted down before, download the appropriate download and install.

A quick note on this topic - when you download each VC++ package, you'll be asked whether you want the "x64" or "x86" version. This corresponds to the "architecture" of your system. If you're not sure which version of Windows you have, you need to do the following:

• Press "Windows" + "R" keys on your keyboard
• In the "Run" dialogue, type "dxdiag" and press "Enter"
• When DXDiag shows, look for the "Operating System" listing
• Take note of whether it's 64-bit or 32-bit - 64-bit is x64 and 32-bit is x86
• From there, you should install the various VC++ packages and then let it run.

2. Update DirectX

Next, you need to update DirectX. DirectX is a core element of Windows which allows your system to run 3D graphics etc. Unfortunately, due to many games etc putting their own versions of DirectX files onto your system, it is often the case that applications will show a large number of errors etc with it. If this is the case, you'll want to install the "update" to DirectX which should replace any of the potentially amaged files it may have.

• Click onto "Google" and look for "DirectX Download" - click the first link
• Click on the orange "Download" button
• Click "No thanks and continue"
• Save the file to your hard drive
• Open the application and click through the process (make sure you don't accept the "Bing Bar" scamware)
• Let it install the files required to update DirectX
• Restart your PC

Once your PC has restarted, you should proceed to the next step.