That’s it! Your controller should now emulate an Xbox 360 controller for any compatible PC game.
How to Install x360ce and Microsoft Visual C++ New Requirements
The Xbox 360 Controller Emulator (x360ce) is a critical tool for gamers who want to use non-standard gamepads with PC games that only support XInput (Xbox 360) controllers. To function correctly, x360ce requires specific Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to be installed on your system. Core Requirements for x360ce
Before installing x360ce, ensure your system meets these prerequisites:
Operating System: Windows Vista or newer (including Windows 10 and 11). .NET Framework:
.NET 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0) must be enabled in Windows Features. .NET 4.6 or 4.0 is also required.
DirectX: DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010) is required regardless of your OS version.
Visual C++ Redistributables: This is often where users face the most issues. Step 1: Installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
For x360ce to work without errors like "MSVCP120.dll missing," you must install the correct versions of the Visual C++ runtime. X360CE • Xbox 360 Controller Emulator x360ce install microsoft visual c new
2 Oct 2011 — System Requirements. ... Windows Vista or newer. ... .NET 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0) - included in Windows 7. In Windows 8 and 10: Xbox 360 Controller Emulator
Do not download old DLLs from third-party DLL websites—those are a security risk.
For any user installing new x360ce:
Do not assume Visual C++ is present. Always manually install the latest VC++ 2015–2022 x86 redistributable first.
This single step eliminates 90% of “x360ce not working” reports. It is the silent enabler — invisible when present, catastrophic when absent.
Final interesting note: The same VC++ runtime required for x360ce is also needed by many modern game launchers (Steam, Epic), modding tools (Reshade, Special K), and even some game saves editors. Installing it once benefits your entire gaming ecosystem.
Report prepared for: PC gamers, retro enthusiasts, and troubleshooting forums.
Status: Verified on Windows 10/11, x360ce v4.17.15.0.
Getting x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) to work properly often comes down to having the right "ingredients" installed on your PC. If you've been seeing errors about missing DLLs or the app failing to launch, the culprit is usually a missing or outdated Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. That’s it
Here is everything you need to know about installing the latest requirements to get your controller running. 1. Why x360ce Needs Visual C++
The x360ce software acts as a bridge between your generic controller and your games. Because it’s built using Microsoft’s development tools, it requires specific Runtime Libraries to translate your button presses into commands the game understands. Without these libraries, the emulator simply cannot function. 2. The "New" Requirement: Visual C++ 2015-2022
Modern versions of x360ce typically require the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable. Microsoft has bundled these versions together into one single "all-in-one" package that covers everything from 2015 onwards.
Download Source: Always download directly from the Official Microsoft Support Page. Which version to pick? x64: For 64-bit Windows (most modern PCs).
x86: Even if you have 64-bit Windows, you should also install the x86 version. Many games are still 32-bit and require the x86 libraries to interact with x360ce. 3. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
If you are setting up x360ce for the first time or fixing an error:
Download the Packages: Get both the vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe from Microsoft.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator. Do not download old DLLs from third-party DLL
Install or Repair: If you already have a version installed, the installer might offer a Repair option. Choose this to fix any corrupted files.
Restart Your PC: This is a crucial step to ensure Windows registers the new libraries properly.
Check .NET Framework: x360ce also requires .NET Framework 4.6 or 3.5, depending on the specific version you are using. You can enable these in your Windows settings under "Turn Windows features on or off." 4. Troubleshooting Common Errors
"MSVCP140.dll is missing": This is the classic sign that the 2015-2022 Redistributable is missing or didn't install correctly.
Multiple Versions Installed: You may see many versions (2008, 2010, 2012, etc.) in your "Apps & Features" list. Do not uninstall these. Different apps and older games rely on specific versions, and removing them can break other software.
Error 1638: This usually means a newer version is already on your system. Try the Repair tool instead of a fresh install.
Once these libraries are in place, your x360ce should launch without a hitch, allowing you to map your controller and get back to gaming.