Game crashing on launch with missing DLL errors? Many Windows games require Microsoft Visual C++ redistributables to run properly on Steam Deck. When Protontricks fails, this manual installation method ensures your games get the Windows components they need to work.

If Protontricks Doesn’t Work

Some games need a special Microsoft file (called the C++ Runtime) to work properly.
Normally, we’d use Protontricks to install this — but sometimes Protontricks doesn’t do the job.

Here’s how you can install it manually. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Manual Install Steps

  1. Go to the official download page:
    Microsoft C++ Redistributable Downloads

  2. Download this file:
    X64 Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022
    (The file name will be something like VC_redist.x64.exe)

  3. Move the downloaded file into your game’s folder:
    • Epic Games (e.g., The Callisto Protocol): ~/Games/epic/TheCallistoProtocol
    • GOG Games: ~/Games/gog/your-game-folder

  4. Open Junk Store and go to the game’s page.

  5. Open the sliders menu (press the button with the sliders icon).

  6. Choose Run EXE in game folder.

  7. Select VC_redist.x64.exe

  8. Follow the install instructions like you would on a Windows PC.

That’s it! Once it’s done, try launching the game again — it should now work properly.

Extra Tips If the Game Still Isn’t Working

  • Check ProtonDB.com
    Other players often share which Proton version works best or if extra steps are needed.

  • Try a different Proton version
    Try using GE-Proton — it’s better suited for non-Steam games as it often has required fixes needed for non-Steam games.

  • Game works with “Run EXE” but not the Play button?
    Try resetting the launch options in Junk Store to default.

  • Still no luck? Try a fresh start.
    You can delete the game’s prefix (basically its “Windows install environment”) from Junk Store.

    Be careful — this will delete all saved data and settings for that game!

Need More Help?

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