Why does Elevate 9 require the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable?

Elevate 9 has a legacy dependency on the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable. This component is required for Elevate 9 to run correctly.

Some organisations use patch management or cybersecurity tools that remove older or unsupported software components. As the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable is now an older component, these systems may identify it as outdated and remove it automatically. If this happens, Elevate 9 may no longer run correctly, and the redistributable will need to be reinstalled before the software can be used again.

Installing a newer Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable will not resolve this issue. Visual C++ Redistributables are generally version-specific, so installing a newer version, such as the 2015–2022 redistributable, does not replace the specific Visual C++ 2008 runtime required by Elevate 9.

Elevate 9 and future updates

We do not plan to update Elevate 9 to remove this dependency. Elevate 9 is our established desktop product, and our development resources are now focused on Elevate 10, our next-generation version.

Recommended approach

For computers that need to run Elevate 9, the recommended approach is for your IT team to leave the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable installed, provided this is acceptable under your organisation’s cybersecurity policy.

If your patch management system removes it, the redistributable must be reinstalled before Elevate 9 can be used.

Elevate 10 is being developed on a modern online platform and is separate from the Elevate 9 desktop application. It will not depend on the legacy desktop installation components used by Elevate 9.