How to Fix Runtime Error 217 in Windows 10 and Windows 11 (2024)

Users have talked about Runtime error 217 on Microsoft’s Windows support forum. That error message pops up on some users’ desktops and laptops whenever they try to launch certain programs.

As a result, users can’t launch and utilize Windows software packages for which they see error 217 messages. Try applying these potential resolutions if you’re another user who needs to fix error 217.

1. Run the System File Checker Utility

System file corruption is a probable cause for error 217. Therefore, running Windows’ built-in system file and image repair tools could get this issue fixed for some. Run system image and file scans in the Command Prompt like this:

1. Press Windows key + X, and select the Search shortcut.
2. Type CMD in the search box and select the Command Prompt app’s Run as administrator option from there.
3. Firstly, input this system image repair command and hit the Enter button:

   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth  

   

4. When the system image command has completed the process, input this text and press Return:

   sfc /scannow 

   

5. Now, wait for the SFC scan you started to finish and display the outcome message.

2. Repair the Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable

Error 217 can occur because of issues with the Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable. That Redistributable package could be corrupted or missing. This is how you can repair the Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable via the Programs and Features Control Panel applet:

1. Open the Windows Run dialog box.
2. Bring up the Programs and Features applet by typing appwiz.cpl in Run and clicking OK.
3. Select the Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable package. If you can only find a Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable, select that package.

   

   See Also

   How to Fix Runtime Error 217 (0041ACoD) on Windows 10?How to Fix Runtime Error 217 Windows 11? | 5 Simple Ways - MiniTool Partition WizardRuntime Error 217: Causes & How to Fix ItHow to Fix Runtime Error 217 Windows 11?
4. Click the Change option for the selected package.
5. Press Repair to fix Visual C++.

   

3. Select a Repair Option for Affected Software

You can select a similar Repair option to the one Visual C++ packages have in Programs and Features for some third-party software. If the software package you need to fix error 217 has a Repair button in Programs and Features, select that option.

To do so, open the Windows uninstaller as outlined in the second method above, select the affected software, and click either a Repair or Change button for it.

4. Reinstall Software for Which Runtime Error 217 Occurs

The software you need to fix error 217 for might not be properly or fully installed. If that’s the case, reinstalling the affected software is a viable solution. You can uninstall and then reinstall affected programs via the Control Panel like this:

1. Open Programs and Features as covered within the first two steps of the second solution above.
2. Select the software you need to fix Runtime error 217 for.
3. Then click the Uninstall option for the selected software.

   

4. Select Yes on any prompts that ask you to confirm software removal.
5. Reboot Windows after you’ve removed the software.
6. Open the publisher’s download page for your uninstall software. Then download the latest software version from that page.
7. Reinstall your Windows software with its setup wizard.

5. Select the Reset PC Option

Resetting your PC to a default configuration can be considered the nuclear option for fixing Runtime error 217. This is a nuclear fix because it will wipe out all the third-party software you installed. However, you can at least select to save your user files in the Reset this PC tool.

This should be your last option to fix the Runtime error 217 because it requires you to factory reset your Windows computer.

Other Potential Fixes for Runtime Error 217

You also fix other Runtime errors if it occurs alongside Runtime error 217. The errors could be connected; thus, if you fix one, you're fixing the other. Of any potential fix, we especially recommend you try clean-booting Windows to address program conflicts.

Kick-Start Software With Those Runtime Error 217 Fixes

So, that’s how you can kick-start an app whenever Runtime error 217 strikes it down. You shouldn’t need any third-party repair software to resolve Runtime error 217. Applying the potential resolutions above with Windows' built-in system tools will likely fix this runtime error on most users’ PCs.