"This application has failed to start because the side-by-side configuration is incorrect..."

Upon first launching ZBrush on Windows, you may receive the following error message:

"This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem."

This is not a ZBrush error. It is a Windows system error.

ZBrush depends on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable runtime components. If these components are missing, corrupted, or improperly registered, Windows will prevent the application from launching and display configuration or side-by-side errors.

There is nothing wrong with your ZBrush installation. The issue lies within the Windows runtime environment.

Why This Happens

Microsoft provides shared C++ runtime libraries so developers do not need to recreate common functionality. Many applications rely on these shared components.

However, these libraries can become damaged due to:

• Incomplete Windows updates
• Failed software installations
• Corrupted system files
• Disk errors
• Third-party software modifying shared runtime files

Because this is a Windows issue rather than a ZBrush issue, our ability to assist is limited. The steps below reflect standard Windows repair procedures.

Please follow the steps in order.

Step 1: Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Download and install the latest supported Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables directly from Microsoft.

Install both versions:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64)
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x86)

Even on 64-bit systems, both versions may be required.

After installation completes:

1. Restart your computer.

2. Attempt to launch ZBrush again.

Step 2: Remove and Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

If Step 1 does not resolve the issue:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Go to Programs and Features.

3. Uninstall all entries labeled "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable."

4. Restart your computer.

5. Reinstall the latest 2015–2022 Redistributables (both x64 and x86).

6. Restart again and test ZBrush.

Step 3: Run System File Checker

If the issue persists:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type:

sfc /scannow

3. Press Enter.

4. Allow the scan to complete fully.

5. Restart your computer and test ZBrush.

Step 4: Run DISM Repair

If the problem continues:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. Press Enter.

4. Allow the process to complete.

5. Restart your computer and test again.

Step 5: Check Windows Updates

Ensure that Windows is fully updated. Install all available updates and restart.

Final Step: Windows Reset

If none of the above resolves the issue, your Windows installation may be significantly corrupted.

In this case, performing a Windows reset or clean reinstall may be necessary.

Important
Back up all personal files before performing a system reset, as this process may remove installed programs and data.