The term refers to the process of obtaining a specific redistributable package from Microsoft. This package contains the minimum runtime components required to execute applications developed using Microsoft Visual C++ on a 64-bit Windows operating system. As an example, a user encountering errors related to missing DLL files might seek this package to resolve the issue.
Acquiring this redistributable is crucial for ensuring compatibility between applications and the operating system. Its benefits include enabling software functionality and preventing application crashes. Historically, the need for such redistributables arose from the modular design of software development, where applications rely on shared code libraries.