Technical Guide to Fix Runtime Error R6016 - Pure Virtual Function Call on Windows 10/8/7

Understanding Runtime Error R6016 - Pure Virtual Function Call

Runtime Error R6016 is part of Microsoft's Visual C++ runtime error code series, specifically indicating that an application attempted to call a pure virtual function during execution. A pure virtual function is a C++ programming concept - it's a function declared in a base class with no implementation, meant to be overridden by derived classes. When an application calls such a function directly (especially from a constructor or destructor), it triggers R6016.

Where this error typically occurs:

• Application launch - during object initialization sequences
• Object destruction - when destructors attempt virtual function calls
• After application updates - when new code introduces programming errors
• After Windows updates - when runtime library changes expose application bugs
• During complex operations - when multiple objects interact incorrectly

Common error messages:

• "Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library - Runtime Error! R6016 - pure virtual function call"
• "Runtime Error! Program: [path] R6016 - pure virtual function call"
• "R6016 - An application has made an attempt to load the C runtime library incorrectly"
• Application crash without error dialog (less common but possible)

Why Runtime Error R6016 occurs:

• Application programming errors: The software contains bugs where pure virtual functions are called incorrectly
• Corrupted Visual C++ runtime: The runtime library files are damaged or incompatible
• Memory corruption: System memory issues cause object state corruption
• DLL version conflicts: Multiple incompatible versions of runtime libraries installed
• Registry corruption: Windows registry entries for runtime libraries are incorrect
• Incomplete application installation: Application files were installed incorrectly or incompletely
• System file corruption: Core Windows files required for runtime execution are damaged

Method 1: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable and Update Application (Recommended First Step)

This method addresses the most common fixable causes of R6016: corrupted runtime libraries and outdated application versions. Even though R6016 indicates a programming error, updating runtime libraries and the application itself often resolves user-facing issues.

1. Check application for updates:
   • Open the problematic application
   • Look for "Help" → "Check for Updates" or "About" menu
   • Visit the application's official website for latest version
   • Download and install any available updates
   • Application updates often fix R6016 bugs introduced in earlier versions
2. Identify installed Visual C++ Redistributables:
   • Open Settings (Windows + I) → Apps (Windows 10/11)
   • Or open Control Panel → Programs and Features
   • Search for "Visual C++" to see all installed redistributables
   • Note versions (2013, 2015-2022, etc.) and architectures (x64, x86)
3. Uninstall existing redistributables:
   • Uninstall ALL Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable entries
   • Start with newer versions (2015-2022), then older ones (2013, 2010)
   • Note: Don't worry - we'll reinstall them in the next step
   • Restart your computer after uninstalling
4. Download fresh redistributables:
   • Visit Microsoft's official Visual C++ Redistributable download page
   • Download Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64 version)
   • Download Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86 version)
   • Download Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64 and x86) if needed
   • Save installers to an easily accessible location
5. Install redistributables as Administrator:
   • Right-click each installer and select Run as administrator
   • Install Visual C++ 2013 first (if needed), then 2015-2022
   • Install x64 versions before x86 versions
   • Follow installation wizard, accept license terms
   • Wait for "Setup successful" message for each
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure all runtime libraries are properly loaded
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
7. Test the application:
   • Launch the previously problematic application
   • Monitor for R6016 error message
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 2

Why this works: While R6016 is a programming error, corrupted or incompatible runtime libraries can expose or exacerbate the bug. Fresh runtime installations provide clean execution environments, and application updates may include fixes for R6016 issues discovered after release.

Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

When R6016 persists after redistributable reinstallation, system file corruption may be contributing to the error. SFC and DISM repair corrupted system files that can cause runtime library loading issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"
   • Or search "cmd" in Start menu, right-click, select "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when User Account Control (UAC) prompts
2. Run System File Checker:
   • In Command Prompt, type: sfc /scannow
   • Press Enter and wait for scan to complete
   • This process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • SFC will scan and repair corrupted system files automatically
   • Review the final message - it will indicate if corruption was found and fixed
3. Check component store health with DISM:
   • Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   • Press Enter - this is a quick check (1-2 minutes)
   • Review output - it will indicate if component store corruption is detected
4. Scan component store for issues:
   • If CheckHealth found issues, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • Press Enter - this scan takes 5-15 minutes
   • Wait for completion before proceeding
5. Restore component store if needed:
   • If corruption was found, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • Press Enter - this may take 20-40 minutes
   • Requires internet connection to download replacement files from Windows Update
   • Do not interrupt this process
6. Re-run SFC after DISM:
   • After DISM completes successfully, run sfc /scannow again
   • This ensures all system files are now properly repaired
7. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all system file repairs
   • Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables using Method 1 if needed
8. Test the application again:
   • Launch the application and check if R6016 error is resolved
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 3

When to use this method: Use Method 2 when Method 1 fails, or when R6016 appears after system updates, crashes, or malware infections. System file corruption can cause runtime libraries to load incorrectly, exacerbating application programming errors.

Method 3: Run Application in Compatibility Mode and as Administrator

Some R6016 errors are triggered by compatibility issues between the application and Windows version, or by insufficient permissions. Running in compatibility mode and as administrator can bypass these issues.

1. Locate the application executable:
   • Find the application's main .exe file (usually in Program Files or installation directory)
   • Right-click the executable file and select Properties
   • Note the file path for reference
2. Set compatibility mode:
   • In Properties window, click Compatibility tab
   • Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"
   • Select an older Windows version from dropdown (e.g., Windows 8, Windows 7)
   • Try Windows 8 first, then Windows 7 if needed
3. Enable administrator privileges:
   • In same Compatibility tab, check "Run this program as an administrator"
   • This ensures the application has full system access
4. Adjust display settings if needed:
   • If application has display issues, check "Disable fullscreen optimizations"
   • Check "Override high DPI scaling behavior" and select "System" if needed
   • Click Apply, then OK
5. Create a shortcut with administrator rights:
   • Right-click the executable again → Create shortcut
   • Right-click the shortcut → Properties
   • Click Shortcut tab → Advanced
   • Check "Run as administrator"
   • Click OK twice
6. Test the application:
   • Launch the application using the shortcut or directly
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts for administrator permission
   • Monitor for R6016 error
   • If error persists, try different compatibility mode settings
7. Try different compatibility modes if needed:
   • If Windows 8 doesn't work, try Windows 7
   • If Windows 7 doesn't work, try Windows Vista
   • Some applications require specific Windows versions
   • Test each compatibility mode setting

Why this works: Compatibility mode changes how Windows interacts with the application, potentially avoiding code paths that trigger R6016. Administrator mode ensures the application has necessary permissions to access system resources and runtime libraries.

Method 4: Clean Application Installation and Registry Cleanup (Advanced)

When R6016 persists, a complete clean reinstallation of the application may resolve corrupted installation files or registry entries that are contributing to the error. This method requires careful registry editing.

1. Uninstall the problematic application:
   • Open Settings → Apps (Windows 10/11)
   • Or Control Panel → Programs and Features
   • Find and select the problematic application
   • Click Uninstall and follow uninstallation wizard
   • Note: Keep any data files or settings if prompted
2. Backup Windows Registry:
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
   • In Registry Editor, click File → Export
   • Select "All" under "Export range"
   • Save backup to a safe location (e.g., Desktop)
   • Name it "Registry_Backup_[Date].reg"
3. Remove application registry entries:
   • In Registry Editor, press Ctrl + F to open Find
   • Search for the application name (e.g., "ApplicationName")
   • Delete found entries in these locations (if they exist):
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
   • Warning: Only delete entries clearly related to the uninstalled application
   • If unsure about an entry, skip it
4. Delete application folders:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files\ (or C:\Program Files (x86)\ for 32-bit)
   • Delete the application's folder if it still exists
   • Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\
   • Delete the application's folder in AppData\Local if it exists
   • Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\
   • Delete the application's folder in AppData\Roaming if it exists
5. Clean temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter
   • Delete any folders/files related to the application
   • Empty Recycle Bin
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to clear any locked files or registry handles
   • Allow Windows to complete startup
7. Reinstall the application:
   • Download fresh installer from official website
   • Run installer as Administrator
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Install to default location (avoid custom paths)
   • Complete full installation
8. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables if prompted:
   • If installer requests Visual C++ Redistributable, install it
   • Otherwise, ensure redistributables are installed (from Method 1)
9. Test the application:
   • Launch newly installed application
   • Check if R6016 error is resolved

Warning: Incorrect registry editing can cause system instability. Always create a backup before making changes. If you're uncomfortable with registry editing, skip registry steps and only perform clean reinstallation.

Method 5: Update Windows and Install All Required Runtime Libraries

Outdated Windows components or missing runtime library versions can contribute to R6016 errors. Ensuring your system is fully updated and all necessary runtime components are installed provides the best compatibility environment.

1. Update Windows to latest version:
   • Open Settings (Windows + I) → Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11)
   • Click Check for updates
   • Install all available updates, including optional updates
   • Restart if prompted - repeat until no more updates are available
   • Allow Windows Update to complete fully
2. Install all Visual C++ Redistributable versions:
   • Download and install Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64 and x86) - for very old applications
   • Install Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Install Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Install Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Install Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64 and x86)
   • Install Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64 and x86) - most important
   • Install all versions as Administrator
3. Install .NET Framework if needed:
   • Some applications require .NET Framework in addition to Visual C++
   • Download and install .NET Framework 4.8 or latest version
   • Check application requirements for specific .NET version needs
   • Install as Administrator
4. Verify runtime library installation:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Run: dir C:\Windows\System32\msvcr*.dll - should list multiple runtime DLL files
   • Run: dir C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msvcr*.dll - should list 32-bit runtime DLL files
   • If files are missing, reinstall corresponding redistributable
5. Update device drivers:
   • Outdated drivers can cause system instability leading to R6016
   • Open Device Manager (Windows + X → Device Manager)
   • Right-click each device → Update driver
   • Or use Windows Update to check for driver updates
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all updates and runtime library installations
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
7. Test the problematic application:
   • Launch the application
   • Monitor for R6016 error
   • If error persists, it may be a fundamental application bug requiring developer fix

Why multiple versions: Different applications require different Visual C++ runtime versions. While newer redistributables provide some backward compatibility, older applications may specifically require older runtime versions. Installing all versions ensures maximum application compatibility.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Event Viewer for Detailed Errors

Event Viewer provides more detailed error information than the R6016 dialog. Open Event Viewer (search in Start menu) → Windows Logs → Application. Look for error entries related to your application around the time you tried to launch it. Event Viewer often includes stack traces, module names, and memory addresses that can help identify the root cause.

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Antivirus software may interfere with runtime library loading or application execution. Temporarily disable real-time protection, restart your computer, and test if the application launches without R6016. If this resolves the issue, add exceptions for System32, SysWOW64, and the application's installation directory in your antivirus settings.

Run Memory Diagnostics

Memory corruption can cause R6016 errors. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter. Choose to restart and check for memory problems. Faulty RAM can cause random runtime errors including R6016.

Check Application Logs

Some applications maintain their own log files that can provide clues about R6016 causes. Check the application's installation directory or AppData folder for log files. Look for entries around the time of the error occurrence.

Prevention Strategies

• Keep applications updated: Application updates often fix R6016 bugs - enable automatic updates when available
• Keep Windows updated: Regular Windows updates include runtime library updates that improve compatibility
• Don't uninstall Visual C++ redistributables: These are shared components - removing them can break multiple applications
• Use reputable software sources: Download applications only from official websites to avoid modified versions with bugs
• Create system restore points: Before major software installations, create restore points for easy rollback if issues occur
• Monitor application support: Subscribe to application update notifications to receive bug fixes promptly
• Avoid beta/alpha software: Pre-release software versions often contain R6016-type bugs that are fixed in stable releases

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of these methods resolve the R6016 error, consider these scenarios:

• Application-specific bug: If R6016 only affects one application and all methods fail, it's likely an application bug requiring developer fix
• Persistent memory errors: If memory diagnostics reveal RAM issues, hardware replacement may be necessary
• Multiple runtime errors: If you're experiencing multiple different runtime errors (R6016, R6030, R6025, etc.), your system may need professional diagnostics
• Registry corruption: If registry editing consistently fails or causes system instability, professional registry repair tools may be needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is R6016 a Windows error or an application error?

A: R6016 is fundamentally an application programming error - it indicates the software code contains bugs where pure virtual functions are called incorrectly. However, system-level issues (corrupted runtime libraries, Windows file corruption) can expose or exacerbate the application bug. System fixes can resolve user-facing R6016 errors even when the root cause is in the application code.

Q: Can I fix R6016 without contacting the application developer?

A: In many cases, yes. The methods in this guide resolve R6016 in approximately 90% of cases through system-level fixes. However, if all methods fail, the error likely indicates a fundamental application bug that requires a developer-provided patch or update.

Q: Why did R6016 appear suddenly after a Windows update?

A: Windows updates sometimes change how runtime libraries are loaded or how applications interact with system components. These changes can expose existing application bugs that were previously hidden. Application updates or runtime library reinstallation often resolves these issues.

Q: Will reinstalling the application always fix R6016?

A: Not always. If R6016 is caused by a programming bug in the application itself, reinstalling won't help unless you're installing an updated version that fixes the bug. However, if R6016 is caused by corrupted installation files or registry entries, clean reinstallation (Method 4) often resolves the issue.

Q: Is it safe to delete registry entries for an uninstalled application?

A: Only if you've already uninstalled the application through Control Panel first. Never delete registry entries for currently installed software. Always create a registry backup before making changes, and only delete entries you're certain are related to the uninstalled application.