How to install Chocolatey, Visual C++ Redistributables, and DirectX on a Windows VPS

Some Windows game servers need supporting runtime packages before they start correctly. Common examples are Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and DirectX runtime files.

Chocolatey can make common Windows runtime installs faster, but you should still follow the game documentation when a game lists specific dependencies.

1. Connect to the Windows VPS with Remote Desktop.
2. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
3. Install Chocolatey using the current command from the official Chocolatey setup page: Chocolatey setup documentation.
4. Close and reopen PowerShell, then check Chocolatey works:

   choco -v

5. Install the common Visual C++ Redistributables and DirectX runtime packages:

   choco install vcredist-all -y
   choco install directx -y

   

6. Restart the VPS after installing runtime packages.
7. Start the game server again and check its console or log output.

If a game provides its own dependency installer, use the game's installer or documentation first. Do not install random runtime bundles from unofficial download sites.