which MS C++ redistributable can you delete?

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Batman

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#288489 3-Jul-2021 13:21

I have lots of these MS C++ redistributable installed on my windows 10 PC

I am sure some were installed with programs that I have now deleted

The thing is - how do i know which C++ redistributable i can delete?

If i delete something that is needed will it automatically be redownloaded if needed?

SirHumphreyAppleby

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#2738404 3-Jul-2021 13:28

There is no easy way to determine which ones you need. It's not unusual for software to have dependencies on multiple versions.

If you delete them, no, software won't detect this and download them automatically. You will just get errors.

gzt

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#2738406 3-Jul-2021 13:41

Worse still.. it depends how they were distributed.

It's 'relatively' safe to uninstall those in control panel. If a program fails to start it will 'usually' 'tell' you which version it's looking for.

The latest from Microsoft now replaces several versions.

Yes, this is potentially 'painful'.

Record which versions you remove in case you need to reinstall and it's not covered by latest.

Batman

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#2738410 3-Jul-2021 14:09

i think i'll just leave them be

gzt

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#2738419 3-Jul-2021 15:04

It's a horrible installer too. Goodness knows how Microsoft allowed installation to the root of the system drive against every guideline they ever produced ..