Can You Delete Old Microsoft Visual C++ [A Full Guide for You]

Part 1. What Is Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable functions as a necessary collection of runtime modules that enables programs built with Microsoft Visual C++ to operate correctly. Multiple programs demand the redistributables to operate correctly.

➤ Definition and Purpose of Microsoft Visual C++

• The runtime libraries contained in this package support all Visual C++ application programs.
• The package supports running programs securely between versions of Windows environments.
• The run-time environment enables improved software stability because all apps share resources.
• Multiple Visual C++ Redistributable versions appear on your PC system because different applications need distinct release versions of this software.

Part 2. Why Do I Have So Many Microsoft Visual C++

Multiple copies of Visual C++ Redistributables normally appear on Windows PCs. Different applications need particular versions of libraries to function which leads to the installation of multiple redistributable libraries.

➤ Why Do Different Versions Coexist

• The correct execution of older applications depends specifically on certain redistributable versions.
• Different Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable applications demand installation of their corresponding period versions including 2013 and 2015 to 2022.
• The system installs recently released versions of certain updates automatically.
• Using software applications that work with both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) will result in your system maintaining dual versions.
• Errors and program crashes can appear in systems where users eliminate outdated dependencies that their programs rely on.

Windows does not perform automatic removal of older versions because of these reasons.

Part 3. Can You Delete Old Microsoft Visual C++

Many users question whether they can safely remove older Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from their systems for the purpose of increasing available disk space. The quick approach of deleting these components might lead to software problems when running applications.

This text explains the security of uninstalling these Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables along with their risks and other available alternatives.

1️⃣ Is It Ok to Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++

The reason the old versions of Visual C++ stay on your system is that certain programs rely on them for operation. Removing Visual C++ libraries causes dependent software applications to malfunction.

• It is safe to uninstall Visual C++ versions that are not currently used.
• It is safe to uninstall a program after you remove a piece of software that specifically needs that specific version.
• A redundant version should be removed when it interferes with new software programs.

• You cannot proceed with the uninstallation if you are unsure which software depends on the Visual C++ libraries.
• You should not uninstall Visual C++ when working with either older applications or games that need to function with legacy versions.
• The frequent installation and uninstallation of programs constitute a reason to not perform the uninstallation procedure.

2️⃣ What Happens If I Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Uninstalling Visual C++ Redistributables causes these problems to occur:

• Software programs will cease to operate when they require exact version dependency.
• The operating system will automatically restore Visual C++ redistributables when your system requires them.
• The process of reinstalling applications might result in a request to download the required redistributables.

The question remains if I should remove Microsoft Visual C++. Other storage solutions like file-deduplication and disk extension should be your first approach before you decide to reduce storage capacity.

The removal of older Visual C++ versions can be possible only if a program does not require the specific version software anymore, yet you must keep a backup for reinstallation. Similarly, if you have duplicates (year and bit) then removing the duplicate file will not cause any issue.

Part 4. How to Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ — Manually Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

You should remove older versions of Visual C++ Redistributable through the following proper sequence yet notice the Microsoft official website as your backup in case uninstallation leads to problems.

• Open your “Control Panel” and click “Start” then run this command “appwiz.cpl”.

• Uninstall all the components that have duplicates (you will only keep one and remove all duplicates).

  

• Finish the process by going to Microsoft and downloading and installing the latest version for each Visual C++ Redistributable.

Part 5. What to Do If the Old Version of Microsoft Visual C Cannot Be Removed

System restrictions prevent Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from uninstallation when they are linked to software dependencies. If uninstallation fails multiple options exist to better use storage capacity that includes file deletion and disk capacity increase. The following section describes two stable methods which address this issue.

Way 1. Delete Duplicate Files to Free Up Space

Users who are short on disk space may be disturbed by duplicate files, including old Visual C++ versions. Under this circumstance, an expert software that can locate and remove duplicate files will help a lot. Amid this, 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter is a great tool worth a shot. It is designed to fully scan a wide range of duplicates and eliminate them quickly, allowing users to reclaim storage without uninstalling essential system files.

Meanwhile, customizable scanning options (such as file type, the folder you want to skip, etc.) are offered. You can choose those files to remove to your deals. It is worth mentioning that this program provides a Smart Remove and a Review Duplicates model, making us opt to delete all duplicate files at once or manually delete one type of them. Apart from local driver, it can also detect and eliminate duplicates from OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Below are the steps you can follow for deleting duplicate files present on your computer:

• Install and run your 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter. On its home screen, select “Duplicates” then choose “Get Started”.

  

• Pick “Local Drive” and click “Next” then choose your desired folders and click “Scan”

  

• By clicking the gear icon, we can select the file type we want to scan and also skip specific important folders to avoid scanning.

  

• Once the scan is complete, you may click “Review Duplicates” to check specific duplicate details or tap the “Smart Remove” button to delete all of them at once.

  

With these quick and easy steps, you can easily delete any type of duplicate file present in any location on your storage drive.

Way 2. Add Extra Space to Disk for Visual C++

Your system drive needs more space. Apart from removing duplicates from the Microsoft program drive, you can also try to add more unallocated space to extend its size. So, this is where the 4DDiG Partition Manager comes in handy. It enables you to increase partition dimensions and add unallocated space from other partitions to the Microsoft drive partition without data loss, which benefits essential Visual C++ versions and extra programs.

At the same time, this all-around partition solution also supports cloning and moving disk or system data between different drives. Likewise, it can even transfer the entire Windows OS to other drives like SSD, SD card, etc., safely for backup.

Here are the simple steps to follow on 4DDiG software to extend your disk partition size.

• Start your 4DDiG Partition Manager software. On the left menu, pick "Partition Management". Now select the disk wishing to be expanded and click "Extend/Shrink” to proceed.

  

• Edit the disk size by using the user-friendly slider and click “OK” then choose “Sure”.

  

• On the next screen click “Execute Task” button and begin the process by clicking “OK”. Once the disk size is increased you may finish the process by clicking “Done”.

With these 3 easy steps, you can easily increase the size of any disk on your computer.

Conclusion

The answer to “can you delete old Microsoft Visual C Redistributable” depends on whether the files are necessary for system operations. Public programs require older versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for proper functioning thus removing them might generate system errors.

The 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter along with 4DDiG Partition Manager offers two methods to liberate disk space since uninstallation isn't necessary for these files. You should uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable versions only if necessary because later reinstallations might be required.

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