If you have ever installed a piece of software on Windows—whether it was a video game, a photo editor, or a utility tool—you have likely encountered a prompt to install the "Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package." You may have clicked "Next" without a second thought, or perhaps you noticed it sitting in your "Add or Remove Programs" list and wondered if it was safe to delete.
Microsoft eventually ended mainstream support for Visual C++ 2010. This means they no longer release new features or bug fixes for it. However, for a long time, it was vital to keep this package updated through Windows Update to patch security vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute code on your system. microsoft visual c++ 2010 redistributable package
It is perfectly normal to have both the x86 and x64 versions installed simultaneously. A 64-bit game might need the x64 libraries, while a 32-bit utility tool needs the x86 libraries. If you have ever installed a piece of
Support for multi-platform shared-memory multiprocessing. However, for a long time, it was vital
If a program was built using , it will search for these specific files on your computer. If they aren't found, the program will crash or show a "Runtime Error".
: You might end up with several slightly different versions of the 2010 package, which can clutter your "Add or Remove Programs" list. The Verdict: Should You Keep It? Yes. There is almost no benefit to uninstalling it, but doing so carries a high risk of breaking older software. If you are missing it and an app is failing to start, you can still find the latest Service Pack 1 update from Microsoft's official download center. Further Exploration Read the official Microsoft documentation for a full list of all supported redistributable versions. Check this troubleshooting guide for advice on why you might have a dozen different versions installed. Review this