Excess MS Visual C++ Files?

Question

My Apps have 4 Microsoft Visual C++ programs showing. First and most recent says 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) and three others say 2022 Redistributable (Arm64) with various dates from 7/15/2024 to 12/8/2025. Can the ARM64 programs be removed? Would this enable Nuance Power PDF 2.1 to be installed?

Answer 1

The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages are used to run applications developed with Visual C++. If you have multiple versions installed, it is generally safe to remove older versions if you are not using applications that depend on them. However, the ARM64 versions may be required for specific applications that were built to run on ARM64 architecture.

Before removing any redistributables, it is advisable to check if the applications you intend to use (like Nuance Power PDF 2.1) require a specific version of the Visual C++ Redistributable. If they do not require the ARM64 versions, you can consider uninstalling them.

Keep in mind that uninstalling redistributables may affect other applications that rely on them, so proceed with caution. It’s always a good idea to create a restore point before making such changes to your system.

Answer 2

The Visual C++ packages you mention shouldn't cause any harm (see also the AI-generated reply from Q&A Assist).

Generally, when a third-party (non-Microsoft) app doesn't work properly, check its support site. I believe https://www.pdf-format.com/web/en/support/?area=uc is the correct place for Nuance Power PDF.

P.S. I replied in your other thread at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5785376/ as well.