duplicate entries of microsoft visual

Question

I have identical programs of microsoft visual c++ 2015-022 redistributable (x64) 14.44.352.11 can id delete the oldest one? I also have 2 of the same windows desktop runtime 6.0.36 (x64) the other one is 8.0.25 (x64)

Answer 1

Do not uninstall any of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable entries or .NET/Windows Desktop Runtime entries manually. Multiple entries and versions are expected and required by different apps.

Key points based on the Visual C++ Redistributable behavior:

1. Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable
   • The 2015–2022 redistributable is a single, in‑place, cumulative runtime for all MSVC v14.x versions (Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2026).
   • The redistributable version installed must be equal to or newer than the version used to build each app.
   • The architecture (x64 vs x86) must match the apps that use it.
   • Newer redistributable installers replace older ones of the same major line; installers also check for newer versions and will not downgrade.
   • Removing a redistributable that apps depend on can cause those apps to stop working or fail to install.
   Because of this, even if entries look similar or “duplicate”, they are typically:
   • Different architectures (x86 vs x64), or
   • Different minor/build versions that other software expects.
   They should be left installed unless a specific vendor or support engineer instructs to remove them as part of a repair procedure.
2. Windows Desktop Runtime (e.g., 6.0.x and 8.0.x)
   • Different runtime major versions (6.0, 8.0, etc.) are side‑by‑side and used by different apps targeting those versions.
   • Having both 6.0.x and 8.0.x installed is normal; apps built for 6.0 will not automatically use 8.0.
   • Removing one version can break apps that target that specific runtime.
3. When to remove anything
   • Only remove a redistributable or runtime if:
     • An application vendor’s official instructions explicitly say to, or
     • A Microsoft support engineer guides through that step.
   • Removing “older looking” entries just to clean up is not recommended and can cause app launch or install failures.

If disk space is a concern, focus on large apps or games rather than system runtimes like Visual C++ Redistributables and .NET/Windows Desktop Runtimes.

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References:

• Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads
• Lifecycle FAQ - Microsoft C++ Build Tools, Redistributable, and runtime libraries
• C++ binary compatibility between Visual Studio versions
• Redistribute Visual C++ files
• Using the Microsoft C Runtime with User-Mode Drivers and Desktop Apps
• Troubleshoot Visual C++ Redistributable installation problems