The fastest way to remove Microsoft Visual C++

To remove Microsoft Visual C++ from Windows, open Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps, search for "Microsoft Visual C++", select the version you want to remove, click Uninstall, and confirm. The process takes about two minutes. Windows will not let you delete a version that another program still needs, so you may see an error if something on your computer depends on it.

If you have multiple versions installed (which is common), you will see them listed separately — for example, "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable" and "Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable". You can remove them one at a time or all at once. Most people only need to remove the ones they installed themselves; the ones Windows uses stay protected.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft Visual C++ is a library that programs use to run, not a program you use directly, so removing it only matters if you installed extra copies or no longer use the software that needs it.
  • The Settings app uninstall method works for most versions, but older versions may require the Control Panel instead.
  • Windows prevents you from removing a version that another program depends on, so you will get an error message if removal would break something.
  • If uninstall fails or gets stuck, you can use the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installer to repair or remove the version directly.

Why Microsoft Visual C++ is on your computer

Microsoft Visual C++ is not a program you run — it is a library of code that other programs use to work. When you install software like Discord, OBS, or certain games, they often install a copy of Microsoft Visual C++ at the same time because they need it to run. Over time, you can end up with five or six different versions on your computer, each tied to a different program.

Most of these versions do not take up much space, so removing them is usually optional. You only need to remove one if you no longer use the program that needs it, or if you are troubleshooting a problem with a specific program. Removing a version that another program depends on will break that program, which is why Windows blocks the removal if it detects a conflict.

How to remove it through Settings (Windows 10 and 11)

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I. Click Apps on the left side, then click Installed apps. In the search box at the top, type "Microsoft Visual C++" to filter the list. You will see all the versions you have installed, each with a date next to it.

Click the version you want to remove. An Uninstall button will appear. Click it, then click Uninstall again to confirm. Windows will remove the files and show you a message when it is done. If you see an error saying the program cannot be removed because another program needs it, that version is in use and you should leave it alone.

How to remove it through Control Panel (older versions)

If you have an older version of Windows or an older version of Visual C++, the Settings method may not work. Open Control Panel by pressing Windows key + R, typing "control panel", and pressing Enter. Click Programs, then Programs and Features.

Scroll down or search for "Microsoft Visual C++". Click the version you want to remove, then click Uninstall at the top. Follow the prompts to confirm. This method works the same way as Settings but is sometimes the only option for versions released before 2015.

What to do if uninstall fails or gets stuck

If the uninstall button does nothing, or if you get an error message, try restarting your computer first — sometimes a program is using the library and preventing removal. After restart, try uninstalling again through Settings or Control Panel.

If that does not work, you can download the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installer from Microsoft's website for the specific version you want to remove. Run the installer, and it will give you the option to repair or remove the installation. This method works even when the normal uninstall is stuck. Make sure you download the correct version (2015, 2019, 2022, etc.) and the correct architecture (x86 for 32-bit, x64 for 64-bit) to match what you are trying to remove.

When you should not remove Microsoft Visual C++

Do not remove a version if Windows tells you another program needs it. If you ignore the warning and remove it anyway, the program that depends on it will stop working. You will have to reinstall either the program or the Visual C++ version to fix it.

If you are not sure whether a version is safe to remove, leave it alone. The disk space saved is usually less than 100 MB per version, so keeping an extra copy does not hurt your computer. Only remove versions you are certain you installed as part of a program you no longer use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Microsoft Visual C++ on my computer?

Yes, but you do not need to think about it. Programs install the versions they need automatically. You only notice it when you have multiple versions from different programs. Removing all of them would break the programs that depend on them, so Windows prevents that.

Will removing Microsoft Visual C++ speed up my computer?

No. Visual C++ libraries sit idle until a program needs them. They do not run in the background or use CPU or memory unless a program calls them. Removing them will not improve performance.

Can I remove all versions at once?

You can uninstall them one at a time through Settings or Control Panel, but Windows will block you from removing any version that another program still needs. If you want to remove all of them, you would have to uninstall the programs that depend on them first.

What is the difference between the 2015, 2019, and 2022 versions?

They are different releases from different years. Newer programs tend to use newer versions, but older programs may still need older ones. You can have all of them installed at the same time without conflict. Each one is independent.

Do I need to restart my computer after removing Microsoft Visual C++?

Usually not, but it does not hurt. If a program that depends on the version you removed is currently running, restart to make sure it closes completely before you try to use it again.