How Do I Uninstall C++ 2015?

This is a detailed guide on how to uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2015.

Before you proceed, it is critical to understand the potential risks, as these packages are required by many other applications to function correctly. Uninstalling them could cause a variety of programs, from games to productivity software, to stop working.

Before you begin: Take precautionary steps

• Create a system restore point. This is a crucial safety net. If anything goes wrong, you can revert your computer to its previous state.
• Identify what you're uninstalling. "C++ 2015" can refer to a few different components:
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable: This is the most common component, which provides the libraries that many programs need to run. It's usually installed by other applications automatically.
  • Visual Studio 2015: This is the full development environment used by programmers to create applications. You should only uninstall this if you are a developer and no longer need it.
  • "2015–2019" or "2015–2022" Redistributables: Newer redistributable packages often combine multiple versions. Be aware that uninstalling these can affect programs that rely on more recent versions as well.

Disclaimer: Proceed with caution. Uninstalling these components can cause other programs to fail or become unstable. Only uninstall if you are certain you know what you are doing.

Method 1: Using the Apps & Features menu (Recommended)

For most users, this is the safest and most direct way to manage or remove Visual C++ installations.

1. Open Apps & Features. Click the Start menu and type "Apps & features," then select the corresponding System settings option.
2. Search for C++. In the search bar provided, type "c++" to filter the list of installed applications.
3. Find the 2015 entry. Look for entries named "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable" or "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable." You may see both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions.
4. Initiate the uninstall.
   • Click on the specific entry you want to remove.
   • Click the Uninstall button that appears.
   • Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process. Repeat for both x86 and x64 versions if present.

Method 2: Forcibly uninstalling Visual Studio 2015

If you are a developer and want to completely remove the Visual Studio 2015 integrated development environment (IDE), a more aggressive approach may be needed to clean up all components.

1. Download the uninstall tool. Use the official Visual Studio Uninstaller tool. On some versions, you may need to find the installer executable you originally used.

2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Click the Start menu, type "cmd," right-click on "Command Prompt," and choose "Run as administrator".

3. Run the uninstall command.

   • Navigate to the location of your Visual Studio 2015 installer. For example, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer.
   • Execute the command using the /force switch. The exact file name will depend on your edition (e.g., vs_community.exe, vs_enterprise.exe).

   vs_community.exe /uninstall /force
   

4. Confirm the uninstallation. The installer will prompt you to confirm the forceful removal. This process can take some time.

Method 3: Using a third-party uninstaller (advanced)

Third-party uninstallers, such as Revo Uninstaller, are designed to perform a deeper, more thorough removal by scanning for and cleaning up leftover files and registry entries.

1. Install a third-party uninstaller. Download and install a reliable program like Revo Uninstaller.
2. Find the application. Launch the uninstaller and locate "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015" in the list of programs.
3. Perform the uninstall. Run the standard uninstall routine, and then select the "Advanced" scan mode when prompted. The software will scan for and allow you to remove any residual files and registry entries.

What happens after you uninstall?

• You may encounter errors. Programs that depend on the C++ 2015 redistributable will likely fail to launch with an error about a missing .dll file, such as vcruntime140.dll.
• Reinstallation may be required. If you find that a program you need has stopped working, you will have to reinstall the correct version of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package. You can download the latest official versions directly from Microsoft's website.
• Future installations may reinstall it. Many software installers include the necessary redistributable package, so installing a program that requires it will automatically reinstall it for you.