VMWare Player Keeps Auto-Installing Visual C++ Redistributables Even After Uninstallation on Offline Computer

Introduction

VMWare Player is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run virtual machines on their local computers. During the installation process, the VMWare Player installer may ask to download and install necessary Visual C++ Redistributables. However, in some cases, users may find that these redistributables keep getting re-installed even after uninstalling them, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Understanding Visual C++ Redistributables

Visual C++ Redistributables are a set of runtime libraries that are required to run applications developed using Visual C++. These redistributables are installed alongside the application that requires them. However, sometimes, they may be installed separately, especially during the installation of other software, such as VMWare Player.

Why VMWare Player Keeps Installing Visual C++ Redistributables

VMWare Player may keep installing Visual C++ Redistributables due to the following reasons:

• Missing or corrupted redistributables: If the required redistributables are missing or corrupted on the system, VMWare Player may attempt to install them during the installation process.
• Automatic updates: VMWare Player may check for updates and install the latest version, which may include new or updated redistributables.
• Third-party applications: Other applications installed on the system may require the same version of Visual C++ Redistributables, and VMWare Player may install them during its installation process.

How to Prevent VMWare Player from Installing Visual C++ Redistributables

To prevent VMWare Player from installing Visual C++ Redistributables, you can follow these steps:

1. Download and install the necessary Visual C++ Redistributables manually from the Microsoft website before installing VMWare Player. You can download the latest version of Visual C++ Redistributables from the following link:

   https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/download-the-latest-visual-c-redistributable-2015-2017-and-2019-versions-61dd1acd-4712-b81d-b4d3-803fc2c1-b4d3

2. During the VMWare Player installation process, uncheck the option to install Visual C++ Redistributables. This can typically be found during the custom installation process.

How to Uninstall Visual C++ Redistributables

To uninstall Visual C++ Redistributables, you can follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.

2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll down and find the Visual C++ Redistributable you want to uninstall. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.

VMWare Player may keep installing Visual C++ Redistributables due to missing or corrupted redistributables, automatic updates, or third-party applications. To prevent VMWare Player from installing Visual C++ Redistributables, you can download and install them manually before installing VMWare Player or uncheck the installation option during the VMWare Player installation process. To uninstall Visual C++ Redistributables, you can use the Programs and Features app in the Windows Control Panel.