Visual C++ and Windows Desktop Runtime Question

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtimes have been required by certain programs for a while now. I currently have versions 2005 - 2022 installed (x64 and x86) and try to keep them up to date as new versions come out. However, with Windows 11 I now see Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime has been installed...3 versions (3.1.23, 5.0.15, and 6.0.2), What are these for and, similar to Visual C++ do I need all three versions? Thanks.

For years I have tried to understand visual c runtimes, .net, and now MS Windows Desktop Runtime. I finally decided one would have to be a programmer before it could all be understood. I checked and I do not have Desktop Runtime installed so I believe some desktop app you installed that uses the newer .NET Core platform probably installed it on your system.

As far as that long list of Microsoft Visual C+++runtimes, I say play it safe and leave them alone. Visual C++ redistributables are software packages provided by Microsoft that other programs can use. Those programs either install the redistributables they need, or ask you to do so. When programs are updated or uninstalled, they typically do not uninstall the redistributables, and there’s no easy way to know which ones your machine requires.