Runtimes and frameworks are important components of any language. Runtime libraries are required for a program to run on the Operating System.
For example, if you want to run a Java application, you will need a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and if you want to run a VC++ program, you will need a specific VC++ Runtime environment.
The most popular runtimes include Visual C++ redistributables for running programs built in VC++, .NET Framework for programs created with Visual Studio .NET Framework, and Java Runtime Environment for running programs built in Java.
There are less popular runtimes like Flash Player, Microsoft Silverlight (now retired), DirectX, and Adobe Shockwave Player.
Some runtimes come pre-installed in Windows while others need to be installed. There are two ways to install all the required runtimes at once in Windows so you don’t have to install each version individually. We will discuss both ways here.
All in One Runtimes
All in One Runtimes (or AIO Runtimes) is an executable script for installing commonly used runtimes and frameworks in Windows.
When the All in One Runtimes setup runs, it checks for installed runtimes in Windows and will list down all the runtimes and frameworks that are missing from your PC.
The program is in German but you will be able to understand quite easily the two-step process of runtime installation. The first step is to select the runtimes to install, then click “Install” to start the installation process.
You can check all runtimes in the Details (Detailliert) tab. The supported runtimes include:
- General system runtimes
- .NET Framework (2.0 – 3.5.1 – 4.8) [Download all .NET Frameworks here]
- Visual C++ 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2019 Runtimes [Download all Visual C++ Redistributables here]
- Adobe Flash Player [Download Flash Player from here]
- Adobe Shockwave Player
- Microsoft Silverlight
- Microsoft Visual J-Sharp
In the previous version, DirectX runtimes were also included but since Windows 10 doesn’t require older DirectX runtimes, this option has been removed.
My opinion is that Microsoft Silverlight and Adobe Shockwave Player should not be installed as they are already retired. Installing obsolete frameworks and runtimes will make the system insecure.
Please note that All in One Runtimes is a big file of around 350MB but it is worth the download if you have to install multiple runtimes on your computer.
Ninite Runtimes
Another way to download and install the required runtimes automatically is by using Ninite.
Ninite is a wonderful tool to install multiple software automatically and unattended. You just have to select the software you want to install and Ninite will do the rest while you wait for the installation to complete.
Ninite has a section called Runtime which includes the following:
- Java 8 JRE
- .NET 4.8
- Silverlight
- Adobe Air
Although the list is not as long as All in One Runtimes, the installation is pretty simple and smoothly done. You can either go to ninite.com and customize your software selection to be installed, or you can download the file from the link given above which includes all the Runtimes listed above.
How do you install common runtimes and frameworks on your computer?
