Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable X64 Better Official
Service Pack 1 (SP1) update installed, as older versions had vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain system control. Microsoft +5 Community Perspectives Experts and users generally view these "zombie" files as a necessary, if clutter-filled, part of the Windows ecosystem. “I really doubt it takes 4GB as it should really take about several (under 10) MB. If you uninstall it there is a chance that one of your installed programs will stop running.” Why do I need Visual C++ 2008 redistributable? - Super User Super User
Software built with Visual C++ 2008 requires the 2008 libraries. It cannot use the 2012 or 2015 libraries. Backward compatibility doesn't apply here. If you uninstall the 2008 package to "clean up" your PC, you will break any software that relies on it. microsoft visual c++ 2008 redistributable x64
You need the x64 version if:
It is common to look at your "Installed Programs" list and see a graveyard of Visual C++ versions: 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, and so on. Service Pack 1 (SP1) update installed, as older
