Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1 May 2026

Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1

Vulkan Run Time Libraries (often shown in system software lists as "Vulkan Run Time Libraries" or "VulkanRT") are components that implement the Vulkan graphics and compute API on Windows systems. Version 1.0.39.1 is a specific release in the Vulkan 1.0.x series. Below is a concise, useful overview covering what it is, why it appears on systems, compatibility, installation, troubleshooting, and security considerations.

Q5: Is there a 64-bit and 32-bit version?

Yes. Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1 typically installs both: vulkan run time libraries 1.0.39.1

• 64-bit: C:\Windows\System32\vulkan-1.dll
• 32-bit: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\vulkan-1.dll

Scenarios where you can REMOVE it:

• You only use integrated graphics (Intel HD 4000 or older) – Those do not support Vulkan.
• You never play games or use 3D apps – Basic office, browsing, or video streaming works fine without Vulkan.
• You have a newer Vulkan runtime installed – Newer versions (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) are backward compatible, making 1.0.39.1 redundant.

Important: If you uninstall 1.0.39.1 and a program requires it, that program will either (a) prompt you to reinstall, (b) crash, or (c) fall back to a different renderer (e.g., OpenGL or DirectX). Uninstalling is generally safe but not recommended for gamers. Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1

How it’s installed/updated

• Automatically bundled with official GPU driver packages. Updating your GPU drivers (from the vendor’s site or via Windows Update) typically installs or updates Vulkan runtimes.
• Developers can install Vulkan SDK (from LunarG) for development; the SDK is separate from the runtime and includes headers, tools, validation layers, and samples.

Scenarios where you SHOULD keep it:

1. You play modern PC games – Many games (especially those using Vulkan) require at least version 1.0.x. While newer games need 1.3+, older titles are compatible with 1.0.39.1.
2. You run CAD or 3D modeling software – Some professional apps leverage Vulkan compute.
3. You use emulators – RPCS3 (PS3 emulator), Yuzu (Switch emulator), and PPSSPP often prefer Vulkan backends.

3. Version Context (1.0.39.1)

• Release Date: Approximately mid‑2016 (Summer 2016).
• Based on: Vulkan 1.0 specification (first released Feb 16, 2016).
• Changes from earlier 1.0.x versions: Mostly bug fixes, improved loader stability, and minor layer updates. Version 39 lay between 1.0.37 and 1.0.42.
• Status: Obsolete. The current Vulkan runtime versions are 1.3.x (as of 2026); 1.0.39.1 lacks many core features (e.g., dynamic rendering, timeline semaphores, improved synchronization).

5. Should I uninstall it?

The short answer: No.

The long answer: If you uninstall this library, any game or application that relies on Vulkan will fail to launch or crash immediately. It takes up a negligible amount of space (usually less than 5MB), so there is no benefit to removing it to save disk space. 64-bit: C:\Windows\System32\vulkan-1

Exception: If you have upgraded to a much newer version of Vulkan but the old version 1.0.39.1 is stubbornly still listed in your installed programs list (and you are experiencing graphics glitches), you could uninstall it and then repair your current graphics driver installation to force a clean, newer version of Vulkan to take over. However, for most users, simply ignoring it is the best course of action.