Do I need Microsoft Silverlight

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  1. Posts : 318
    Windows 10 x64
       #1

    Do I need Microsoft Silverlight


    I have Silverlight installed on this Win 7 desktop, and it receives occasional updates. But I wonder: Do I need it? Is it in use? How would I know?

    I know that it's Microsoft's answer to Adobe Flash. But in a Flash-dominated world, I don't know where or when Silverlight gets used, if at all. How can I find out if it's being used on my PC?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,724
    Windows 10x64 Build 1709
       #2

    I myself don't have it installed on my machine. NO problems at all. I haven't found any sites/videos etc. that I couldn't view without it. Now.... I do think I've heard .... somewhere .... that Netflix (maybe) needs it, but as I don't use Netflix I can't vouch for that. My bottom line is ...... no you don't need it. (MY opinion)
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 225
    Microsoft Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
       #3

    indianacarnie said:
    I myself don't have it installed on my machine. NO problems at all. I haven't found any sites/videos etc. that I couldn't view without it. Now.... I do think I've heard .... somewhere .... that Netflix (maybe) needs it, but as I don't use Netflix I can't vouch for that. My bottom line is ...... no you don't need it. (MY opinion)
    Yes Netflix uses it, you can't view Netflix without it. From my understanding, for the general user, it is mostly used in different video streaming services. So I don't think it's necessary to have unless you stream a lot of video's on certain sites, I think ABC and sites like that use it to stream their videos at times. The thing is, you don't necessarily need it, but it's also not hurting you to have it, sure it takes up space, but it's not slowing you down, and if you don't use it, you'll never know it's there, so I would say just keep it there and maybe sometime in the future you might use it, if not, no harm done.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,049
    Windows 7 Pro 32
       #4

    I've only needed it for Microsoft sites. Here's a highly recommended one if you're interested in security:
    Malware Hunting with the Sysinternals Tools | TechEd North America 2012 | Channel 9

    When you watch a video you can right-click in the video and see if the pop-up menu says Flash Player, HTML5 Player, or Silverlight

    Before you uninstall Silverlight you could just disable the add-on in your browser and wait a few weeks to see if you run into any webpages with a video that doesn't play. If so then maybe you do need it
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #5

    Yep only Microsoft help videos and Netflix uses Silverlight,
    I don't use either so Silverlight is not installed,
    Cheers.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #6

    Good question. Good answers.


    The OP had a good question. I had forgotten all about Silverlight until last week's Microsoft Update in which they updated some Silverlight files. I suppose now my question is: since I apparently have Silverlight installed (and updated) should I just leave it alone as it never causes any apparent problems ... or should I uninstall it?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #7

    Hi,
    It's all personal preference to have it or not,
    It's released through the windows update system so if you auto load windows updates it will just reload.

    I personally leave it to collect dust in the optional updates section because hiding it just brings up another version.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,100
    W7 home premium 32bit/W7HP 64bit/w10 tp insider ring
       #8

    and


    Its a requirement in the Uk, if your ISP is Sky and you want to use the Skygo ap.
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  9. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #9

    ThrashZone said:
    I personally leave it to collect dust in the optional updates section because hiding it just brings up another version.
    It comes back like 5-6 times when hidden, once for each version upgrade. When you hide them, you don't get them offered again, until a new version comes out. I have them hidden (just one entry in hidden updates screen) and don't get offered a new one. Been like this for 5 weeks now (since I installed OS).
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 31,242
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #10

    Silverlight is used by various content providers in the UK, and I assume other markets, As stated SkyGo, Netflix and I think a few of the general catch up TV providers BBC iPlayer Etc

    I use several of these so have it loaded, when i needed it works, when I don't it causes no issues
      My Computers


 
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