What is M/S Silverlight?

[gordon_s1942]

My son said this appeared on the Laptop running WIN7 and asked if it was allowed to do 'changes' to the computer.
He tried to cancel it etc but it just repeats itself.
We checked in the Add/Remove Programs and its called 'Microsoft Silverlight_empty.msi' and has 305 mb apparently and wont delete so I guess its some part of a M/S program but what?
I did a 'Google' but got no answers, at least on the Galaxy Tablet.

So, do I let it do its 'changes', ignore it or what?

[lsemmens]

Have look and . You can decide if it of benefit, or not. (I have it installed BTW)

[gordon_s1942]

Very confusing as 50% of those replies are for, 50% are against, 25% need more time to decide and 5% have never heard of it.
One said he deleted it, I would like to know how because I couldnt using ADD/Remove.

My son said the only reason it concerned him was because it was causing him some problems with Facebook etc which I dont use.

I love their terminology in describing the program, I almost needed an Insulin shot on reading how 'Rich' it is.

[Dave001]

I use Silverlight to watch Netflix on the PC, works fine for me, haven't noticed any problems with any other sites/programs.

On my system (Win7 Home Premium - 64bit) it is listed as Microsoft Silverlight 5.1.30514.0 - 199MB under add remove programs.

[gordon_s1942]

I wonder if this is listed differently because we didnt allow it to do this upgrade?

[mtv]

Some software requires Silverlight to run, so it depends on your application.

[Dave001]

I wonder if this is listed differently because we didnt allow it to do this upgrade?

It could be you are running a 32 bit OS, and that is why there is a difference in name/size. The install could have become corrupted, that would explain why it won't uninstall. It could even be a virus that has replaced the actual Silverlight install.

[jwoegerbauer]

and wont delete?

To get rid of an actual Silverlight installation that refuses its uninstall:

Open up registry (after its backup!) and search for "silverlight.msi" - you probably will find it in the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT / installer / products / D7314F9862C648A4DB8BE2A5B47BE100

Delete that key

And also delete all Silverlight folders in ProgramData and Program Files

Restart computer


If you need Silverlight to be installed, re-install it.