Steamworks Common Redistrabutables

[RoxxasTheDemonslayer]

...WTH is this and why does it say i need to update it?

[Zekiran]

Because games using the code require an update. Like 100% of any software.

[RoxxasTheDemonslayer]

Originally posted by Zekiran:

Because games using the code require an update. Like 100% of any software.

o..k so its a side program to run other programs?

[Ogami]

Its a package containing common redistributables like DirectX, Net Framework, code libraries and so on.

Before, each game downloaded those files on their own so you had a ton of duplicate versions in each game folder.
Steam now collects all those files in that "Steamworks Common Redistributables" archive which automatically downloads with the client.
And each game that needs a certain file takes it from that archive, if it needs one that is not included it gets downloaded and added.

Saves quiet a bit of download and installation size, especially if you have a lot of games.

So its a good thing, dont delete that archive, it just will download again on its own.

[RoxxasTheDemonslayer]

ok so it a side (third party?) program that manages my downloads, that answers that.

downloading update.

[Jaunitta 🌸]

Explained here
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/0/1782766638536555591/
and here
https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/common_redist

[Zekiran]

It's like the lunch lady at a counter. There are peas or carrots to choose from and you're gonna get one of them, she's got the spoon. :)

[RoxxasTheDemonslayer]

thanks to all for explaning.

you would think the thing would have a desription or something on the thing somewhere.

[Zekiran]

"Common redistributable" is a really common thing, and is used for not just steam.

[RoxxasTheDemonslayer]

with question answered:

/delete thread