Microsoft Silverlight: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Microsoft Silverlight is a web application framework developed by Microsoft that enables the creation of rich internet applications and media experiences. It was first released in 2007 as a competitor to Adobe Flash, offering similar capabilities for creating interactive and multimedia content on the web. However, in recent years, Silverlight has lost popularity and support, leading many users to question whether they should remove it from their systems.

Uninstall Apps

The Rise and Fall of Silverlight

When Silverlight was first introduced, it gained traction as a promising technology for delivering rich media content and interactive applications on the web. It offered features such as vector graphics, animation, and streaming video playback, making it an attractive choice for developers and content creators.

However, the rise of HTML5 as a web standard and the increasing popularity of mobile devices brought significant challenges to Silverlight. HTML5 provided native support for many of the features that Silverlight offered, eliminating the need for a separate plugin. Additionally, mobile platforms such as iOS and Android did not support Silverlight, limiting its reach and adoption.

As a result, Microsoft announced in 2012 that it would no longer actively develop Silverlight, focusing instead on HTML5 and other web technologies. Since then, support for Silverlight has gradually declined, with major browsers phasing out support for the plugin.

Should You Remove Silverlight?

Whether you should remove Silverlight from your system depends on your specific needs and usage. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Compatibility:

If you frequently visit websites or use applications that rely on Silverlight, removing it may cause compatibility issues. Some older websites and enterprise applications still use Silverlight for certain functionalities. Before removing Silverlight, ensure that you won’t lose access to any essential services or content.

2. Security:

Since Microsoft no longer actively supports or updates Silverlight, it may pose security risks. Outdated software can be vulnerable to exploits and malware attacks. If you decide to keep Silverlight, make sure to regularly update it to the latest version. Additionally, consider using a reliable antivirus program like Malwarebytes Free to scan for any potential threats.

3. Performance:

Silverlight can consume system resources, especially when running complex applications or media content. If you notice that your system’s performance is affected or if you have limited resources, removing Silverlight might improve overall performance.

4. Alternative Technologies:

As mentioned earlier, HTML5 has become the de facto standard for delivering rich media content and interactive applications on the web. Most modern browsers support HTML5 natively, eliminating the need for plugins like Silverlight. If you no longer encounter websites or applications that require Silverlight, removing it may be a viable option.

How to Remove Silverlight

If you’ve decided to remove Silverlight from your system, here’s how you can do it:

  1. Windows:
    • Go to the Control Panel and open “Programs and Features” (or “Add or Remove Programs” in older versions of Windows).
    • Locate “Microsoft Silverlight” in the list of installed programs.
    • Select it and click on the “Uninstall” button.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
  2. Mac:
    • Open Finder and go to the “Applications” folder.
    • Locate “Microsoft Silverlight” and drag it to the Trash.
    • Right-click on the Trash and select “Empty Trash” to permanently remove Silverlight from your system.

After removing Silverlight, it’s a good practice to restart your system to ensure that all related files and processes are properly cleared.

Conclusion

Microsoft Silverlight was once a popular web application framework for creating rich media content and interactive applications. However, with the rise of HTML5 and the decline in support, many users are questioning whether they should remove it from their systems.

Ultimately, the decision to remove Silverlight depends on your specific needs and usage. If you no longer encounter websites or applications that rely on Silverlight, removing it can free up system resources and potentially improve performance. However, if you still rely on Silverlight for compatibility reasons, it’s important to weigh the potential security risks and keep the plugin updated.

Remember to regularly scan your system for viruses and malware using a reliable antivirus program like Malwarebytes Free. This will help ensure the overall security and performance of your system, regardless of whether you choose to keep or remove Silverlight.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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