In this guide, we’ve covered what VulkanRT (Vulkan Runtime Libraries) is, whether or not it is safe, how it probably got installed on your computer, and whether or not you should delete it.
Have you recently stumbled upon the program VulkanRT on your computer? Many users have found this program in their Program Files (x86) folder, or on their apps list in Windows 10. If you have noticed this program on your system, you may have thought to yourself “what is VulkanRT and should I remove it?”
The short answer is no, you should not. VulkanRT is not a harmful program, virus, or malware.
In this article, we’ll discuss what Vulkan (Vulkan Runtime Libraries) is and why it is beneficial to your system. (Especially, if you’re a gamer.)
Is VulkanRT A Virus?
Like many unknown computer programs that pop-up seemingly out of nowhere, the first question most people have is, “is it a virus?” VulkanRT is not a virus.
As you’ll see in the next section below, VulkanRT is a necessary API that is designed to help gamers and professionals who work with 3D graphics utilize their hardware to better help their performance in those types of applications.
What is VulkanRT (Vulkan Runtime Libraries)?
Vulkan Runtime Libraries is a cross-platform graphics API that aims to improve performance in 3D applications (typically, games or interactive media) and provide balanced usage between your CPU and GPU.
The Vulkan project was created by The Khronos Group (a consortium focused on building open standard APIs) in 2014. The Khronos Group announced Vulkan at the Game Developer’s Conference in 2015.
Along with reducing CPU usage in 3D applications, VulkanRT also aims to spread workloads more evenly across multi-core CPUs.
Vulkan Runtime Libraries is the successor to OpenGL. However, VulkanRT isn’t a full replacement for OpenGL, as there are still multiple use-case scenarios that OpenGL’s less-complex nature is better suited for.
Vulkan Runtime Libraries serves a similar purpose to Direct3D12. However, unlike Direct3D 12, Vulkan Runtime Libraries will work with multiple operating systems. These include Windows, Linux, and Android, and there is also third-party support for iOS and MacOS.
How Did Vulkan Runtime Get Installed on My PC?
If you’ve recently installed new graphics drivers for your NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, and you’re just now noticing VulkanRT, then the program likely got installed when you updated your drivers.
Or, if you’ve upgraded to a newer graphics card, it’s likely that you installed VulkanRT when you installed your new GPU’s drivers.
Furthermore, if you’ve downloaded a new game, it’s possible that you added VulkanRT when you downloaded that game.
Also, a lot of games utilize Vulkan and there are even certain games that require it to play.
So, if Vulkan Runtime Libraries has recently appeared on your computer, it’s likely because it came with something new that you have recently added.
What Should I Do With VulkanRT? Keep It, or Uninstall It?
As I mentioned above, Vulkan comes bundled with games, software, or drivers and is necessary for those applications to run. So, if you’re concerned about it showing up out of nowhere, you can rest assured that it is not a harmful program.
And, if your anti-virus program is telling you that VulkanRT looks suspicious, you can safely ignore its warning.
The bottom line is that Vulkan Runtime Libraries is safe and you should keep it on your computer.
@Bob Miller, I’m aware your comment was from 2 years ago where I just now found that folder on my computer this year. Anyways, I don’t work with 3D graphics, either nor any sort of gaming system for that matter. But I admit that I do a ton of video editing/movie maker stuff which incorporates some form of graphics, not necessarily 3D graphics though.
Who cares if it is malicious? I don’t care if it is or isn’t malicious. The question are a) what products depend on this (for which Windows sucks at identifying program dependencies, unlike Linux systems) and b) what benefit is it to me for a business user who’s laptop is not used for graphics, of really any kind except “normal” display?
And uninstalled it goes. If it breaks something, then it’s those programs’ fault rather than mine for insufficient documentation.
When a random program like that randomly pops up on computers that we don’t recognize, Most of us want to know if it’s malicious or not and/or if we need it. Most people CARE about maliciousness when it comes to finding random programs they’ve never seen on their computer before.
I do not work with 3D graphics or play any games with 3D graphics. Is vulcan-RT just taking up space and using some of my processer’s energy for zero help?
It’s a shame that most games don’t support Vulkan. It has the ability to offer huge performance boosts but most developers are still focused on Direct X.
i know.. dev still lame and bs =)