Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1 [cracked]

Digging into the Past: The Vulkan Runtime Libraries 1.0.39.1

If you’ve been digging through your “Installed Programs” list on Windows lately, you might have spotted an entry titled “Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1” and wondered: Is this malware? Do I need it? Why is the version number so old?

While modern systems are likely running Vulkan 1.3 or even 1.4, seeing version 1.0.39.1 tells a specific story about your GPU driver history. Let’s break down what this component is, why it’s likely still on your system, and whether you should hit "Uninstall."

Is It Dangerous or Outdated?

It is not malware. It is a legitimate Khronos Group component.

However, it is critically outdated. Vulkan 1.0 is no longer used by modern games or applications. If you try to run a new game like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, they will look for a much newer Vulkan Runtime (1.2+). They will simply ignore the 1.0.39.1 folder. vulkan run time libraries 1.0.39.1

But here is the catch: Having an old runtime can cause conflict messages in certain diagnostic tools (like vulkaninfo), and it unnecessarily clutters your system.

Step-by-step update guide:

Update your graphics driver:
- NVIDIA: Download latest Game Ready Driver from GeForce Experience or nvidia.com.
- AMD: Use Adrenalin Software from amd.com.
- Intel: Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Download the latest Vulkan RT SDK (optional): Digging into the Past: The Vulkan Runtime Libraries 1
- Visit LunarG’s Vulkan SDK page.
- Download the installer – it replaces older runtimes with the newest version (e.g., 1.3.283.0 as of 2026).
Verify the update:
- Search Windows for "Vulkan Info" app (installed with SDK).
- Run it. The top line shows your current installed Vulkan runtime version.

After updating, you can uninstall the standalone 1.0.39.1 entry – the newer version will handle all Vulkan calls.

Report: Vulkan Run Time Libraries 1.0.39.1

Historical Context for 1.0.39.1

Vulkan 1.0 was officially released on February 16, 2016. Version 1.0.39.1 emerged in late 2016 / early 2017. At that time, the ecosystem was maturing. Graphics card manufacturers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) were actively optimizing their Vulkan drivers. Update your graphics driver:

Why did this specific version become so widespread?

It was bundled with NVIDIA GeForce Experience and certain Game Ready drivers.
Popular games like Ashes of the Singularity and Doom (2016) shipped with it.
It was included in the Unreal Engine 4 and Unity installer packages for Vulkan support.

If your machine has version 1.0.39.1, it likely came from a driver update or a game installed between 2017 and 2018.