Vulkan Runtime Libraries 1.0.39.1 !!exclusive!!

This is normal. Keep only the newest version (highest version number) and uninstall older entries like 1.0.39.1 after verifying that Vulkan still works. Issue: Vulkaninfo shows “Failed to create Vulkan instance” Cause: Your GPU does not support Vulkan, or the driver is corrupted.

If you have recently glanced at your list of installed programs on Windows—whether during a routine cleanup or while investigating a mysterious software icon—you may have spotted an entry named “Vulkan Runtime Libraries 1.0.39.1.” For many users, this raises immediate questions: What is this software? Did I install it? Is it a virus? Can I remove it to free up space? Vulkan Runtime Libraries 1.0.39.1

For most users, version 1.0.39.1 is a digital ghost: a leftover from an earlier driver or an install of Doom (2016) that has since been superseded. It does not harm your PC, spy on your activities, or slow down your boot time. It simply waits, ready to translate Vulkan commands into GPU instructions, should any application call upon it. This is normal

Reinstall your graphics driver or download the Vulkan runtime from LunarG. Alternatively, copy vulkan-1.dll from a working PC (not recommended – better to run a proper installer). Issue: Multiple Vulkan runtime entries in Programs & Features Cause: Each game or driver update installed its own copy. If you have recently glanced at your list

Update your driver. If your GPU is very old (e.g., Intel HD Graphics 2000, NVIDIA 400 series or earlier), it may not support Vulkan at all. In that case, uninstall Vulkan runtime – you cannot use it anyway. Issue: High CPU usage by Vulkan runtime Cause: Extremely rare. Usually a misbehaving game or a buggy validation layer enabled accidentally.

However, for production work, you should use the Vulkan SDK that matches your target version. Modern Vulkan development uses the to switch between runtimes, and CI pipelines test across multiple versions.