Could this be the simple answer ??
I have read many of the responses on several MS and other web sites and was pleased to find that the Universal C++ 2015 - 2019 is intended to prevent further issues.
Given that many of the older versions 2005, 2008 etc., are usually installed by 3rd party software vendors, I had a quick look at the registry which is not always tidied after the software has been uninstalled.
I regularly check the "Apps/Features" on my WIN 10 laptop to ensure that no additional bloatware has been installed, and it still amazes me that I can have so many entries for the " Microsoft Visual C++YYYY Redistributable " from C++ 2005, 2008 to 2015-2019 [Universal].
I had a thought that a simple Registry update to enable users to decide if a specific entry before C++ 2015 -2019 (Universal) can be removed.
Using a simple additional Registry Variable "%INSTALLER%", at the location in the jpg 78307-cregedit.jpg][1]
It requires that ALL 3rd party software providers, as one of last Installation steps, update the registry:
They already have to check if the C++ yyyy they require is available or instal it.
1. If the required C++ year exists, then add Variable %INSTALLER% (version) - could be several 3rd party using it
2, If does not exist then Install and ensure the Registry entry is created.
Variable and fields Installer " 3rd part name" & "Package"
Location in the Registry - Example is for WINDOWS 7 C++ 2008 [in jpg]
Where %INSTALLER% [2 values] = "Nitro Software" & "Nitro Pro"
{3rd party name} & {package}
Apologies if terminology is out-of-date, retired from I.T over 10 years ago.
[1]: /answers/storage/attachments/78307-cregedit.jpg