Microsoft Silverlight Unsupported Version Detection on Windows

Steven Jul 09, 2026

Are you still using Microsoft Silverlight on your Windows machine? If so, you might want to pay close attention. Microsoft has officially ended support for Silverlight, and using an unsupported version can pose significant security risks. Let's delve into the details of Microsoft Silverlight unsupported version detection on Windows and what you can do about it.

the microsoft silverlight logo is shown above an image of a computer screen with windows install instructions
the microsoft silverlight logo is shown above an image of a computer screen with windows install instructions

Silverlight, once a popular platform for building rich internet applications, was discontinued by Microsoft in 2021. With the end of support, no more security updates or technical support are provided. This leaves any system still using Silverlight vulnerable to potential security threats and compatibility issues.

App does not support the contract specified error [Solved]
App does not support the contract specified error [Solved]

Understanding Silverlight Unsupported Versions

Microsoft Silverlight versions 5.1.50961.0 and earlier are considered unsupported. If you're running any of these versions on your Windows machine, you're at risk. Here's why:

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Microsoft confirms April update breaks VPN, Windows 10, 11, & Server affected

Unsupported versions of Silverlight lack critical security patches. This means any vulnerabilities discovered after the end of support could be exploited by malicious software, putting your data and system at risk.

Checking Your Silverlight Version

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You won't be able to sign in after adding a new account on Windows 11

Before you can take action, you need to know if you're running an unsupported version of Silverlight. Here's how to check:

1. Open any web browser on your Windows machine. 2. Navigate to the Silverlight website (). 3. If you're running an unsupported version, you'll see a message stating "Silverlight is out of date. Please update to the latest version." 4. If you're not prompted to update, or if you see a version number lower than 5.1.50961.0, you're running an unsupported version.

Detecting Silverlight via Command Prompt

SpeedType: One setup, everywhere you type
SpeedType: One setup, everywhere you type

If you prefer a more technical approach, you can use the Command Prompt to detect Silverlight. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. 3. Type "wmic product where 'name like 'Silverlight%'' get version" and press Enter. 4. The Command Prompt will display the installed Silverlight version.

Managing Unsupported Silverlight Versions

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Windows 11: Neue Sicherheitsfunktion Smart App Control

Now that you know how to detect unsupported Silverlight versions, let's discuss what you can do about them.

Given the security risks, the best course of action is to uninstall Silverlight from your Windows machine. Here's how:

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Uninstalling Silverlight

1. Open the Control Panel (you can search for it in the Start menu). 2. Click on "Uninstall a program" under the "Programs" category. 3. Find "Microsoft Silverlight" in the list of installed programs. 4. Click on it and select "Uninstall" from the top menu. 5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Alternatives to Silverlight

After uninstalling Silverlight, you might be wondering about alternatives. Fortunately, many modern web technologies can replace Silverlight's functionality. Some popular alternatives include HTML5, JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular, and web development platforms like Vue.js.

In conclusion, detecting and managing unsupported Microsoft Silverlight versions on your Windows machine is crucial for maintaining your system's security. By understanding the risks and following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your machine is protected. Stay proactive, and always keep your software up-to-date.