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System Requirements

BCU has different requirements depending on which version you’re using. Make sure your system meets the necessary requirements before installation.

Overview by Version

BCU has evolved through several major versions, each with different system requirements:

BCU v6

Latest version with modern .NET 8 runtime

BCU v5

Previous stable release with .NET 6 runtime

BCU v1-v4

Legacy versions for older systems

BCUninstaller v6 (Current)

The latest version of BCU with the most recent features and improvements.

Operating System Requirements

Minimum: Windows 10 or laterWhile officially supporting Windows 10 and later, BCU v6 may also work on Windows 7, though this is not officially supported or tested.

Runtime Requirements

No manual installation required
The installer automatically downloads and installs
the .NET 8 desktop runtime if needed

Installing .NET 8 Desktop Runtime

If you’re using the net version, you need to install the .NET 8 desktop runtime:
1

Download the runtime

Visit the .NET 8 download page and download the .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.
2

Run the installer

Execute the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3

Verify installation

After installation, you can verify by opening a command prompt and running:
dotnet --list-runtimes
You should see Microsoft.WindowsDesktop.App 8.0.x in the output.

Platform Support

Important: BCU v6 no longer includes x86 (32-bit) builds by default, since none of the officially supported Windows versions require x86-only support.If you need an x86 build, you can use the AnyCPU build or compile it yourself from source.
Supported platforms:
  • x64 (64-bit Intel/AMD) - Primary platform
  • ARM64 - For ARM-based Windows devices
  • AnyCPU - Universal build that runs on any platform

BCUninstaller v5

The previous stable release, recommended for systems that cannot upgrade to v6.

Operating System Requirements

Minimum: Windows 7 SP1 with Platform UpdatesRequired updates:
  • KB2670838 (Platform Update)
  • KB2533623 (Microsoft Security Advisory 2533623)
  • All available Windows Updates

Runtime Requirements

  • Setup/net versions: .NET 6 desktop runtime required
  • Portable version: No runtime needed (bundled)

Installing .NET 6 Desktop Runtime

1

Update Windows

Run Windows Update to ensure all system updates are installed. The .NET 6 runtime may be available through Windows Update.
2

Download manually if needed

If Windows Update doesn’t provide it, download the .NET 6 Desktop Runtime manually.
3

Install the runtime

Run the installer and complete the installation.

Download BCU v5

Download v5.9

Get the latest BCUninstaller 5.x release from GitHub
If you encounter DLL errors on startup, run Windows Update to install all available updates. If you get a framework error, install .NET 6 either manually or through Windows Update.

BCUninstaller v1 - v4 (Legacy)

Legacy versions for older Windows systems including Windows XP.

Operating System Requirements

Minimum: Windows XP or laterNote: Windows XP support may be unreliable in later v4 releases.

Runtime Requirements

  • .NET Framework 4.5 (primary requirement)
  • Some versions can run on .NET Framework 3.5 with reduced functionality
Windows XP does not include .NET Framework 4.5 by default. You must download and install it manually along with all available updates.

Getting BCU v4

Download v4.16

Latest pre-built v4 release

Compile from Source

Build from the legacy 4.x branch

Hardware Requirements

BCU has minimal hardware requirements:
  • Processor: Any processor capable of running the supported Windows version
  • RAM: 256 MB minimum, 512 MB or more recommended
  • Disk Space:
    • Setup version: ~50 MB
    • Portable version: ~100-150 MB
    • net version: ~10-20 MB
  • Display: Minimum 800x600 resolution

Version Comparison Table

Featurev6v5v1-v4
Minimum OSWindows 10Windows 7 SP1Windows XP
Runtime.NET 8.NET 6.NET Framework 4.5
x86 SupportAnyCPU onlyYesYes
ARM64 SupportYesNoNo
StatusCurrentPreviousLegacy

Choosing the Right Version

1

Check your Windows version

Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter to see your Windows version.
2

Select appropriate BCU version

  • Windows 10 or later: Use BCU v6 (recommended)
  • Windows 7 or 8.1: Use BCU v5
  • Windows XP or Vista: Use BCU v4 (legacy)
3

Choose installation type

  • Portable version: If you don’t want to install runtimes or need portability
  • Setup version: For permanent installation with automatic runtime setup
  • net version: If you already have the required runtime installed

Troubleshooting

DLL Errors on Startup

If you encounter DLL errors when starting BCU:
  1. Run Windows Update and install all available updates
  2. Restart your computer
  3. Try running BCU again

Framework Errors

If you get a .NET Framework or runtime error:
  1. Check which version of BCU you’re running
  2. Install the corresponding runtime:
    • BCU v6: .NET 8 Desktop Runtime
    • BCU v5: .NET 6 Desktop Runtime
    • BCU v4: .NET Framework 4.5
  3. Alternatively, use the Portable version which includes the runtime

Still Having Issues?

Get Help

Report issues or ask questions on GitHub

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