edit: oh wow the later one comes with a huge list of errors and hotfixes
Im definately too scared to do it.
And if I just do the first one without having the prerequisite also seems wrong.
Why are you scared of updating your operating system?
I would be more scared about storing cryptocurrencies in a system whi h doesn't have all the latest security fixes.
I just checked in control panel programs and features
and I have Microsoft Visual C++
...
So I do have this required program.
Perhaps this last update in 2022 was required
to get electrum newer versions working.
Maybe I should just try updating electrum again without any other steps taken and it will work!?!?!?!?!?!
I don't think this is the same program and update.
Anyway, you can try the new version of electrum. It is not required, the website says "you might need to install", not that it is a required update.