Information Density: Visual Studio (Microsoft) – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

Visual Studio: IDE and Code Editor for Software Developers and Teams2026-03-30T13:35:39-07:00
[H1] Dream big. Achieve more.
Visual Studio 2026.
Unleash your potential with the world’s most popular IDE for the professional developer.
Get free downloadExplore all versionsSorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos.
[H2] Stay focused, move faster
From first keystroke to final deployment, Visual Studio empowers your developer journey so you can get more done.
[H2] Start coding
IntelliSense predicts your next move, delivering precise, context-aware suggestions to streamline your coding flow.
Elevate your code
[H2] Enhance with AI
Build momentum as Copilot delivers seamless assistance to tackle complex tasks and refine your project with ease.
Activate agent mode
[H2] Debug confidently
A best-in-class debugger helps you identify and fix issues early, keeping your code solid before it hits production.
Start debugging
[H2] Test seamlessly
Validate your code with integrated testing for fast iterations and higher quality as you approach the finish line.
Run tests
[H2] Deploy with CI/CD
Finish your path to production smoothly with Git and CI/CD managing repositories and automating deployments.
Integrate GitHub
[H2] Modern development, simplified
Built-in full-stack support ready for your next endeavor
[H3] .NET 10
Take full advantage of the latest version of .NET with first-class support across web, cloud, desktop, and AI workloads.
Explore more
[H3] C# 14
All the newest features in C# 14 are ready for you, so you can write clearer, faster, more expressive code with less effort.
[H3] Aspire
Get first-class support for Aspire. It’s now easier than ever to build cloud-native .NET apps with a great local dev experience.
[H3] Intelligent C# Apps
Build smarter C# apps with GitHub Copilot and Azure AI, fully integrated into your workflow in Visual Studio.
[H3] Gaming
Build immersive games with modern tools for Unity, Unreal, and C++, all backed by the power of Visual Studio.
[H3] Modern C++
Get the latest C++ language features, STL updates, and cross-platform support, plus deep tooling integration.
[H3] Git and CI/CD
Streamline your entire pipeline with smarter Git tooling, GitHub Actions integration, and simplified DevOps workflows.
[H2] Built with Visual Studio
Where innovative ideas become breakthroughs
Discover more developer stories
[H2] Halo Studios builds the iconic Halo universe with native code in Visual Studio.
[H2] HP uses Visual Studio with Copilot to build and maintain large code bases across the company.
[H2] Real Madrid connects with 500 million passionate fans worldwide with digital sports platform.
[H2] General Motors reimagines the dev tool chain and onboarding experience with cloud-based developer services from Microsoft.
The Profiler Agent in Visual Studio immediately highlighted the bottlenecks and guided me to faster, cleaner performance — like having a built-in performance coach.
Roberto Perez, Senior Global Solutions Architect, Redis
[H2] Don’t just watch innovation happen; build it.

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Thank you for downloading Visual Studio2026-03-24T12:03:14-07:00

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[H1] Thank you for downloading Visual Studio

Your download will start shortly. If your download does not begin, click here to retry
[H2] New to Visual Studio?
Learning a new development tool can be overwhelming. Take this step-by-step learning journey at your own pace to successfully create a simple app in any language of your choice. Let’s get started!
[H2] Install Visual Studio
First please make sure to open your Visual Studio download and install. You can save installation time and disk space by selecting just the components needed. You can always incrementally add more components later at any time as needed.
[H2] Getting started with Visual Studio IDE
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To develop any type of app or learn a language, you’ll be working in the Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Beyond code editing, Visual Studio IDE brings together graphical designers, compilers, code completion tools, source control, extensions and many more features in one place.
Watch this short video to get familiar with the IDE and to learn how to use it for basic tasks.
You can personalize the Visual Studio IDE in various ways to best support your own development style and requirements.
[IMG: Visual Studio Personalization video screenshot]
Prefer dark theme? Want to change the layout of windows to your liking? Have favorite keyboard shortcuts?
Check out this short video where we walk you through some cool personalization options like themes, fonts, window layout, and custom keyboard shortcuts available in Visual Studio.
[H2] Start a tutorial

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[H2] C++
C++, C, and assembly language development tools and libraries are available as part of Visual Studio on Windows. You can use C++ in Visual Studio to create anything from simple console to Windows desktop apps, from device drivers and operating system components to cross-platform games for mobile devices, and from small IoT devices to multi-server computing in the Azure cloud.

[H3] Desktops apps

[H4] Step by step tutorial
Let’s get started with something simple. Begin your learning by creating a console calculator app

[H3] Additional Guides

C++ in Visual Studio

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[H2] .NET
Using Visual Studio and .NET, you can develop applications for desktop, web, mobile, games, and IoT. You can write .NET apps in C#, F# or Visual Basic language.

[H3] Desktop development using .NET Core

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Watch
Learn from .NET Core 101 video playlist
[H4] Step-by-step tutorial
To start simple, create a Windows console app with .NET Core. Also learn how to debug and publish
[H4] Ready to do more? Here’s another .NET Core step-by-step tutorial to follow along and learn:
Windows desktop app

[H3] Web/Cloud development using ASP.NET Core

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Watch
ASP.NET 101 video series
[H4] Step by step tutorial
Create web app with ASP.NET Core Razor pages

[H3] Game development using Unity

[IMG: Video of Introduction to Unity screenshot]
Watch
Unity 101 video series. Watch how to code, debug and publish games using Unity and C#
[H4] Guides
Get to know game development in Visual Studio with Unity.
Learn more

[H3] Machine Learning using ML.NET

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Watch
Video series
[H4] Step-by-step 10 minute tutorial
Using ML.NET in Visual Studio train and use your first machine learning model

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[H2] JavaScript/TypeScript
Visual Studio provides rich support for JavaScript development, both using JavaScript directly, and also using the  TypeScript, an open-source language which builds on JavaScript and is often used in large size web app development.

[H3] Web application

Learn how to create an ASP.NET Core web application using Typescript
[H4] Additional guides
JavaScript and TypeScript in Visual Studio

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[H2] Node.js

Visual Studio has built in tools for Node.js which is a platform for building fast and scalable server applications using JavaScript. Node.js is the runtime and npm is the Package Manager for Node.js modules. Learn what makes Visual Studio a powerful node.js development environment.

[H3] Web/Cloud development with Node.js tools

Create a web app in Visual Studio using Node.js tools with Express web app framework

[H3] React Web UI

React is a popular JavaScript library developed by Facebook for building web application user interfaces. Create a simple web app using Node.js tools in Visual Studio with React. Join Node.js Tools for Visual Studio community on GitHub

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[H2] Python

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Watch
Python development in Visual Studio
Visual Studio is a powerful IDE for Python language through its built-in Python Development and Data Science workloads. Python is a popular, easy to learn, free to use programming language with many free libraries. In Visual Studio, use Python to build web applications, web services, desktop apps, scripting, and scientific computing. It is used by many universities, scientists, casual, and professional developers alike.

[H3] Data Science and Analytical applications

[H4] Step by step tutorial
Create your first Python app using interactive development

[H3] Desktop app

[H4] Step by step tutorial
Desktop app using Python in Visual Studio
[H4] Additional guides
Python in Visual Studio

[H3] Web applications

[H4] Step by step tutorial
Create a Python web app using Visual Studio with Django

[H2] Expand your Visual Studio skills by area
Ready to do more? Extend your skills with additional learning modules recommended for your learning path
DevelopWrite and manage your code using the code editor
BuildCompile and build your source code
Version ControlShare code using source control technologies such as Git and TFVC.
DeployShare your apps and code by using Web Deploy, InstallShield, NuGet, Continuous Integration, and more.
ExtendAdd your own functionality to the Visual Studio IDE improve your development experience.
DataCreate data apps that connect to any database or service, and anywhere—local or cloud.
DebugWrite and manage your code using the code editor
Github CopilotWrite code more productively and efficiently with AI-powered code suggestions and chat conversations.
DevOpsContinuously build and release your apps in the cloud, and implement Agile practices with Azure DevOps Services.

Download Visual Studio Tools – Install Free for Windows, Mac, Linux2026-01-26T14:21:09-08:00
[H1] Downloads
[IMG: Visual Studio 2026 icon]
[H2] Visual Studio 2026
The most comprehensive IDE for .NET and C++ developers on Windows for building web, cloud, desktop, mobile apps, services and games.
[H3] Insiders
Visual Studio 2026 Insiders build is here!
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[H3] Community
Powerful IDE, free for students, open-source contributors, and individuals
Free download
[H3] Professional
Professional IDE best suited to small teams
Free trial
[H3] Enterprise
Scalable, end-to-end solution for teams of any size
Free trial
Release notes
Compare editions
How to install offline
License terms
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[H2] Visual Studio Code
[IMG: Apple macOS Logo]
A standalone source code editor that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The top pick for Java and web developers, with tons of extensions to support just about any programming language.

Free download

Windows x64User Installer

Windows Arm64User Installer

macOS UniversalPackage

Linux x64.deb

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By using Visual Studio Code you agree to its license & privacy statement.
[H2] Wondering which tool is best for you? We can help
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Python

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JavaScript

TypeScript

Node.js

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Mobile (Android/iOS)

Data Science

Machine Learning/AI
*Indicates selection is required

[H3] Visual Studio Code for Mac

Download Visual Studio Code

Highlights
Free code editor Built on open source and runs everywhere Hundreds of programming languages supported
Add on the C# DevKit for Visual Studio Code

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Install guide for Mac Get Started with Visual Studio Code Learn coding with Visual Studio Code C# DevKit for Visual Studio Code

[H3] Visual Studio Code for Windows

Lightweight yet powerful source code editor with tons of extensions for many languages and runtimes.
Download Visual Studio Code

Highlights
Free code editor Built on open source and runs everywhere Hundreds of programming languages supported

Learn more
Install guide for Windows Get Started with Visual Studio Code Learn coding with Visual Studio Code

[H3] Visual Studio Code for Mac

Download Visual Studio Code

Highlights
Free code editor Built on open source and runs everywhere Hundreds of programming languages supported

Learn more
Install guide for Mac Get Started with Visual Studio Code Learn coding with Visual Studio Code

[H3] Visual Studio Code for Linux

Download Visual Studio Code

Linux x64 .deb

Linux x64.rpm

Highlights
Free code editor Built on open source. Runs everywhere Hundreds of programming languages supported

Learn more
Install guide for Linux Get Started with Visual Studio Code Learn coding with Visual Studio Code

[H3] Visual Studio for Windows

A complete array of development tools and features in one place to elevate and enhance every stage of your software development.
How to install offlineCompare editions

Download Visual Studio

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Highlights
Free for individual use Code faster, test, debug, deploy any app from one place Visual Studio built-in features empower full development cycle.

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How to install just what you need Get started with Visual Studio Start coding using tutorials

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[H4] Visual Studio Enterprise 2026

An integrated, end-to-end solution for developers looking for high productivity and seamless coordination across teams of any size. Please see the Release notes for more information.
Are you looking for one of the Visual Studio 2026 long term servicing baselines (LTSCs)?  You can find them here.

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[H4] Visual Studio Professional 2026

Improve productivity with professional developer tools and services to build applications for any platform. Please see the Release notes for more information.
Are you looking for one of the Visual Studio 2026 long term servicing baselines (LTSCs)?  You can find them here.

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[H4] Visual Studio Team Explorer 2026

A free solution for non-developers to interact with Azure DevOps Server and Azure DevOps. Please see the Release Notes for more information.

EXE

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[H4] Visual Studio Community 2026

A free, fully featured, and extensible solution for individual developers to create applications for Android, iOS, Windows, and the web. Please see the Release notes for more information.

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[H3]

Tools for Visual Studio

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[H4] Remote Tools for Visual Studio 2026

Remote Tools for Visual Studio 2022 enables app deployment, remote debugging, remote testing, performance profiling, and unit testing on computers that do not have Visual Studio installed. Use of this tool requires a valid Visual Studio license.

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[H4] Build Tools for Visual Studio 2026

These Build Tools allow you to build Visual Studio projects from a command-line interface. Supported projects include: ASP.NET, Azure, C++ desktop, ClickOnce, containers, .NET Core, .NET Desktop, Node.js, Office and SharePoint, Python, TypeScript, Unit Tests, UWP, WCF, and Xamarin. Use of this tool requires a valid Visual Studio license, unless you are building open-source dependencies for your project. See the Build Tools license for more details.
Are you looking for one of the Visual Studio 2022 long term servicing baselines (LTSCs)?  You can find them here.

EXE

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[H3]

Visual Studio Code

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[H4] Visual Studio Code Tools for AI

Download our cross-platform extension that supports deep learning frameworks including  Google TensorFlow, Keras, & more.

Web Installer

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[H4] Visual Studio Code

A powerful code editor optimized for building and debugging modern web and cloud applications.

Web Installer

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[H3]

Other Tools, Frameworks, and Redistributables

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[H4] Microsoft Visual C++ v14 Redistributable

This package installs run-time components of Visual C++ libraries and can be used to run such applications on a computer even if it does not have Visual Studio installed. The v14 Redistributable supports C/C++ applications built with Visual Studio 2015-2026.

x64ARM64x86

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[H4] Azure DevOps Office® Integration 2019

A free solution for non-developers to interact with Azure DevOps. Please see the Release notes for more information.

EXE

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[H4] .NET Core and .NET Framework

The .NET platform helps you create mobile, desktop, and web applications that run on Windows PCs, devices and servers.

EXE

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[H4] Visual Studio Team Services CLI

Open source command line interface for Visual Studio Team Services from Windows, Linux, and Mac. Manage pull requests, builds, work items, and more directly from a command prompt or from scripts. See the docs for more information. For manual download and install steps check out these links – Windows, Linux, Mac.

EXE

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Visual Studio Dev Essentials2026-05-12T15:38:48-07:00

[H1] Visual Studio Dev Essentials

Free tools, cloud services, and training using the latest Visual Studio

Join or access now Terms and conditions
[H2] Everything you need all in one place
Get everything you need to build and deploy your app on any platform. With state-of-the-art tools, the power of the cloud, training, and support, it’s our most comprehensive free developer program ever.
[H4] Developer tools
Editors, designers, and debuggers to develop for any platform
Learn more
[H4] Cloud services
Compute, storage, analytics, team collaboration and more
Learn more
[H4] Software
Trials and downloads, from operating systems to Office online apps
Learn more

[H2] All the tools you need
Tools to develop for any platform – for free. Tools include an extensible integrated development environment and code editors to create apps for macOS, Linux, and Windows, on PC.
Visual Studio Community
Visual Studio Code
CODE Magazine
Pluralsight*
Syncfusion Succinctly Series*
Syncfusion Essential Studio UI Edition*

[H2] Comprehensive set of cloud services
Free access to cloud services such as compute and storage, backend services for your mobile or web apps, services for IoT, machine learning, and analytics.
Azure Free Account – includes 1 year of free services and $200 credit for the 1st month
Azure DevOps
Power Apps Community Plan
Learn more

[H2] Software trials and downloads
Free access to software trials and downloads make it easy for you to develop for multiple platforms.
SQL Server Developer Edition
Power BI
Office Online

* Exclusive benefits only available through the Visual Studio Dev Essentials program.