These Build Tools allow you to build Visual Studio projects from a command-line interface.
Publisher’s description
What is Visual Studio BuildTools 2019?
Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 is a proprietary program for Windows from Microsoft Corporation.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit as EXE. The main installer is 4.4 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 16.11.60, released on September 8, 2026. 55 versions are listed since August 11, 2021, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 11 releases a year.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Frequent updates (about 11 a year)
- Small download (4.4 MB)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 is a Windows tool for 64-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 safe to download?
- The file is served by download.visualstudio.microsoft.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
56C889ADADF638062EF8E7B9421A988E8CB5441B3730E5ED28F777A538D9F69E· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 55 versions ›55 versions over 5 years · about 11 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.11.60Latest | September 8, 2026 | 4.4 MB | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.59 | August 13, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.58 | July 15, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.57 | June 9, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.56 | May 12, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.55 | April 14, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.50 | August 12, 2025 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 16.11.49 | July 8, 2025 | — | 64-bit EXE |
Release cycle and support
Version 16.11.60 belongs to the 2019 - 16.11 release line, supported until April 10, 2029.
| Release line | Released | Support ends | Latest version | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 - 18.11 | October 13, 2026 | not announced | 18.11.1 | Supported |
| 2026 - 18.10 | September 8, 2026 | October 13, 2026 | 18.10.4 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.9 | August 11, 2026 | September 8, 2026 | 18.9.3 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.8 | July 14, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | 18.8.3 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.7 | June 9, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | 18.7.4 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.6 | May 12, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | 18.6.3 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.5 | April 14, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | 18.5.3 | End of life |
| 2026 - 18.4 | March 10, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | 18.4.4 | End of life |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudio.2019.BuildTools -evs_BuildTools.exe --quietProgram files (.exe): devenv.exe
Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Microsoft Corporation
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 16.11.60
- Released
- September 8, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- August 11, 2021
- Versions listed
- 55
- Updates / year
- 10.8
- Downloads on ExeAtlas
- 1
- Website
- visualstudio.microsoft.com
- winget ID
- Microsoft.VisualStudio.2019.BuildTools
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 free?
Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 safe to download?
The download comes from download.visualstudio.microsoft.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Visual Studio BuildTools 2019 run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of Visual Studio BuildTools 2019?
The versions page lists all 55 versions with links to their official installer files, back to August 11, 2021.
