These Build Tools allow you to build Visual Studio projects from a command-line interface.
Publisher’s description
What is Visual Studio BuildTools 2026?
Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 is a proprietary program for Windows from Microsoft Corporation.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit as EXE. The main installer is 5.7 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 18.11.3, released on November 4, 2026. 44 versions are listed since November 13, 2025, each with links to its own installer files. The last update is less than a month old.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Updated in the last two months
- Small download (5.7 MB)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 is a Windows tool for 64-bit PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 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:
EA54B67BFAC576B6DD097F84EEAF6893780D2A613F90448FF038E8A2777A0AFB· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (November 6, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 44 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.11.3Latest | November 4, 2026 | 5.7 MB | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.11.2 | October 25, 2026 | 5.7 MB | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.11.1 | October 20, 2026 | 5.7 MB | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.11.0 | October 15, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.10.4 | October 13, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.10.2 | September 22, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.10.1 | September 15, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
| 18.10.0 | September 8, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudio.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
- 18.11.3
- Released
- November 4, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- November 13, 2025
- Versions listed
- 44
- Website
- visualstudio.microsoft.com
- winget ID
- Microsoft.VisualStudio.BuildTools
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 free?
Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Visual Studio BuildTools 2026 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 2026?
The versions page lists all 44 versions with links to their official installer files, back to November 13, 2025.
