Install Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows 10/11 with Easy Steps

This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to Install Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows. The Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools package offers a powerful solution for building and managing Microsoft Visual Studio Code applications without the need for the full Visual Studio Code IDE. It provides essential toolsets, including C, C++, Windows SDK, and Visual C++ runtime libraries, empowering developers to create a wide range of cross-platform applications.

You can now proceed to the following guide steps on the Orcacore website to set up Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools for Windows.

To complete this guide, log in to your Windows Client and follow the steps below.

Point: Please follow the steps carefully.

Download Microsoft C++ Build Tools

Begin by navigating to the Microsoft C++ Build Tools download page.

Install Windows Visual C++ Build Tools

Once the download is complete, execute the installer.

On the initial screen, click Continue to accept the license agreement.

Next, select the Desktop Development with C++ workload. This will reveal additional options on the right-hand side (which may vary depending on the specific version).

Choose Install while downloading and click Install.

Install Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows

After the installation is finished, restart your Windows system to apply the changes.

Allow the system to upgrade and reboot.

Add Microsoft C++ Build Tools To System Environment Path

Now, it’s crucial to add the C++ Build Tools directory to your system environment path. Search for Edit the System Environment Variables in the search bar and open the application.

Click Environment Variables.

Double-click Path.

Variables path for Build tools on Windows

Click New and paste the following path (adjust if you installed the Build Tools in a different location or version):

C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft Visual Studio2022BuildToolsMSBuildCurrentBin

Verify the path by pasting it into File Explorer to ensure the location exists.

You’re all set!

Microsoft C++ build tools are now ready for use in any application that requires a C++ compiler on Windows.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to Install Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows and added it to the System Environment Path.

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Alternative Solutions to Install Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows

While the method outlined above is effective, alternative approaches exist for installing the Visual C++ Build Tools. Here are two distinct methods:

1. Using Chocolatey Package Manager

Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows that allows you to install software from the command line. This can streamline the installation process and make it easily repeatable.

Explanation:

Chocolatey automates the download and installation of the Visual C++ Build Tools. It handles dependencies and configuration, reducing the manual steps involved. This method is especially beneficial for scripting installations or setting up development environments consistently across multiple machines.

Steps:

Install Chocolatey: If you don’t already have it, install Chocolatey by following the instructions on the official website: https://chocolatey.org/install. You’ll typically need to open PowerShell as an administrator and run a command provided on the Chocolatey website.
Install Visual C++ Build Tools: Open a new PowerShell (as administrator) and run the following command:
```
choco install visualcpp-build-tools
```
Accept Confirmation: Chocolatey will prompt you for confirmation to run the installation script. Type A to accept all prompts.
Verify Installation: After the installation completes, you may need to restart your computer.
Environment Variables: Chocolatey usually manages environment variables automatically. However, it’s prudent to verify that the necessary paths have been added to your system’s PATH variable as described in the original instructions.

Example (Chocolatey Command):

choco install visualcpp-build-tools --params '"--vs_version 2022"'

(Note: The --params option allows you to specify the Visual Studio version. Adjust the value accordingly.)

2. Using the Visual Studio Installer (command line)

Even without installing the full Visual Studio IDE, you can leverage the Visual Studio Installer command-line tools to install the build tools. This provides a more granular control over the installation process.

Explanation:

The Visual Studio Installer provides a command-line interface that allows you to specify workloads and components to install. This is useful when you want a more customized installation or need to automate the installation process without user interaction.

Steps:

Download the Visual Studio Installer: Download the Visual Studio Installer from the official Microsoft website. You can obtain the bootstrapper (e.g., vs_buildtools.exe) even if you don’t intend to install the full IDE.
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (as Administrator): Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the installer.
Run the Installer with Command-Line Parameters: Use the following command to install the C++ Build Tools workload:
```
vs_buildtools.exe --quiet --wait --norestart --installPath "C:BuildTools" --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.VCTools --includeRecommended
```
- --quiet: Runs the installer without any user interface.
- --wait: Waits for the installation to complete.
- --norestart: Suppresses any automatic restarts.
- --installPath: Specifies the installation directory. Adjust as needed.
- --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.VCTools: Specifies the C++ Build Tools workload.
- --includeRecommended: Installs the recommended components for the workload.
Environment Variables: After installation, you’ll still need to add the necessary paths to your system’s PATH variable as described in the original instructions.

Example (Visual Studio Installer Command):

vs_buildtools.exe --quiet --wait --norestart --installPath "C:BuildTools" --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.VCTools --includeRecommended

These alternative methods provide flexible ways to Install Visual C++ Build Tools on Windows, catering to different preferences and automation requirements.