Download Updated Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition [new] [PC]
If you must use VS2015 for legacy project compatibility, follow these steps carefully. Microsoft no longer prominently links to this version.
Installing the base version requires you to immediately download massive secondary patches. Choosing the "Visual Studio 2015 with Update 3" package saves time and ensures an optimal development environment. System Requirements
Effortless package management for your .NET projects. Conclusion
What (C++, C#, Web) do you plan to use? What operating system are you installing this on? Are you targeting a specific legacy framework or SDK?
Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition is a robust IDE that offers many benefits to developers. Here are some reasons why you might want to download and install it: If you must use VS2015 for legacy project
Visual Studio Older Downloads - 2019, 2017, 2015 - Microsoft 1 Apr 2026 —
Allows you to manually pick programming languages, SDKs, and emulators. Choose Custom if you need C++, Python, or mobile tools. Step 3: Select Features (For Custom Setup)
Ideal for building applications that must run on older Windows environments natively.
To ensure a secure installation, always use official Microsoft sources. Because Visual Studio 2015 is an older release, it is primarily hosted in the section of the Visual Studio website. Choosing the "Visual Studio 2015 with Update 3"
Microsoft updated its download servers to use SHA-2 encryption. If your older Windows OS lacks SHA-2 support, the installer will fail to fetch components. Install Windows update and KB4490628 to resolve this certificate mismatch. 3. HRESULT Component Installation Failures
Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition remains a landmark release in the world of software development. While newer versions like Visual Studio 2022 are available, many developers still seek the 2015 version for maintaining legacy projects, specific compatibility requirements, or learning environments that mirror older production systems.
Up to 50 GB of available space, depending on the specific features and workloads selected during installation.
Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition remains a popular choice for developers working on legacy projects or systems with specific compatibility requirements. While newer versions like and Visual Studio 2026 offer more advanced AI features, the 2015 Community Edition provides a robust, free, and fully-featured IDE for individual developers, students, and open-source contributors. Official Download Links for Visual Studio 2015 What operating system are you installing this on
Many enterprise and open-source projects are hardcoded to compile specifically with the MSVC v140 toolset included in Visual Studio 2015.
By following this guide, you can successfully download, install, and utilize the robust, updated Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition for your development needs.
This usually occurs when attempting to install on newer versions of Windows 11. Right-click the installer executable, select , go to the Compatibility tab, and run the troubleshooter using Windows 7 or 8 settings. 2. Missing Packages and SHA-1 Certificate Errors