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Building on this answer https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1525775/visual-studio-build-tools-licensing (also see comments), I got a follow up question:
Can I use VS2019 Build Tools if I only got VS2022 license?
A family of Microsoft suites of integrated development tools for building applications for Windows, the web, mobile devices and many other platforms. Miscellaneous topics that do not fit into specific categories.
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Hi @Ramold, Felix ,
Yes. If you have an active Visual Studio subscription, you can use earlier versions of Visual Studio and Visual Studio Build Tools, subject to the applicable licensing terms.
For example, if you have an active Visual Studio 2022 subscription, you are generally entitled to use Visual Studio 2019 as well. Therefore, in the scenario where you only have a Visual Studio 2022 subscription, you should be able to install and use Visual Studio 2019 Build Tools.
Visual Studio 2019 and Visual Studio 2022 can also be installed side-by-side on the same machine. Each major version uses its own installation location, although some shared components or workloads may be shared between installations.
One important consideration is the type of license you have. If your VS2022 entitlement is a Visual Studio subscription, the above applies. If it is a standalone/perpetual license, the licensing rights may differ.
If there is any uncertainty about the specific licensing entitlement, it would be best to confirm with the Visual Studio licensing team.
If it is a standalone/perpetual license, the licensing rights may differ
Yes most colleagues have a standalone license. Whats the licensing rights then?
How can I contact the licensing team?
Yes, if your Visual Studio 2022 license is a qualifying Visual Studio Subscription, you can generally use the Visual Studio 2019 Build Tools as well.
Microsoft's licensing guidance states that Visual Studio subscriptions include downgrade rights to prior versions of the software. Visual Studio 2019 Build Tools are also available through Microsoft's older-downloads page for eligible subscribers.
However, there is an important distinction:
Active Visual Studio Subscription: VS 2019 Build Tools can be used under the subscription's downgrade rights.
Standalone VS 2022 license: Don't assume that the VS 2022 product key can simply be used to activate VS 2019 Build Tools. The licensing terms and activation method are different.
Build Tools: They are not automatically a separate free license for commercial development; Microsoft's guidance states that use of Build Tools requires an applicable Visual Studio license.
So, if by "VS2022 license" you mean an active Visual Studio subscription, the answer is yes, VS2019 Build Tools can generally be used under the downgrade rights.
If you have a standalone VS2022 Professional/Enterprise license, I would recommend confirming the exact license terms with Visual Studio Licensing Support before deploying VS2019 Build Tools, rather than assuming the 2022 key covers the 2019 Build Tools.
Microsoft also provides VS 2019 Build Tools through its official older-downloads page for subscribers.