Downloads

Get started creating cool, fun projects with the right Visual Studio product.

To get started today, select an Express Edition product from the list below. You should run WindowsUpdate to ensure your computer is up-to-date before you install any Express Edition. Remember, Express Editions are not the complete Visual Studio product, but are tools designed for students and hobbyists.

Hard-core hobbyists and professional developers should get a complete edition of Visual Studio. Free trials are available for download before you decide to buy.

If you want the latest version of Visual Web Developer Express and SQL Server Express, along with all the latest IIS and ASP.NET updates and extensions, install everything at once with the Web Platform Installer.

NOTE: Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions with SP1 do NOT include the MSDN Express Library. Be sure to download the library separately. For more information about the Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions with SP1, please see this FAQ.

Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming. Download Visual Basic 2010 Beta 2 (English only)	Free 3-month Trial! Learn More Download Visual Studio 2008 SP1
An easy to use environment for dynamic Web application development. using the Microsoft Web Platform Installer. Download Visual Web Developer 2010 Beta 2 (English only)	Visual Studio 2010 Beta 2 is now available! Learn more
A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer. Download Visual C# 2010 Beta 2 (English only)	A lightweight, feature-rich, powerful database for Windows and Web data-enabled needs. » Download
Horsepower with a finer degree of control than other Express Editions. Download Visual C++ 2010 Beta 2 (English only)	Install the entire Microsoft Web Platform including Visual Web Developer, SQL Server Express, Silverlight Tools, IIS and ASP.NET Extensions and more!
The Microsoft MSDN Express Library is an abridged version of the full MSDN Library. » Download » Learn more