Microsoft Revolutionizes Developer Experience with Visual Studio Updates via Windows Update

In a significant move for developers, Microsoft is preparing to add its widely used Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Microsoft Visual Studio, to the list of software that can be updated through Windows Update. This feature, available in Windows 10/11 and earlier versions, allows users to opt-in to receive updates for Microsoft products like .NET Framework and Office via Windows Update.

According to messages from the Visual Studio (VS) team, they are exploring the possibility of using Windows Update as a channel for Visual Studio updates. This means Microsoft could automatically push new versions of Visual Studio to users.

The primary advantage of this approach is the automation of Visual Studio updates, requiring no manual effort from the user. This ensures that developers always have access to the latest features, experiences, and security fixes of Visual Studio.

However, Microsoft plans to offer this as an opt-in feature rather than making it the default option. Even if users have opted to receive updates for other Microsoft products through Windows Update, developers will be given a separate option for Visual Studio updates.

The specifics of how this setting will be implemented remain unclear. It could be an option within Visual Studio itself or a separate update setting within the advanced options of Windows Update.

This update method will only support the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions of Visual Studio 2017, 2019, and 2022, as well as the regular versions. Older versions of Visual Studio will not be eligible for updates through this method. Furthermore, this update process does not apply to Visual Studio Preview versions, which will still require updates through the official Microsoft website or Visual Studio's built-in update system.

Interested developers can currently opt into this update method by modifying the registry:

To enable Windows Update for Visual Studio, modify:

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\VisualStudio\Setup\PreviewAutomaticUpdates (REG_DWORD) = 1

To opt out of Windows Update for Visual Studio, modify:

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\VisualStudio\Setup\VSthroughMUUpdatesOptOut (REG_DWORD) = 1

By August, Microsoft plans to introduce a user interface for these settings, replacing the current registry modification method, which is less user-friendly. Developers interested in this feature can look forward to Microsoft's subsequent updates.