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28 changes: 14 additions & 14 deletions docs/porting/binary-compat-2015-2017.md
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---
title: "C++ binary compatibility 2015-2022"
description: "Describes how binary compatibility works between compiled C++ files in Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. One Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package works for all three versions."
ms.date: 03/07/2024
title: "C++ binary compatibility 2015-2026"
description: "Describes how binary compatibility works between compiled C++ files in Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026. One Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package works for all these versions."
ms.date: 10/29/2025
helpviewer_keywords: ["binary compatibility, Visual C++"]
---
# C++ binary compatibility between Visual Studio versions

The Microsoft C++ (MSVC) compiler toolsets in Visual Studio 2013 and earlier don't guarantee binary compatibility across major versions. You can't link object files, static libraries, dynamic libraries, and executables built by different versions of these toolsets. The ABIs, object formats, and runtime libraries are incompatible.
The Microsoft C++ (MSVC) Build Tools in Visual Studio 2013 and earlier don't guarantee binary compatibility across major versions. You can't link object files, static libraries, dynamic libraries, and executables built by different versions of these build tools. The ABIs, object formats, and runtime libraries are incompatible.

We've changed this behavior in Visual Studio 2015 and later versions. The runtime libraries and apps compiled by any of these versions of the compiler are binary-compatible. It's reflected in the C++ toolset major number, which starts with 14 for all versions since Visual Studio 2015. (The toolset version is v140 for Visual Studio 2015, v141 for 2017, v142 for 2019, and v143 for 2022). Say you have third-party libraries built by Visual Studio 2015. You can still use them in an application built by Visual Studio 2017, 2019, or 2022. There's no need to recompile with a matching toolset. The latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package (the Redistributable) works for all of them.
We've changed this behavior in Visual Studio 2015 and later versions. The runtime libraries and apps compiled by any of these versions of the compiler are binary-compatible. It's reflected in the MSVC Build Tools major number, which starts with 14 for all versions since Visual Studio 2015. (The build tools version is v140 for Visual Studio 2015, v141 for 2017, v142 for 2019, and v143 for 2022). Say you have third-party libraries built by Visual Studio 2015. You can still use them in an application built by Visual Studio 2017, 2019, 2022, or 2026. There's no need to recompile with a matching version. The latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package (the Redistributable) works for all of them.

## <a name="restrictions"></a> Restrictions on binary compatibility

There are three important restrictions on binary compatibility between the v140, v141, v142, and v143 toolsets and minor numbered version updates:
There are three important restrictions on binary compatibility between the v140, v141, v142, v143, and v145 build tools and minor numbered version updates:

- Binaries created with different versions of the v140, v141, v142, and v143 toolsets can be combined. The key rule is that the linker should only work with inputs built by a toolset that is the same version (or earlier) as itself. This applies to apps, import libraries, static libraries, and other files as described in [LINK input files](../build/reference/link-input-files.md). In some cases, an import library for an [implicitly linked](../build/linking-an-executable-to-a-dll.md#implicit-linking) DLL built by a later version of the toolset can be linked using an earlier version of the toolset--especially if the import library strictly uses `extern "C"` for the imports/exports. Here are some examples of what this all means:
- An app compiled with a 2017 toolset (v141, versions 15.0 to 15.9) can be linked to a static library compiled with Visual Studio 2022 version 17.8 (v143), but the linking must be done using a version 17.8 or later toolset.
- Apps and libraries built using VS 2015, 2017, 2019, or 2022 can be linked together, but the linking must be done using a version of the toolset that is as recent as, or more recent than, the most recent toolset used to build any of the binaries you pass to the linker. For example, given three binaries built with toolsets from VS 2015 version 14.3, VS 2017 version 15.9, and VS 2019 version 16.11, you can link them using any toolset version that is 16.11 or later.
- If a DLL is built with a newer toolset, the import library can sometimes be used with older toolsets if all of the exports follow the C language calling convention (`extern "C"`). However, the only officially supported case is consuming a newer windows SDK with an older toolset.
- The Redistributable your app uses has a similar binary-compatibility restriction. When you mix binaries built by different supported versions of the toolset, the Redistributable version must be at least as new as the latest toolset used by any app component.
- Static libraries or object files compiled using the [`/GL` (Whole program optimization)](../build/reference/gl-whole-program-optimization.md) compiler switch or linked using [`/LTCG` (Link-time code generation)](../build/reference/ltcg-link-time-code-generation.md) *aren't* binary-compatible across versions, including minor version updates. All object files and libraries compiled using **`/GL`** and **`/LTCG`** must use exactly the same toolset for the compile and the final link. For example, code built by using **`/GL`** in the Visual Studio 2019 version 16.7 toolset can't be linked to code built by using **`/GL`** in the Visual Studio 2019 version 16.8 toolset. The compiler emits [Fatal error C1047](../error-messages/compiler-errors-1/fatal-error-c1047.md).
- Binaries created with different versions of the v140, v141, v142, v143, and v145 build tools can be combined. The key rule is that the linker should only work with inputs built by build tools that are the same version (or earlier) as itself. This applies to apps, import libraries, static libraries, and other files as described in [LINK input files](../build/reference/link-input-files.md). In some cases, an import library for an [implicitly linked](../build/linking-an-executable-to-a-dll.md#implicit-linking) DLL built by a later version of the build tools can be linked using an earlier version of the build tools--especially if the import library strictly uses `extern "C"` for the imports/exports. Here are some examples of what this all means:
- An app compiled with the 2017 build tools (v141, versions 15.0 to 15.9) can be linked to a static library compiled with Visual Studio 2022 version 17.8 (v143), but the linking must be done using a version 17.8 or later build tools.
- Apps and libraries built using VS 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026 can be linked together, but the linking must be done using a version of the build tools that is as recent as, or more recent than, the most recent build tools used to build any of the binaries you pass to the linker. For example, given three binaries built with build tools from VS 2015 version 14.3, VS 2017 version 15.9, and VS 2019 version 16.11, you can link them using any build tools version that is 16.11 or later.
- If a DLL is built with newer build tools, the import library can sometimes be used with older build tools if all of the exports follow the C language calling convention (`extern "C"`). However, the only officially supported case is consuming a newer windows SDK with older build tools.
- The Redistributable your app uses has a similar binary-compatibility restriction. When you mix binaries built by different supported versions of the build tools, the Redistributable version must be at least as new as the latest build tools used by any app component.
- Static libraries or object files compiled using the [`/GL` (Whole program optimization)](../build/reference/gl-whole-program-optimization.md) compiler switch or linked using [`/LTCG` (Link-time code generation)](../build/reference/ltcg-link-time-code-generation.md) *aren't* binary-compatible across versions, including minor version updates. All object files and libraries compiled using **`/GL`** and **`/LTCG`** must use exactly the same build tools for the compile and the final link. For example, code built by using **`/GL`** in the Visual Studio 2019 version 16.7 build tools can't be linked to code built by using **`/GL`** in the Visual Studio 2019 version 16.8 build tools. The compiler emits [Fatal error C1047](../error-messages/compiler-errors-1/fatal-error-c1047.md).

## Upgrade the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from Visual Studio 2015 and later

We've kept the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable major version number the same for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. That means only one instance of the Redistributable can be installed at a time. A newer version overwrites any older version that's already installed. For example, one app may install the Redistributable from Visual Studio 2015. Then, another app installs the Redistributable from Visual Studio 2022. The 2022 version overwrites the older version, but because they're binary-compatible, the earlier app still works fine. We make sure the latest version of the Redistributable has all the newest features, security updates, and bug fixes. That's why we always recommend you upgrade to the latest available version.
We've kept the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable major version number the same for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2026. That means only one instance of the Redistributable can be installed at a time. A newer version overwrites any older version that's already installed. For example, one app may install the Redistributable from Visual Studio 2015. Then, another app installs the Redistributable from Visual Studio 2026. The 2026 version overwrites the older version, but because they're binary-compatible, the earlier app still works fine. We make sure the latest version of the Redistributable has all the newest features, security updates, and bug fixes. That's why we always recommend you upgrade to the latest available version.

Similarly, you can't install an older Redistributable when a newer version is already installed. The installer reports an error if you try. You'll see an error like this if you install the 2017 or 2019 Redistributable on a machine that already has the 2022 version:
Similarly, you can't install an older Redistributable when a newer version is already installed. The installer reports an error if you try. For example, you'll see an error like this if you install the 2022 Redistributable on a machine that already has the 2026 version:

```Output
0x80070666 - Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue. To configure or remove the existing version of this product, use Add/Remove Programs on the Control Panel.
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---
# VCBuild vs. MSBuild: Build system changes in Visual Studio 2010

The MSBuild system for C++ projects was introduced in Visual Studio 2010. In Visual Studio 2008 and earlier releases, the VCBuild system was used. Certain file types and concepts that depended on VCBuild either do not exist or are represented differently in MSBuild. This document discusses the differences in the current build system. To convert a Visual Studio 2008 project to MSBuild, you must use Visual Studio 2010. After the project is converted, you should use the latest version of Visual Studio to upgrade to the current IDE and compiler toolset. For more information, including how to obtain Visual Studio 2010, see [Instructions for Visual Studio 2008](use-native-multi-targeting.md#instructions-for-visual-studio-2008).
The MSBuild system for C++ projects was introduced in Visual Studio 2010. In Visual Studio 2008 and earlier releases, the VCBuild system was used. Certain file types and concepts that depended on VCBuild either do not exist or are represented differently in MSBuild. This document discusses the differences in the current build system. To convert a Visual Studio 2008 project to MSBuild, you must use Visual Studio 2010. After the project is converted, you should use the latest version of Visual Studio to upgrade to the current IDE and build tools. For more information, including how to obtain Visual Studio 2010, see [Instructions for Visual Studio 2008](use-native-multi-targeting.md#instructions-for-visual-studio-2008).

The following sections summarize the changes from VCBuild to MSBuild. If your VCBuild project has custom build rules or macros that aren't recognized by MSBuild, see [Visual Studio Projects - C++](../build/creating-and-managing-visual-cpp-projects.md) to learn how to translate those instructions to the MSBuild system. The initial conversion from VCBuild to MSBuild is just an intermediate step. It isn't necessary to get the project file completely correct or to get the program to compile without errors. You are only using Visual Studio 2010 to convert the project to MSBuild format so that you get the project working in the latest version of Visual Studio.

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56 changes: 43 additions & 13 deletions docs/porting/features-deprecated-in-visual-studio.md
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---
description: "Learn more about: C++ features deprecated in Visual Studio"
title: "C++ features deprecated in Visual Studio"
ms.date: 04/07/2022
helpviewer_keywords: ["Features deprecated in Visual Studio"]
description: "Learn more about: C++ features deprecated or removed from Visual Studio"
title: "C++ features deprecated or removed from Visual Studio"
ms.date: 10/29/2025
helpviewer_keywords: ["Features deprecated or removed from Visual Studio"]
---
# C++ features deprecated in Visual Studio
# C++ features deprecated or removed from Visual Studio

This article is a non-exhaustive list of C++ features deprecated in Visual Studio 2019 and 2022. For information on breaking changes and conformance improvements for C++ in the latest version of Visual Studio, see [C++ conformance improvements in Visual Studio](../overview/cpp-conformance-improvements.md).
This article is a non-exhaustive list of C++ features deprecated or removed from Visual Studio 2019 and later. For information on breaking changes and conformance improvements for C++ in the latest version of Visual Studio, see [C++ conformance improvements in Visual Studio](../overview/cpp-conformance-improvements.md).

## Deprecated in Visual Studio 2019
## Visual Studio 2019

- Support for Windows XP development
### Support for Windows XP development

Visual Studio 2019 and later versions don't include current toolset support for creating code for Windows XP. Support for Windows XP development by using the v141_xp toolset that shipped in Visual Studio 2017 is still available as an optional component in the Visual Studio Installer. For information on how to install the v141_xp Windows XP platform toolset, see [Configuring programs for Windows XP](../build/configuring-programs-for-windows-xp.md).
Visual Studio 2019 and later versions don't include current build tools support for creating code for Windows XP. Support for Windows XP development by using the v141_xp build tools that shipped in Visual Studio 2017 is still available as an optional component in the Visual Studio Installer. For information on how to install the v141_xp Windows XP platform toolset, see [Configuring programs for Windows XP](../build/configuring-programs-for-windows-xp.md).

## Deprecated in Visual Studio 2022
## Visual Studio 2022

- Support for project upgrade from Visual C++ 6

Visual Studio 2022 and later versions don't support upgrades from Visual C++ 6 Workspace (*`.dsw`*) and Project (*`.dsp`*) files. Visual Studio no longer registers the *`.dsw`* and *`.dsp`* file extensions as Visual Studio file types. To upgrade a project with these extensions, first use Visual Studio 2019 to upgrade the project to modern Solution (*`.sln`*) and C++ Project (*`.vcxproj`*) files. Then use the current version of Visual Studio to upgrade the project again.
### Support for project upgrade from Visual C++ 6

Visual Studio 2022 and later versions don't support upgrades from Visual C++ 6 Workspace (*`.dsw`*) and Project (*`.dsp`*) files. Visual Studio no longer registers the *`.dsw`* and *`.dsp`* file extensions as Visual Studio file types. To upgrade a project with these extensions, first use Visual Studio 2019 to upgrade the project to modern Solution (*`.sln`*) and C++ Project (*`.vcxproj`*) files. Then use the current version of Visual Studio to upgrade the project again.

## Visual Studio 2026

### Support for C++AMP, ARM32 toolchain, and /DEBUG:FASTLINK

Visual Studio 2026 and later versions don't support C++AMP, the ARM32 toolchain, and /DEBUG:FASTLINK. If you're utilizing `/DEBUG:FASTLINK`, it's recommended to switch to [`/DEBUG:FULL`](/cpp/build/reference/debug-generate-debug-info) for improved debugging support. Developers needing to target ARM32 can continue using the Visual Studio 2022 v143 build tools as detailed in this [Microsoft blog post](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/side-by-side-minor-version-msvc-toolsets-in-visual-studio-2019/).

### Deprecation of `/await`

The MSVC compiler switch `/await` is being deprecated and will be removed in a future release. This switch enabled an early draft implementation of C++ coroutines using the `<experimental/coroutine>` header. Developers should transition to standard C++ coroutines by using the `<coroutine>` header available in C++20 and later. For C++14/17 projects, use `/await:strict` (which isn't being deprecated) to access the standard `<coroutine>` header without enabling other C++20 features.

### Support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 for Microsoft C++ Build Tools

In Visual Studio 2026, the Microsoft C++ (MSVC) Build Tools raised the minimum supported operating system requirements. With this release, the Build Tools no longer target:

- Windows 7 / Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012
- Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2

To build applications using the latest C++ tools, your target platform must be **Windows 10** or **Windows Server 2016** (or later).

These changes allow for better performance, enhanced security, and alignment with the most recent Windows platform capabilities.

### Support for Mobile development with C++ workload

The Mobile development with C++ workload for iOS and Android targeting in the Visual Studio installer is no longer being supported and will be removed in a future Visual Studio update. This includes new projects, building, and debugging.

### Support for Embedded and IoT tools

The Embedded and IoT tools component in the Visual Studio installer is no longer being supported and will be removed in a future Visual Studio update. This includes the RTOS Viewer, Serial Monitor, Peripheral Viewer, and ST Project Import.
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