Microsoft Build Tools 2022 -
For C++:
$msbuild = "C:\BuildTools\MSBuild\Current\Bin\MSBuild.exe" & $msbuild -version
I’ve structured it for a developer audience (CI/CD engineers, C++ devs, .NET devs without full VS). It’s practical, actionable, and highlights common pitfalls. If you maintain build servers, Docker images, or just hate installing the full Visual Studio IDE just to compile code, Microsoft Build Tools 2022 is your best friend. microsoft build tools 2022
C:\BuildTools\MSBuild\Current\Bin\MSBuild.exe Build your solution:
You get a vs_BuildTools.exe (~2 MB bootstrapper). vs_BuildTools.exe --quiet --wait --norestart --installPath C:\BuildTools ` --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.MSBuildTools ` --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.VCTools ` --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Component.VC.Tools.x86.x64 ` --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Component.Windows10SDK.20348 ` --includeRecommended Workload IDs for common scenarios: C:\BuildTools\MSBuild\Current\Bin\MSBuild
"Build Tools = compilers + MSBuild – the kitchen sink." Did this help you? Let me know your favorite Build Tools 2022 tips in the comments.
Always add --wait in CI scripts – otherwise the installer may detach and the pipeline will continue prematurely. Common Use Cases & Examples 1. Building a C++ project without VS After installation, MSBuild is at: Always add --wait in CI scripts – otherwise
| What you need | Workload ID | |---------------|-------------| | Just MSBuild | Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.MSBuildTools | | C++ desktop | Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.VCTools | | .NET desktop build | Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.ManagedDesktopBuildTools | | Windows 10/11 SDK | Microsoft.VisualStudio.Component.Windows11SDK.22621 |