As a developer, you’ve likely worked with Microsoft Visual Studio at some point. But do you know the exact end-of-support dates for each version? Missing the point when security updates and technical support end can expose you to unexpected risks. This comprehensive guide covers the end-of-support schedules for all Visual Studio versions.

1. Understanding Visual Studio Support Policy Fundamentals

Microsoft applies the Fixed Lifecycle Policy to Visual Studio, providing 10 years of total support divided into two phases: 5 years of Mainstream Support followed by 5 years of Extended Support.

During Mainstream Support, you receive comprehensive support including new features, platform updates, security updates, and functionality fixes. During Extended Support, only security updates are provided.

2. Current Supported Visual Studio Versions and End Dates

Visual Studio 2022 – The Safe, Latest Version

Visual Studio 2022 follows Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy with 10 years of support. The first 5 years provide mainstream support with new features and security updates, while the remaining 5 years offer extended support with security updates only.

Key Features:

• 64-bit IDE with enhanced large project handling capabilities
• Built-in Git version control support
• Rich GitHub integration
• AI-powered IntelliCode code completion

Visual Studio 2019 – Still Safe But Requires Attention

Supported Editions: Community, Professional, Enterprise, Build Tools

Important: Only version 16.11 of Visual Studio 2019 is currently receiving extended support. All other versions have ended support, so you must upgrade to 16.11. Bold versions were once designated as Servicing Baselines.

Visual Studio 2017 – Extended Support Phase

Supported Editions: Community, Professional, Enterprise, Build Tools, Test Professional

Visual Studio 2017’s mainstream support ended in April 2022, and it’s currently in the extended support phase with security updates only. You must use version 15.9 to receive support.

3. End-of-Support and Soon-to-End Versions

Critical Alert! Visual Studio 2015

Supported Editions: Community, Enterprise, Express for Web, Express for Windows 10, Express for Windows Desktop, Professional, Release Management, Test Professional

Critical Notice: Microsoft recently officially announced that Visual Studio 2015 extended support will completely end on October 14, 2025. To receive support, you must use Update 3 + KB3165756; all other versions are unsupported.

All Already End-of-Support Versions

Key Information:

• Visual Studio 2012 support for the IDE and its associated products, runtimes, and components completely ended on January 10, 2023.
• Visual Studio 2008 support completely ended on April 10, 2018.
• Bold versions represent the final supported versions for each release.

4. Visual Studio 2022 Complete Version-by-Version Support Schedule

Visual Studio 2022 is available through two channels: Current Channel and LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel).

Current Channel – Latest Features Priority

LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) – Stability Priority

LTSC Channel Features:

• Even-numbered minor versions are designated as LTSC.
• Each LTSC version is typically supported for 18 months.
• Version 17.14 is specially supported for the entire Visual Studio 2022 lifecycle.
• Available only for Enterprise, Professional, and Build Tools editions.

Note: Starting from 17.14, there is no separate LTSC channel; Current Channel 17.14 provides long-term support.

5. Detailed Edition Information and Special Versions

Visual Studio Edition Breakdown

Express Editions (Free Versions)

Team Foundation Server Related

Visual Studio for Mac (Special Product)

Important: Visual Studio for Mac was completely discontinued on August 31, 2024.

Other Related Products

6. Community Edition Special Support Policy

Visual Studio Community Edition, unlike other editions, is supported only on the latest minor version of the Current Channel. When a new version is released, support for the previous Community Edition ends immediately.

Community Edition Support Status

Important: Community Edition users must always maintain the latest version, making an upgrade to the latest Visual Studio 2022 Community essential.

7. Related Component Support Schedules

Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

Visual C++ Redistributables follow the lifecycle of the Visual Studio version in which they first shipped.

MSVC Compiler Toolsets

Starting with Visual Studio 2017, MSVC toolsets follow the product lifecycle of the Visual Studio version in which they first shipped.

Note: Visual C++ Redistributables included in other Microsoft products (SQL Server, Windows Server, etc.) may follow the lifecycle of those host products.

8. Upgrade Strategy and Recommendations

Immediate Upgrade Required

1. Visual Studio 2015 users: Support ends October 14, 2025 (imminent)
2. Visual Studio 2013 and below: Already end-of-support
3. Visual Studio 2019 16.10 and below: End-of-support versions

Step-by-Step Upgrade Guide

Step 1: Check Current Version

• In Visual Studio, go to Help → About Microsoft Visual Studio to verify your exact version.
• Alternatively, check through the Visual Studio Installer.

Step 2: Backup Data

• Back up project files and settings.
• Commit all changes to source control (Git, etc.).

Step 3: Review Compatibility

• Refer to Microsoft Learn’s Compatibility Guide to check existing project compatibility.

Step 4: Install New Version

• Download the latest version from the Visual Studio official download page.

9. Security Updates and Administrator Updates

Visual C++ Redistributable Considerations

Visual C++ Redistributables follow the lifecycle of the Visual Studio version in which they first shipped. For example, MSVC v142 tools shipped with Visual Studio 2019 follow Visual Studio 2019’s support lifecycle.

Administrator Updates

IT administrators can automatically deploy Visual Studio security updates through Windows Update for Business (WUfB). This is crucial for maintaining organizational security.

Supported deployment methods:

• Azure Active Directory joined devices (WUfB)
• Domain-joined devices (SCCM)
• Manual deployment (Microsoft Catalog)

Understanding Visual Studio’s end-of-support schedules and upgrading at appropriate times is essential for maintaining development environment security and stability.

Immediate action required:

• Visual Studio 2015: Support ends in 2 months
• Visual Studio 2013 and below: Already end-of-support
• Visual Studio 2019 16.10 and below: Unsupported versions

Recommended action plan:

1. Verify your current Visual Studio version
2. Establish upgrade plans based on end-of-support schedules
3. Upgrade to Visual Studio 2022 when possible (latest features and longest support period)
4. Consider LTSC channels for enterprise environments

Development environment security is non-negotiable. Continuing to use end-of-support software is equivalent to exposing yourself to security vulnerabilities. Plan ahead and prepare to maintain a secure and efficient development environment.

Related Links:

• Microsoft Visual Studio Lifecycle Information
• Visual Studio 2022 Product Lifecycle
• Visual Studio 2019 Product Lifecycle
• Visual Studio Downloads
• Visual Studio End of Life Information
• Visual Studio Administrator Guide