Visual Studio 2026 version 18.2.0 released

January Update 18.2.0​

GitHub Copilot​

Provides a way of updating packages with known vulnerabilities and can retrieve real-time information about packages for GitHub Copilot.

The NuGet MCP server is built-in but must be enabled once in order to use its functionality. For more information, see the documentation on NuGet MCP server.

Getting Started​

To enable the NuGet MCP server, follow these steps within Visual Studio 2026:

1. Open the GitHub Copilot Chat window and make sure you are signed in.
2. Click the tools icon in the bottom toolbar to bring up the Tools menu.
3. Find the MCP server named "nuget" and check the box to enable it.

Fixing package vulnerabilities​

The NuGet MCP server can help you identify and fix package vulnerabilities in your project. To use the MCP server to fix vulnerabilities, enter the following prompt in the GitHub Copilot Chat window:

Fix my package vulnerabilities

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The MCP server will analyze your project's dependencies and suggest updates to packages that have known vulnerabilities.

Updating all packages​

The NuGet MCP server can also update your packages to the latest compatible versions. To use the MCP server to update all packages, enter the following prompt in the GitHub Copilot Chat window:

Update all my packages to the latest compatible versions

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The MCP server will analyze your project's target framework(s) and suggest updates to the latest version of packages that are compatible with your project.

Update a package to a specific version​

The NuGet MCP server can update a specific package to a version you specify. To do so, enter the following prompt in the GitHub Copilot Chat window:

Update the package [PackageName] to version [VersionNumber]

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Support​

If you experience an issue with the NuGet MCP server or have any other feedback, please open an issue on the NuGet GitHub repository. Please provide the requested information in the issue template so that we can better understand and address your issue or suggestion.

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.NET​

A dynamic three stage workflow for .NET upgrades.
We introduced a three stage approach to help you assess, plan, and execute your .NET upgrade with more insight and visibility. The Assessment file outlines outdated NuGet packages, target versions, project count, upgrade complexity, and API analysis.

The Plan file is now generated dynamically based on that assessment, giving you an upgrade plan that stays aligned with your project state. We also replaced the old progress document well with a Task Execution file that updates as tasks run.

All three files are fully dynamic, editable, and kept in sync throughout the process, giving you a more transparent and collaborative upgrade experience from start to finish.

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C++​

MSVC Build Tools v14.30-v14.43 are now available in Visual Studio 2026.

To make it easier to bring your existing C++ projects to Visual Studio 2026, we are now including Microsoft C++ (MSVC) Build Tools versions 14.30-14.43 in the Visual Studio 2026 installer under the Individual components tab. These versions originally shipped in Visual Studio 2022.

As a result of this change, Visual Studio 2022 (v17.0-v17.14) users can continue to use their existing compiler version when they upgrade to Visual Studio 2026. Simply install the version you need and load your project in the latest IDE to get started.

Support for the new MSVC versions will also be added to the Visual Studio setup assistant in a future update.

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Top bug fixes​

Visual Studio 2026 Release Notes

Learn about the latest features, bug fixes, and support for Visual Studio 2026. Download today.

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Visual Studio & VS Code Downloads for Windows, Mac, Linux

Download Visual Studio IDE or VS Code for free. Try out Visual Studio Professional or Enterprise editions on Windows, Mac.

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