# Visual Studio 2026

A generally available release of Microsoft's Visual Studio integrated development environment with AI-assisted development features.

This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles.

## C++ in the Age of AI: Visual Studio at CppCon 2026

DevFeed: [C++ in the Age of AI: Visual Studio at CppCon 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/c-in-the-age-of-ai-visual-studio-at-cppcon-2026-21637.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/c-in-the-age-of-ai-visual-studio-at-cppcon-2026/>)

Author: Augustin Popa

Published: 2026-09-14T19:34:43Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [Visual Studio](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio.md>), [GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-copilot.md>), [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [build performance](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/build-performance.md>), [MSVC](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/msvc.md>), [debugging](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/debugging.md>), [Optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/optimization.md>), [Refactoring](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/refactoring.md>), [Artificial Intelligence](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ai.md>)

Tags: [ai](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai.md>), [build-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-optimization.md>), [build-performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-performance.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/copilot.md>), [cppcon](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cppcon.md>), [debugging](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/debugging.md>), [github-copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-copilot.md>), [msvc](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/msvc.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

This companion reading guide covers how Visual Studio 2026 is evolving C++ development with improved code navigation, build and runtime performance, language feature support, debugging, modernization, refactoring, and AI-assisted workflows using GitHub Copilot.

### Source excerpt

At CppCon 2026, we shared how Visual Studio is evolving to help you work more effectively with large C++ codebases, improve build and runtime performance, adopt the latest language features, and incorporate AI into your existing workflows. This post is a companion reading guide for our session, C++ in the Age of AI: How Visual [...] The post C++ in the Age of AI: Visual Studio at CppCon 2026 appeared first on C++ Team Blog.

## What's New for C++ Developers in Visual Studio 2026 (18.7 - 18.10)

DevFeed: [What's New for C++ Developers in Visual Studio 2026 (18.7 - 18.10)](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/what-s-new-for-c-developers-in-visual-studio-2026-18-7-18-10-17414.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/whats-new-for-c-developers-in-visual-studio-2026-18-7-18-10/>)

Author: Augustin Popa

Published: 2026-09-14T06:38:16Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-copilot.md>), [MSVC](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/msvc.md>), [AI-assisted coding](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ai-assisted-coding.md>), [CMake](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cmake.md>), [Git](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/git.md>), [Submodules](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/submodules.md>)

Tags: [2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/2026.md>), [build-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-optimization.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [cmake](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cmake.md>), [copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/copilot.md>), [git](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/git.md>), [modernization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/modernization.md>), [msvc](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/msvc.md>), [submodules](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/submodules.md>), [testing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/testing.md>), [tools](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tools.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

This Microsoft C++ Team Blog post recaps Visual Studio 2026 versions 18.7 through 18.10 for C++ developers. It covers C++ reliability fixes, GitHub Copilot modernization for upgrading MSBuild and CMake projects to newer MSVC Build Tools, improved code navigation, discoverable MSVC Build Tools installations, Git worktrees and submodules in the IDE, and debugging improvements.

### Source excerpt

Over the past few months, we have continued shipping monthly Visual Studio 2026 releases, delivering improvements across all stages of the development cycle. In this blog post, we'll recap everything that changed from version 18.7 through 18.10 (released this month) that is relevant for C++ developers. This includes new tools for maintaining and navigating C++ [...] The post What's New for C++ Developers in Visual Studio 2026 (18.7 - 18.10) appeared first on C++ Team Blog.

## Microsoft at CppCon 2026

DevFeed: [Microsoft at CppCon 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/microsoft-at-cppcon-2026-10831.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/microsoft-at-cppcon-2026/>)

Author: Augustin Popa

Published: 2026-09-14T00:16:42Z

Content type: news

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [Microsoft](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/microsoft.md>), [Visual Studio](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio.md>), [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-copilot.md>), [MSVC](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/msvc.md>), [Visual Studio Code](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-code.md>), [Artificial Intelligence](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ai.md>), [Optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/optimization.md>), [CMake](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cmake.md>)

Tags: [ai](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [cmake](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cmake.md>), [copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/copilot.md>), [cppcon](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cppcon.md>), [github-copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-copilot.md>), [microsoft](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/microsoft.md>), [msvc](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/msvc.md>), [optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/optimization.md>), [safety](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/safety.md>), [survey](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/survey.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

Microsoft's CppCon 2026 sessions cover modern C++ development, including AI-assisted workflows, MSVC, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, compiler optimization, C++ safety, and stricter compiler warnings. The article also provides conference logistics, speaker sessions, and a survey invitation.

### Source excerpt

Microsoft will be at CppCon 2026 in Aurora, Colorado, which is taking place from September 14 through 18. Join us for talks from Microsoft speakers and colleagues across the C++ community and visit the Microsoft booth Monday through Thursday to meet the team and discuss the tools, technologies, and challenges that matter to you. If [...] The post Microsoft at CppCon 2026 appeared first on C++ Team Blog.

## MSVC Build Tools Preview updates - September 2026

DevFeed: [MSVC Build Tools Preview updates - September 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/msvc-build-tools-preview-updates-september-2026-2959.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/msvc-build-tools-preview-updates-september-2026/>)

Author: Eric Brumer

Published: 2026-09-09T21:26:30Z

Content type: release

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>)

Tags: [c](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [diagnostics](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/diagnostics.md>), [msvc](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/msvc.md>), [race-condition](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/race-condition.md>), [release](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/release.md>), [september-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/september-2026.md>), [updates](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/updates.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

MSVC Build Tools Preview v14.52 adds C and C++ compiler conformance, diagnostics, and stability fixes, including fixes for compiler errors and C++ modules.

### Source excerpt

The MSVC Build Tools Preview is updated regularly with the latest features and fixes from the MSVC development team. This post covers updates from the past month, currently targeting the v14.52 release. This encompasses changes across the compiler frontend, backend, linker, standard library, and related tools. Although you can acquire the MSVC Build Tools Preview [...] The post MSVC Build Tools Preview updates - September 2026 appeared first on C++ Team Blog.

## Stop alt-tabbing into the wrong Visual Studio

DevFeed: [Stop alt-tabbing into the wrong Visual Studio](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/stop-alt-tabbing-into-the-wrong-visual-studio-4004.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/visualstudio/stop-alt-tabbing-into-the-wrong-visual-studio/>)

Author: Mads Kristensen

Published: 2026-09-02T14:00:12Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Visual Studio Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/visual-studio-blog.md>)

Topics: [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [ide](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ide.md>)

Tags: [accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/accessibility.md>), [customization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/customization.md>), [how-to](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/how-to.md>), [json](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/json.md>), [themes](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/themes.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

The article explains how to set a color theme per Visual Studio solution through the new settings experience. Per-solution settings are stored in settings.VisualStudio.json and can be committed with the solution.

### Source excerpt

A user asked for per-solution color themes. It already ships, and it goes further than they asked. You run several instances of Visual Studio side by side, one per solution, and they all look identical. Same taskbar icon, same alt-tab thumbnail, same chrome. So, you land in the wrong one, start typing, and realize thirty [...] The post Stop alt-tabbing into the wrong Visual Studio appeared first on Visual Studio Blog.

## Visual Studio August Update - Work Smarter Across Models and Branches

DevFeed: [Visual Studio August Update - Work Smarter Across Models and Branches](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/visual-studio-august-update-work-smarter-across-models-and-branches-4010.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/visualstudio/visual-studio-august-update-work-smarter-across-models-and-branches/>)

Author: Mark Downie

Published: 2026-08-25T16:00:00Z

Content type: release

Language: en

Sources: [Visual Studio Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/visual-studio-blog.md>)

Topics: [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-copilot.md>), [Language models](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/language-models.md>), [AI-assisted coding](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ai-assisted-coding.md>)

Tags: [agents](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/agents.md>), [copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/copilot.md>), [git](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/git.md>), [github-copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-copilot.md>), [models](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/models.md>), [update](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/update.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>)

### AI overview

Visual Studio 2026's August update adds adjustable Copilot model thinking effort, organization-level custom agents, and Copilot usage access. It also improves Git workflows with worktrees and submodule support.

### Source excerpt

Tune Copilot model thinking effort, share custom agents across your organization, track usage, and simplify complex Git workflows with worktrees and submodule support. The post Visual Studio August Update - Work Smarter Across Models and Branches appeared first on Visual Studio Blog.

## Clearer Build Optimization Results with GitHub Copilot

DevFeed: [Clearer Build Optimization Results with GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/clearer-build-optimization-results-with-github-copilot-2956.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/clearer-build-optimization-results-with-github-copilot/>)

Author: David Li

Published: 2026-08-13T18:18:50Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [GitHub Copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-copilot.md>), [Optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/optimization.md>), [build performance](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/build-performance.md>), [build times](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/build-times.md>), [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [Windows](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/windows.md>), [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>)

Tags: [build-insights](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-insights.md>), [build-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-optimization.md>), [build-performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-performance.md>), [build-times](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-times.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [github-copilot](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-copilot.md>), [optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/optimization.md>), [performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/performance.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>), [windows](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/windows.md>), [workflow](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/workflow.md>)

### AI overview

GitHub Copilot build performance for Windows now provides deterministic messages for optimization outcomes, including successful improvements, changes below the success threshold, unsuccessful changes, and builds that were too short to analyze. Successful results include baseline and final build times, measured improvement, and effects on iterative builds when applicable.

### Source excerpt

We know that slow builds are a consistent theme in feedback from C++ developers. Your feedback helped us to shape GitHub Copilot build performance for Windows, an agent that can trace your build, find bottlenecks, apply optimizations, and measure the result. When using the agent, the clearest outcome is a straightforward win. The agent changes [...] The post Clearer Build Optimization Results with GitHub Copilot appeared first on C++ Team Blog.

## Today I will... manage Git Submodules without leaving the IDE

DevFeed: [Today I will... manage Git Submodules without leaving the IDE](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/today-i-will-manage-git-submodules-without-leaving-the-ide-4003.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/visualstudio/managing-git-submodules-without-leaving-the-ide/>)

Author: Harshada Hole

Published: 2026-08-11T17:05:31Z

Content type: release

Language: en

Sources: [Visual Studio Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/visual-studio-blog.md>)

Topics: [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [SDKs](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/sdks.md>)

Tags: [command-line](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/command-line.md>), [feature](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/feature.md>), [git](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/git.md>), [ide](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ide.md>), [submodules](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/submodules.md>), [update](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/update.md>), [visual-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio.md>), [visual-studio-2026](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-2026.md>)

### AI overview

Visual Studio 18.9 adds integrated Git submodule management. Developers can view, add, update, remove, and optionally activate submodules from the IDE, with submodules read-only by default.

### Source excerpt

If you've worked with Git submodules for any length of time, you probably have a love-hate relationship with them. They're genuinely useful for pulling a shared library, an SDK, or common build scripts into your project. But actually working with them usually means tabbing over to a terminal and trying to remember whether it's git [...] The post Today I will... manage Git Submodules without leaving the IDE appeared first on Visual Studio Blog.

## Pure Virtual C++ 2026 Is a Wrap

DevFeed: [Pure Virtual C++ 2026 Is a Wrap](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/pure-virtual-c-2026-is-a-wrap-2961.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/pure-virtual-c-2026-is-a-wrap/>)

Author: Marian Luparu

Published: 2026-07-22T16:00:35Z

Content type: news

Language: en

Sources: [C++ Team Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/c-team-blog.md>)

Topics: [C++](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c-plus-plus.md>), [Visual Studio 2026](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-2026.md>), [build times](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/build-times.md>)

Tags: [ai](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai.md>), [announcement](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/announcement.md>), [build-performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-performance.md>), [c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/c-plus-plus.md>), [conference](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/conference.md>), [interop](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/interop.md>), [pure-virtual-c-plus-plus](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pure-virtual-c-plus-plus.md>)

### AI overview

Pure Virtual C++ 2026 has concluded, and recordings of its featured and on-demand C++ conference sessions are available. Topics include C++/Rust interoperability, AI-assisted tooling, build times, C++20 modules, packages, MSVC, and profile-guided optimization.

### Source excerpt

Pure Virtual C++ 2026 is a wrap. Every featured and on-demand session is now available on YouTube -- catch up on C++/Rust interop, AI-driven tooling, build performance, and more. The post Pure Virtual C++ 2026 Is a Wrap appeared first on C++ Team Blog.