How to update a Visual Studio offline layout?

Question

Initially when I downloaded Visual Studio 2019, I opted for the layout option to save the installation files. I downloaded all 35GB of the files. Now that there's an update, how do I tell the installer to update the those files?

Also, if I update the actual installation using the VS Installer, does that also update the original source files as well or do they go into C:\ProgramData\Package Cache instead?

Answer 1

I think you have use the command line to create an new offline installer.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/install/create-an-offline-installation-of-visual-studio?view=vs-2019

Answer 2

Hi Maelstorm,

Thanks for your update!

According to your description, you can also try the following method:

1. Use the following command line to first update your layout:
   vs_enterprise.exe --layout c:\VSLayout
2. Update your Visual Studio 2019 by running the Visual Studio Installer > Update.
   Meanwhile, you can also try the following command lines:
   Update Visual Studio installer: vs_enterprise.exe --quiet --update
   Update the Visual Studio instance: vs_enterprise.exe update --installPath "C:\installPathVS" --quiet --wait --norestart

By the way, the folder C:\ProgramData\Package Cache provides a source of installed packages. When you perform a update of Visual Studio, the package cache folder will update related packages.

Best regards,
Anna