Set up Visual Studio with Azure DevOps FAQs

Azure DevOps Services

Learn the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about setting up Visual Studio with Azure DevOps.

Why do I need to sign in?

Your Visual Studio settings, like automatic brace completion, are saved with your profile. These settings roam with your personal Microsoft account, or your work or school account, when you sign in to Visual Studio on any computer.

Sign in to Visual Studio during the 30-day trial period for these benefits:

  • Visual Studio Enterprise: Extend your trial for 90 days. When your trial expires, learn how to unlock Visual Studio.
  • Visual Studio Express or Community: Continue to use this edition for free.

When you create your profile, you can also create an organization.

Learn more about the benefits of signing in and creating a profile.

Why can't I sign in?

Sign in with a personal Microsoft account or a work or school account that's managed by Microsoft Entra ID.

Which versions of Visual Studio can I use with Azure DevOps?

Important

While previous versions of Visual Studio are compatible with Azure DevOps, it's a best practice to make sure you are on the latest update of that version and to use supported versions of Visual Studio whenever possible.

You can use the following versions:

  • Visual Studio 2019
  • Visual Studio 2017
  • Visual Studio 2015
  • Visual Studio 2013
  • Visual Studio 2012
  • Visual Studio 2010, which requires Service Pack 1 and KB2662296
  • Visual Studio 2008 SP1, which requires a GDR update

To connect to Azure DevOps with Visual Studio 2008 through Visual Studio 2012:

  1. Start Visual Studio.
  2. From the Team menu or Team Explorer, go to Connect to TFS > Select Team Projects > Servers.
  3. Add your organization ({yourorganization}.visualstudio.com).
  4. Select your project and prepare connection.

If you get connection errors, try choosing HTTPS as your protocol.

To connect to Azure DevOps with Visual Studio 2015 and later, learn how to connect to team projects.

Can I use Visual Studio 2015 with Visual Studio 2013 and 2012 on the same computer?

Yes, you can run all of these versions on the same computer.

Can I use earlier versions of Visual Studio to connect to Azure DevOps?

Yes, you can use Visual Studio 2013 or 2012. You can also use Visual Studio 2010, but you need to install Service Pack 1 and KB2662296 first. Or, use Visual Studio 2008 SP1, with this GDR update. Launch Visual Studio, and then connect to Azure DevOps
and select your project.

My subscription expired. What do I do?

Here's how to unlock Visual Studio. If you're having subscription problems, try Subscription Support.

I'm having problems installing or signing in to Visual Studio. How do I get help?