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Error: The application which this project type is based on was not found (Windows Installer or ClickOnce)

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When you try to load a ClickOnce or Windows Installer project, you may get this error: <path to project file>: The application which this project type is based on was not found. Please try this link for further information: <link>.

This message indicates that the project requires components that are not installed for your version of Visual Studio.

To correct this error

  • Make sure the required Visual Studio workload is installed for your project type. Select Tools > Get tools and features to open the Visual Studio Installer. For Windows Installer or ClickOnce, the workload is .NET desktop development or Desktop development with C++.

  • For Windows Installer projects, you may need to install the Visual Studio Installer Projects extension.

  • If the project was created using InstallShield from Flexera Software, you may need to repair the installation (this can happen after upgrading Visual Studio).

  • After you install required components, close and re-open Visual Studio, and then reload the project.

See also

Deployment in Visual Studio Create an installer package