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Import or export installation configurations

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Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac noVisual Studio Code

You can use installation configuration files to configure Visual Studio. To do so, export the workloads and components information to a .vsconfig file by using the Visual Studio Installer. You can then import the configuration into new or existing installations, use them to create or modify a layout or an offline installation, and share them with others.

Export a configuration

You can export an installation configuration file from either a previously installed instance of Visual Studio or one that you're currently installing.

  1. Open the Visual Studio Installer.

  2. On the product card, choose the More button, and then select Export configuration.

    Export configuration from the product card in the Visual Studio installer

  3. Browse to or type the location where you want to save your .vsconfig file, and then choose Review details.

    Export configuration from the Visual Studio installer

  4. Make sure you've got the workloads and components that you want, and then choose Export.

    Screenshot of the Export Window.

Import a configuration

When you're ready to import an installation configuration file, follow these steps.

  1. Open the Visual Studio Installer.

  2. On the product card, choose the More button, and then select Import configuration.

  3. Locate the .vsconfig file that you want to import, and then choose Review details.

  4. Make sure you've got the workloads and components that you want, and then choose Close.

Use a configuration file to initialize the contents of a layout

Using the correct bootstrapper that corresponds to the version and edition of Visual Studio that you want, open an administrator command prompt and run the following command.

vs_enterprise.exe --layout c:\localVSlayout --config c:\myconfig.vsconfig --lang en-US

Automatically install missing components

Save a .vsconfig file to your solution root directory and then open a solution. Visual Studio automatically detects the missing components and prompts you to install them.

Solution Explorer suggests additional components

You can also generate a .vsconfig file right from Solution Explorer.

  1. Right-click on your solution file.

  2. Choose Add > Installation Configuration File.

  3. Confirm the location where you want to save the .vsconfig file, and then choose Review details.

  4. Make sure you've got the workloads and components that you want, and then choose Export.

Note

For more information, see the Configure Visual Studio across your organization with .vsconfig blog post.

Support or troubleshooting

Sometimes, things can go wrong. If your Visual Studio installation fails, see Troubleshoot Visual Studio installation and upgrade issues for step-by-step guidance.

Here are a few more support options:

  • We offer an installation chat (English only) support option for installation-related issues.
  • Report product issues to us via the Report a Problem tool that appears both in the Visual Studio Installer and in the Visual Studio IDE. If you're an IT Administrator and don't have Visual Studio installed, you can submit IT Admin feedback here.
  • Suggest a feature, track product issues, and find answers in the Visual Studio Developer Community.

See also