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MSB8003 diagnostic code

This article describes the MSB8003 error code.

Message text

MSB8003: The *property-name* property is not defined. Some build tools may not be found.

Description

This error occurs when a build property isn't defined.

Common causes for this error include:

  • The VCToolsInstallDir property isn't set.
  • The WindowsSDKDir property isn't set in your project.
  • A C++ workload isn't installed with the Visual Studio Installer.

Resolution

Define a supported value for the specified property, such as the VCToolsInstallDir or WindowsSDKDir property.

Use the Visual Studio Installer to install workloads and optional components. For more information, see Modify Visual Studio. Choose one of the C++ workloads and install the MSVC Build Tools. Use the Individual components tab in the installer to choose specific platforms, libraries, and SDKs.

Since Visual Studio 2015, the Windows SDK hosts the headers and libraries for the C runtime library. We recommend you install and use the latest available Windows SDK in the Visual Studio Installer, and set the Windows SDK Version property in your project property pages to match.

Applies to

All versions of MSBuild