How to: Specify the ClickOnce Offline or Online Install Mode

Note

This article applies to Visual Studio 2015. If you're looking for the latest Visual Studio documentation, see Visual Studio documentation. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio. Download it here

The Install Mode for a ClickOnce application determines whether the application will be available offline or online. When you choose The application is available online only, the user must have access to the ClickOnce publishing location (either a Web page or a file share) in order to run the application. When you choose The application is available offline as well, the application adds entries to the Start menu and the Add or Remove Programs dialog box; the user is able to run the application when they are not connected.

The Install Mode can be set on the Publish page of the Project Designer.

Note The Install Mode can also be set using the Publish wizard. For more information, see How to: Publish a ClickOnce Application using the Publish Wizard.

To make a ClickOnce application available online only

1. With a project selected in Solution Explorer, on the Project menu, click Properties.

2. Click the Publish tab.

3. In the Install Mode and Settings area, click the The application is available online only option button.

To make a ClickOnce application available online or offline

1. With a project selected in Solution Explorer, on the Project menu, click Properties.

2. Click the Publish tab.

3. In the Install Mode and Settings area, click the The application is available offline as well option button.

   When installed, the application adds entries to the Start menu and to Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.

See Also

Publishing ClickOnce Applications
How to: Publish a ClickOnce Application using the Publish Wizard
Choosing a ClickOnce Deployment Strategy