Visual Studio 2026 Activation Guide

Use this activation guide to redeem your Visual Studio 2026 key.

  1. Visual Studio 2026 Download

    Visual Studio 2026 Professional: https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/#visual-studio-professional-2026
    Visual Studio 2026 Enterprise: https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/#visual-studio-enterprise-2026
    Click ‘Download’ for the version you require.

  2. Run Installer

    Double click to run the downloaded installer called ‘VisualStudioSetup.exe’.
    There will be a Windows admin confirmation popup to continue.

  3. Installer

    Click ‘Continue’.

  4. Workloads

    Select the workloads you wish to download and install, you can also do this later on.
    Once selected, click ‘Install’.
    There will be a Windows admin confirmation popup to continue.

  5. Sign In

    Sign in with your Microsoft or GitHub account to connect and sync them.
    You can also click ‘Skip and add accounts later’ to use Visual Studio without connecting an account.

  6. Personalize

    Select your preferred development settings and color theme.

  7. Continue

    Click ‘Continue without code’.

  8. Account Settings

    In the top left menu, click ‘File’, then ‘Account Settings…’.

  9. Unlock With A Product Key

    In the window that opens, click ‘Unlock with a Product Key’.

  10. Enter A Product Key

    Enter in the 25 character product key, click ‘Apply’.
    There will be a Windows admin confirmation popup to continue.
    Your Visual Studio 2026 is now fully activated, enjoy!