Install complete development workloads on secure machines lacking external internet access.
The Visual Studio Installer includes a built‑in feature that downloads all packages before starting installation. However, Microsoft explicitly warns that this cache is tied to the local machine and should not be transferred elsewhere.
For small teams and standard enterprise development.
The full, complete offline layout with all workloads and languages requires approximately 45 GB to 55 GB of free disk space. A more targeted layout for a single workload (like .NET desktop) can be as small as 8-12 GB .
: Install Visual Studio on secure, isolated networks that lack internet access entirely.
Once the layout folder is populated, it can be transferred to a portable hard drive, a network share, or kept on the local machine for deployment. Standard Local Installation Navigate to the offline layout folder ( C:\VS2019Offline ).
: --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.ManagedDesktop Option C: Download the Complete Repository
Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you build the exact --add command.
October 26, 2023 Subject: Acquisition and Usage Guide for Visual Studio 2019 Offline Installation Media
: Air-gapped machines often lack updated root certificates required to verify Microsoft's digital signatures.
Installing Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Offline: The Complete Guide
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to where you saved the bootstrapper. Then run:
Visual Studio 2019 comes in three editions, each suited to different use cases. Your choice determines both the feature set and which bootstrapper file you download.
Creating a local offline cache is recommended in the following scenarios:
: Faster deployment across multiple local machines once the initial layout is created. 🛠️ How to Create the 2019 Offline Installer
, the 2019 edition (specifically version 16.11) continues to receive security updates. Microsoft Learn Current Status and Lifecycle April 2026 , Visual Studio 2019 is in its Extended Support Microsoft Learn Final Baseline : Version 16.11 is the final supported servicing baseline. End of Support
