Tag Archives: Visual Studio 2026

Visual Studio 2026 Update Channels

Microsoft have made changes to the Update Channels for Visual Studio 2026. The new Insiders Channel replaces the long-standing Preview Channel as the way to give developers early access to upcoming features, and the Stable Channel gives access to validated, production-ready features every month. In addition, each year, in November, the product will update to the next annual version. So, for example, in November 2026 Visual Studio 2026 will update in place to Visual Studio 2027. At the same time, Microsoft will offer a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition for the prior annual release where you’ll get a static feature set for a year with security updates. Note that if you’re using Visual Studio 2026 Professional, you’ll need to purchase a new annual version each year.

Find the announcement here: https://bit.ly/3M14nM9.

Visual Studio 2026 Licensing Guide

The general availability of Visual Studio 2026 is accompanied by an updated Licensing Guide. There aren’t big changes to the licensing so there are just a couple of small corresponding updates to the guide. For example, the Visual Studio Cloud subscriptions that you pay for through an Azure Subscription were previously called Cloud subscriptions, and now they’re known as Monthly subscriptions. Other changes include clarification where you’re not allowed to use Listed Providers’ infrastructure, and the removal of references to Team Explorer Everywhere since it’s no longer maintained by Microsoft.

You can help yourself to this updated guide here: https://bit.ly/4pan1PY.

Visual Studio 2026 now GA!

Visual Studio 2026 is now generally available! This new release of the IDE software brings enhancements to speed and the user interface, and it’s fully compatible with projects and extensions from Visual Studio 2022. Naturally, the AI features are a major highlight! It incorporates integrated AI capabilities, like the Debugger Agent, which resolves code right before your eyes.

The Product Terms and SPUR have been updated for this release, and you can explore the Microsoft announcement here: https://bit.ly/3WNsHmK.