Quick answer: Download the Visual Studio Installer from visualstudio.microsoft.com, install the edition you bought, then open Visual Studio and go to Help → Register Visual Studio → Unlock with a Product Key. If your licence is assigned to a Microsoft account instead of a key, just sign in with that account.
This guide covers Visual Studio 2026 Professional, Visual Studio 2026 Enterprise, Visual Studio 2022 Professional and the 2019 and 2017 editions. Visual Studio runs on Windows only.
Before you start
- Windows 11 or Windows 10 64-bit (Windows Server is also supported), a 64-bit CPU, 4 GB RAM (16 GB recommended) and 20-50 GB free space on an SSD.
- Uninstall any Visual Studio trial of a different edition if you don't need it.
- Have your order email open: it shows whether you received a product key or an account-assigned licence.
Step 1: Download the installer
| Version | Where to download |
|---|---|
| Visual Studio 2026 | Visual Studio downloads |
| Visual Studio 2022, 2019, 2017 | Older versions page (sign in with a free Microsoft account if asked) |
Download the Professional or Enterprise installer that matches your key. The Community edition can't be unlocked with a paid key.
Step 2: Install Visual Studio
- Run the downloaded bootstrapper (for example
VisualStudioSetup.exe). It installs the Visual Studio Installer first. - Pick the workloads you need, for example .NET desktop development, ASP.NET and web development or Desktop development with C++. You can add more later.
- Optionally change the install location, then select Install.
- When it finishes, select Launch.
Step 3: Unlock with your product key
- In Visual Studio, open Help → Register Visual Studio (on some versions: Help → Register Product).
- Select Unlock with a Product Key.
- Enter the 25-character key from your order email and select Apply.
- The dialog now shows "License: Product key applied". Visual Studio is permanently unlocked for this installation.
Account-assigned licences: select Sign in in the same dialog (or the top-right corner of Visual Studio) with the Microsoft account named in your order email. Visual Studio checks the licence online and renews it automatically. Microsoft explains both options on its product keys page.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Invalid product key" | The installed edition or version doesn't match. A Visual Studio 2022 Professional key needs Visual Studio 2022 Professional, not Community or 2026. |
| No "Unlock with a Product Key" option | You're using Community. Install Professional or Enterprise with the Visual Studio Installer (Modify → or install a new edition). |
| "Your license has gone stale" | Sign in again with your Microsoft account, or reapply the product key. |
| Installer stuck downloading | Restart the Visual Studio Installer, check your proxy or firewall, and make sure the disk has enough space. |
Still stuck? Reply to your order email with a screenshot of Help → Register Visual Studio.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install on more than one computer?
A Visual Studio licence is for one developer. That developer may install and use it on their own devices.
What's the difference between Professional and Enterprise?
Enterprise adds advanced debugging (IntelliTrace), Live Unit Testing, IntelliTest and architecture tools. Professional has the full IDE most developers use every day.
Do I need Visual Studio Code instead?
No. Visual Studio Code is a separate, free code editor. Your key is for the full Visual Studio IDE.
Useful links
| Link | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Visual Studio downloads | Latest installer |
| Older Visual Studio versions | 2022, 2019, 2017 installers |
| Visual Studio 2026 Professional | Buy Visual Studio |
| SQL Server guide | Setting up a database server |