How do I run the Visual Studio (2017) Installer?

You can find Visual Studio Installer on below location

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer

Then search for vs_installer.


You can get to the installer via

Control Panel --> Programs --> Programs and Features.

Select Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 from the list and click Change at the top. The installer will magically open up.


The screenshots you show are the VS 2017 installer. This allows you to select from the large number of optional components that can be included in the VS install. Run by running the downloaded installed file you started the original install with.

Tools | Extensions and Updates is used to extend and service VS.

  • Extensions are (usually third party) components to extend and enhance VS.
  • Servicing: just a prompt that there is an update available, this takes you to the Visual Studio installer.

NuGet: is a package manager for projects built with VS. Adding a component that the software you are writing uses. Soemthing like jQuery in a web app. This does not change VS itself.


I also found it a bit strange that you cannot modify the installation from Control Panel - Programs and Features. You can however launch the Visual Studio 2017 installer from the following location:

%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer\vs_installer.exe