Arduino IDE for Visual Studio 2022+

Develop the exact same code with Visual Studio as the Arduino IDE. Fully compatible Build, Upload and Debugging solution for Visual Studio 2022+.

VS2017 / VS2019 / AS7 : Visual Micro is available as a separate extension here

Installer note: The Microsoft Linux/Gcc engine is installed with Visual Micro but it is only used to provide Arduino compatible intellisense

Why does Visual Micro install Microsoft Linux/GCC IntelliSense tools?

Visual Micro uses Microsoft GCC IntelliSense tools to feed the GCC parser with accurate results from its Arduino-compatible build system. This integration provides IntelliSense tailored to your actual project, platform, and library sources.

October 2025: VS2026 Support

Visual Micro now supports Visual Studio 2026, ensuring seamless compatibility and continued reliability for professional Arduino development.

June 2025: Portable Arduino Solution Wizard

Create Portable Arduino Solutions including all Libraries and Board Packages, for easy version control and distribution of one or many Arduino projects. Ensures stability over time by avoiding unexpected updates to a solution, without affecting existing installations of Arduino or Visual Micro. (User Guide)

July 2024: Enhanced Build Times

The latest update offers improved build times while maintaining compatibility with Arduino build specifications. Visual Micro now uses a more intelligent caching method when searching for Arduino-compatible library headers, reducing unnecessary compiler work. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for slower toolchains like the ESP32.

License: Perpetual or Yearly Licenses are available from $19 per year (includes forum support and updates). Existing customers of earlier IDE versions, please see our web site for free offers and discounted upgrades

Features:-

• Fully Arduino Compatible Build and Upload System (supporting all Arduino Versions)

• Code remains 100% Arduino Compatible

• Configuration is Shared with the Arduino IDE saving setup time and confusion

• Unique Software Debugging via USB and WiFi (perfect all boards from Uno/Mega to ESP32) with features above GDB:

  • Hundreds of Break and Trace points can be configured

  • Conditional Break/Trace points with Hit Counts

  • Automatic Performance Logging

  • Step/Break/Trace functionality

  • Custom @Plot Charting

  • Automatic Digital / Analog Pin Reports

• Includes maintained Project Templates and Code Snippets to increase your velocity

• Save Board Selection, Board Options, and Port settings for each project, or configuration.

• Automatic IDE Toolbar Visibility for seamless integration into your setup

• Use Multiple Serial Monitors together at the same time

• Advanced Library Management allowing libraries to be in any folder

• Versioned Library In-Project Capture per-project or per-solution (ideal for TFS or Git VC)

• Debug Options automatically saved per-board and project configuration

• Pre-Configured and Fully Customizable GDB Hardware Debugging

• Supports GDBStub Debugging with Fully Customizable configuration

• Integrate Automated Testing for your Cross Platform Code on your PC

Installation Guide

• Install Failed? If this download fails to install then right click the downloaded .vsix file and then "Right click > Open with > Visual Studio Version Selector". This often applies to all Microsoft extensions if Atmel Studio or older Visual Studio versions are installed side-by-side with Vs2017/2019.
• IDE load time? Visual Micro will only load at Startup when its toolbars are visible. Otherwise Visual Micro will load only when needed. The "VMicro" toolbar is an exception to the rule, it can always be visible and will not affect load times. Switching "vMicro>Toolbar Auto Visibility" 'On' allows toolbars to automatically 'display/hide' when an Arduino project is open. Switching auto visbility 'Off' provides user control of toolbar visibility using the standard Visual Studio toolbar visibility features.
• See all project sources? The small icon called "Show all files" above the solution explorer enables switch between "physical file and folder view" and "Filtered view of files included in the current project(s)". The "show all files" view is useful to see which sources are included in the project. By default, for novice users, Visual Micro will ensure the correct sources are included. Advanced users that change sources using windows explorer or external editors need to review and manage this themselves.... Right clicking folders and files when "show all files" is enabled provides options to "Include" or "Exclude" sources from the current project. Normally, for Arduino, we should expect to see all sources below the project, the "\src" folder and folders below the "\src" folder to be included. Another useful option can be "vMicro>Show hiden files" which will includes core Arduino and library sources as shortcuts in the solution explorer. This can make it easest to navigate to or view the underlying cpp/c sources.

Quick Project Templates

GDB Hardware Debugging