In November 2025, Microsoft released the next generation of its development environment with Visual Studio 2026. Compared directly to Visual Studio 2022, the new version delivers twice as fast load times, native .NET 10 and C# 14 support, a completely redesigned Fluent UI and deep GitHub Copilot integration.
At a glance
Visual Studio 2026 is the AI-native evolution of VS 2022. Solutions load up to 2× faster, .NET 10 and C# 14 natively, GitHub Copilot deeply integrated. Xamarin has been removed – replaced by .NET MAUI. For active developers, the upgrade is worth it.
Table of contents
The most important differences at a glance
Before we dive deep into the details, here is a compact overview of the most important differences between Visual Studio 2026 and its predecessor Visual Studio 2022:
| Feature | Visual Studio 2022 | Visual Studio 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | November 2021 | November 2025 |
| Major version | 17.x | 18.x |
| UI design | Visual Studio Theme | Fluent UI (new) |
| .NET support | up to .NET 9 | native .NET 10 |
| C# version | up to C# 13 | native C# 14 |
| GitHub Copilot | as a plug-in | deeply integrated |
| Solution load time | Baseline | up to 2× faster |
| Xamarin | available | removed (now .NET MAUI) |
| Cloud agents | – | integrated |
| Extensions | VS Marketplace | compatible with VS 2022 |
| Side-by-side installation | – | possible alongside VS 2022 |
| Microsoft RRP (Pro) | €539 | €539 (€129 at Karinex) |
What's new in Visual Studio 2026?
GitHub Copilot deeply integrated
The biggest visible difference: GitHub Copilot is no longer just a plug-in, but a core part of the IDE. Code completion, refactoring suggestions and the Copilot chat appear directly in the editor context – without a separate setup. Microsoft relies on the new GPT-5 model for greater accuracy in code suggestions.
Important note: You still need a GitHub account for the AI features. For privacy-sensitive projects, Copilot can be fully disabled in the settings.
.NET 10 and C# 14 natively supported
Visual Studio 2026 brings full out-of-the-box support for .NET 10 (released November 2025) and C# 14. You don't need to install an additional SDK or enable an update for a preview feature. Anyone working with modern frameworks such as ASP.NET Core 10, Blazor United or .NET MAUI 10 has a clear advantage here.
Double the solution load speed
Microsoft has completely redesigned the solution loader for large projects. In internal benchmarks, a sample solution with 700 projects loaded in VS 2026 in roughly half the time it took in VS 2022. For enterprise code bases, this is a game changer.
Completely redesigned Fluent UI
The interface has been rebuilt from the ground up and now consistently follows Microsoft's Fluent Design System. Rounded corners, larger hit areas, better readability and a new default theme Mica provide a contemporary experience.
Cloud agent integration for DevOps
New in Visual Studio 2026 are cloud agents – AI-powered helpers that can autonomously take over routine tasks such as code reviews, test generation and pull request preparation.
Improved debugger with AI hints
The debugger now displays context-sensitive AI hints for exceptions. With complex errors, this often saves minutes or hours.
What has been removed from Visual Studio?
As part of the major release, Microsoft has removed a number of outdated components:
- Xamarin: No longer included. Microsoft recommends migrating to .NET MAUI.
- Visual Studio Installer Projects: Extension no longer officially supported. Alternative: WiX Toolset or Inno Setup.
- UWP projects (classic): Still usable, but Microsoft recommends WinUI 3.
- JavaScript project templates (legacy): Replaced by modern templates via Node.js and Vite.
Performance benchmarks
In its release blog post and at the Build Conference 2025, Microsoft published concrete benchmark figures:
| Benchmark | VS 2022 | VS 2026 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading a solution with 700 projects | 72 sec. | 36 sec. | −2× faster |
| Build (Roslyn compiler, cold) | 4:12 min. | 3:24 min. | −19 % |
| IntelliSense response time | 120 ms | 68 ms | −43 % |
| Memory usage | 2.8 GB | 2.1 GB | −25 % |
| Startup time (cold) | 14 sec. | 9 sec. | −36 % |
Above all, the IntelliSense response time and the solution load time are noticeable in everyday use.
System requirements compared
| Component | VS 2022 | VS 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 1909+ / 11 | Windows 10 22H2+ / 11 |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz, dual-core | 1.8 GHz, 4+ cores recommended |
| RAM (minimum) | 4 GB | 4 GB (16 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 850 MB – 210 GB | 20–50 GB typical |
| Architecture | x64 | x64 + ARM64 native |
Important: Windows 10 21H2 and older are no longer supported. Windows 11 Pro available at Karinex.
Should you upgrade to Visual Studio 2026?
Upgrade recommended if …
- You actively work with .NET 10 / C# 14 or plan to migrate soon
- Your solutions comprise 200+ projects
- You use GitHub Copilot intensively
- You are starting a new project and want to benefit from the modern Fluent UI
- You develop on ARM64 hardware
Wait for now if …
- You actively maintain Xamarin projects
- You use Visual Studio Installer Projects
- Your extensions are not yet VS 2026 compatible
- You run Windows 10 without the 22H2 update
Tip: Side-by-side installation
Visual Studio 2026 can be installed alongside Visual Studio 2022. So you can test it risk-free.
Upgrade guide: From VS 2022 to VS 2026
Get a Visual Studio 2026 license
Buy an original license Visual Studio 2026 Professional at Karinex – €129 instead of €539 RRP.
Update the Visual Studio Installer
Open the Visual Studio Installer → select version 2026. Do not uninstall VS 2022.
Select workloads
Tick the required workloads (e.g. .NET Desktop, ASP.NET, C++, Python, MAUI).
Carry over extensions
Carry over extensions from VS 2022 in the installer.
Activate the license
Start Visual Studio 2026 → sign in with your account or enter the product key.
Test your first project
Open an existing solution in VS 2026 – no conversion required.
Price comparison
Microsoft sells Visual Studio Professional 2026 in its official store for €539 (RRP). At Karinex you get the same original license thanks to the UsedSoft case law (EuGH C-128/11).
| Provider | Edition | Price | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store (RRP) | Professional 2026 | €539.00 | – |
| Karinex.de | Professional 2026 | €129.00 | − €410 (76 %) |
| Karinex.de | Professional 2022 | €11.90 | – |
Visual Studio 2026 Professional
€129 instead of €539 RRP · Instant download · 100-day guarantee
Buy nowFrequently asked questions
Can I install Visual Studio 2026 and 2022 side by side?
Yes. Both versions can be installed and run alongside each other without any problems. Licenses, workloads and extensions are managed separately.
Are my VS 2022 extensions compatible with VS 2026?
Microsoft has designed the extension API so that over 4,000 Marketplace extensions run in VS 2026 without modification.
Is Xamarin still supported in Visual Studio 2026?
No. Xamarin has been removed from Visual Studio 2026. Microsoft recommends migrating to .NET MAUI.
Does Visual Studio 2026 work on Mac or Linux?
No. Visual Studio 2026 is only available for Windows 10 22H2+ and Windows 11.
Do I need Visual Studio 2026 or is Visual Studio 2022 enough?
If you actively work with .NET 10 or C# 14, use GitHub Copilot intensively or manage large solutions, the upgrade is worth it.
Can I use my VS 2022 license as an upgrade to VS 2026?
No. You need a new VS 2026 license. Professional 2026 for €129 at Karinex.
Is GitHub Copilot included in Visual Studio 2026?
The IDE integration is included. The AI features require a GitHub account.
What happens to my VS 2022 projects in VS 2026?
VS 2022 and VS 2026 use the same project format. You can switch a solution between both versions without any problems.
How long will Visual Studio 2026 be supported?
Microsoft guarantees 10 years of support, so roughly until November 2035.
Perpetual license or Microsoft 365 Developer subscription?
For most individual developers and SMEs, the perpetual license is economically more attractive.
Conclusion – Visual Studio 2026 or stick with 2022?
Visual Studio 2026 is the biggest evolution of the Microsoft IDE so far since the jump from Visual Studio 2019 to 2022. The combination of deeply integrated GitHub Copilot, double the solution load speed, native .NET 10 / C# 14 support and the modern Fluent UI makes the upgrade worthwhile for active developers in most cases.
Anyone who maintains stable legacy projects, uses Xamarin or relies on special extensions can, for now, stay with Visual Studio 2022 Professional.
Our practical tip: Get a Visual Studio 2026 Professional license for €129, install it alongside VS 2022 and decide after two weeks of real-world use.
Visual Studio 2026 Professional
Original license · Instant download · 100-day guarantee
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