The 'Build Tools for v140 cannot be found' issue typically occurs when trying to build a Visual Studio C++ project or solution, and the required build tools are missing or not installed properly. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the problem and a step-by-step solution to resolve it. Additionally, the FAQ section covers common questions and concerns related to this issue.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the 'Build Tools for v140 Cannot be Found' Issue
- Prerequisites
- Solution: Installing the Required Build Tools
- FAQ
- Related Links and Resources
Understanding the 'Build Tools for v140 Cannot be Found' Issue
The 'Build Tools for v140 cannot be found' error message is often encountered when attempting to build a Visual Studio C++ project or solution. This error indicates that the required build tools for the v140 platform toolset are either missing or not installed correctly. The v140 platform toolset is part of Visual Studio 2015, and it's necessary for building C++ projects targeting that specific version.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the solution, ensure you have the following software installed on your machine:
- Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 or later (Community, Professional, or Enterprise edition)
- Visual Studio C++ workload
Solution: Installing the Required Build Tools
Follow these steps to install the required build tools to fix the 'Build Tools for v140 cannot be found' error:
Launch Visual Studio.
Go to Tools > Get Tools and Features.
In the Visual Studio Installer, select the Modify button.
Under the Workloads tab, ensure Desktop development with C++ is checked.
Under the Installation details pane, expand Desktop development with C++, then locate and check VC++ 2015.3 v14.00 (v140) toolset for desktop.
Click Modify to start the installation process. Once completed, restart Visual Studio.
- Open your C++ project or solution in Visual Studio, then attempt to build it.
If the build is successful, the 'Build Tools for v140 cannot be found' issue should be resolved. If the issue persists, consider checking the FAQ section for additional troubleshooting steps.
FAQ
How do I change the platform toolset for my project?
- Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer, then click Properties.
- In the Property Pages dialog, select Configuration Properties > General.
- In the Platform Toolset dropdown, select the desired toolset (e.g., Visual Studio 2015 - Windows XP (v140_xp)).
- Click Apply, then OK.
Can I use a different version of Visual Studio to build my project?
Yes, you can use a different version of Visual Studio, but you may need to change the platform toolset to match the required version in your project's properties. Refer to the question above on how to change the platform toolset.
Can I have multiple Visual Studio versions installed on my machine?
Yes, you can have multiple Visual Studio versions installed on your machine without any conflicts.
What if I still cannot find the v140 build tools in my Visual Studio Installer?
If you cannot find the v140 build tools in the Visual Studio Installer, try downloading and installing the standalone version of the Visual C++ Build Tools.
How do I check if the v140 build tools are installed correctly?
You can check if the v140 build tools are installed correctly by going to Tools > Get Tools and Features in Visual Studio, then checking if the VC++ 2015.3 v14.00 (v140) toolset for desktop option is installed under the Desktop development with C++ workload.