Install Visual Studio 2012 on XP Professional

Question

Hi,

Currently my office workstation has windows xp professional, visual studio 2005. We are planning to move to latest VS 2012.

• Can I install Visual Studio 2012 (professional or ultimate) on xp professional workstation?
• Do I need to install or upgrade from 2005 to 2012. I don't want to install side by side.

Please provide link if you have any or guidance to go with this upgrade.

Some say can't install 2012 on xp, but this link http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/products/compatibility

shows that it is compatible. I am confused.

Thanks,

Spunny.

Answer 1

It is not compatible.

Visual Studio 2012 is supported on Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8 only.

From your link:

Supported operating systems

• Windows 7 (x86 and x64)
• Windows 8 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
• Windows Server 2012 (x64)

The reference to Windows XP: "Visual Studio 2012 will also target earlier platforms such as Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 so you can create new apps or modernize existing apps that execute on earlier versions of Windows " refers to where the apps you create can run, not where VS 2012 can be installed.

I hope this clarifies things. If not, please ask further.

Answer 2

Thank you