App Compatibility
Visual Studio (IDE) on Linux
Visual Studio (IDE) on Linux is currently a vm path. Use a Windows VM for full Visual Studio, or switch to VS Code / JetBrains Rider, both native on Linux, for .NET work.
Recommended: Switch to a Linux alternative
Does Visual Studio (IDE) work on Linux?
A Windows virtual machine is the realistic fallback.
Best Linux method
Use a Windows VM for full Visual Studio, or switch to VS Code / JetBrains Rider, both native on Linux, for .NET work.
.NET itself runs great on Linux; Microsoft confirmed (Sept 2025) no plans for a Linux VS IDE, so the full IDE and Windows designers force a VM.
What breaks on Linux?
- No Linux version of the full Visual Studio IDE
- Some Windows-only designers (WinForms/WPF visual designers) have no Linux equal
- MSVC-specific build setups differ from .NET on Linux
Method Comparison
| Native Linux | Not available |
|---|---|
| Web version | Not available |
| Wine rating | garbage |
| Fallback path | Use a Windows VM for full Visual Studio, or switch to VS Code / JetBrains Rider, both native on Linux, for .NET work. |
Alternatives
- VS Code
- JetBrains Rider
FAQ
Does Visual Studio (IDE) work on Linux?
Visual Studio (IDE) on Linux is currently a vm path. Use a Windows VM for full Visual Studio, or switch to VS Code / JetBrains Rider, both native on Linux, for .NET work.
What is the best Linux method for Visual Studio (IDE)?
Use a Windows VM for full Visual Studio, or switch to VS Code / JetBrains Rider, both native on Linux, for .NET work.
Related Apps
For Windows 10 users
Visual Studio (IDE) is one piece of your migration. Add it alongside your other apps and games to see whether this whole PC can move to Linux before Windows 10 security updates end.