Is it possible to apply fixes on Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 Update 3

Question

Visual Studio 2015u3 is serviced by cumulative updates with KB3165756, which contains, among other things, fixes to the C++ compiler and libraries.

However KB3165756 refuses to do anything on a computer where Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 Update 3 is installed. It really wants one of VS Pro, Enterprise, Community or Express.

Are there special patches for Visual C++ Build Tools, or is it not updated at all and so it is actually a better idea to switch to Visual Studio Express 2015 for Desktop, in order to be able to receive patches?

Answer 1

Here is the answer I got on MSDN Visual Studio Development > Visual Studio Setup and Installation forum:

However KB3165756 refuses to do anything on a computer where Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 Update 3 is installed. It really wants one of VS Pro, Enterprise, Community or Express.

It is reasonable, check this: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt752379.aspx and it describes this update is applies to

• Visual Studio Professional 2015
• Visual Studio Enterprise 2015
• Visual Studio Community 2015
• Visual Studio Express 2015 for Web
• Visual Studio Express 2015 for Desktop
• Visual Studio Express 2015 for Windows 10

I have researched around and it looks like there is no special update for the Visual C++ Build Tools 2015, and refer to this blog: https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/vcblog/2015/11/02/announcing-visual-c-build-tools-2015-standalone-c-tools-for-build-environments/

The latest release of the Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 is here: Download Visual C++ Build Tools 2015

If you still want to install, it looks like you need a VS 2015 RTM update version on your computer. Since the VS community 2015 with update 2 and Visual Studio Express version are free and you can think about it.

Best regards,

Sara