vs_buildtools.exe missing from Visual Studio Build Tools 2017

Question

I installed the Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 using the link (at bottom under Other Tools and Frameworks) installing both workloads: Visual C++ build tools and Web development build tools. I kept the default folder.

Based on quite a few articles, such as Microsoft Web Application Targets is Missing, I expected to see vs_buildtools.exe in the folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\BuildTools\MSBuild\15.0\Bin folder, but no. I see MSBuild.exe, as you can see from this screenshot.

Here is a screenshot of the installer.

Really, there are quite a few articles saying the exact same thing: 1, 2, to name only 2.

How do I get vs_buildtools.exe?

Apparently the only way to solve my Microsoft induced Web Application Targets missing problem, as it is no longer in 15.0 is to use this executable and run the vs_buildtools.exe --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.WebBuildTools as the answer specifies. I am also annoyed now that something that should be there is not. Did Microsoft change something in a newer revision of the Build Tools?

Answer 1

How do I get vs_buildtools.exe?

You have already got the vs_buildtools.exe.

I installed the Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 using the link (at bottom under Other Tools and Frameworks) installing both workloads

You will notice that the installed file name is vs_buildtools__339506979.1501125082.exe, which include the version info in the name. You can rename it to vs_buildtools.exe, that is what you want.

Update for vs_buildtools.exe:

After use the command:

vs_buildtools.exe --add Microsoft.VisualStudio.Workload.WebBuildTools

The WebBuildTools will be installed at:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\BuildTools\MSBuild\Microsoft\VisualStudio\v15.0\WebApplications

Besides, be aware that the comment under the answer:

If you already have downloaded the "Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017" installer (visualstudio.com/thank-you-downloading-visual-studio/…), then you can launch that installer, hit Modify and tick the "Web development build tasks" workload module checkbox. Then click the Modify button and let the installer finish.