VS2017 - Missing .net core > 2.1 as target framework

Question

Solution found! Took awhile, installed ALL sdks, and ALL runtimes then reinstalled latest version I wanted!

Goal, Have netcore 2.1 or greater as a dropdown option in visual studio. I've looked at possible duplicates questions already!

Details

After the last update of visual studio 15.7 to 15.8.4 .net core 2.1 or greater has disappeared from the target framework list.

I looked at other solutions as seen below. They were not helpful as I installed every version under the sun. See below screens.

Checked below for solutions (I already looked for solutions here!): VS2017 : Target framework drop down does not show .NET Core 2.1 option

The current .NET SDK does not support targeting .NET Core 2.1. target .NET Core 2.0 or lower or use a vs of the .NET SDK that support NET Core 2.1

Referenced screens:

UPDATE1: Removed 2.2 preview (NOT SOLVED, 2.1 is still missing)

Answer 1

In general, when new preview version of .NET Core 2.X appears and you are getting the error like this:

The current .NET SDK does not support targeting .NET Core 2.X

Make sure that:

1. You have downloaded installed SDK and runtime you need. Run command dotnet --info to see what you have installed on your machine at the moment.

2. You have checked the Use previews of the .NET Core SDK option here:

-> Tools -> Options -> Projects and Solutions -> .NET Core

Sometimes you might need to restart your Visual Studio after checking the option.

Note: it's always better to have the most recent Visual Studio version installed on your development machine (sometimes you might need a preview version - note a Download Preview link).