How to Download Visual Studio 2019 for Academic Use and ANSYS Fluent
Question details
The user needs to find and install a free academic version of Visual Studio 2019 to compile user-defined code for ANSYS Fluent.

- Product
- Visual Studio 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A student requires an older version of Visual Studio (2019) for academic research and software compatibility with ANSYS Fluent.
- Observed behavior
- The older 2019 version is no longer easily accessible on the primary download page, prompting the need for specific archival download and licensing guidance.
Ensure you have a registered Microsoft account, preferably associated with your academic email address, as it may be required to access older developer tools and verify student status.
Access Archived Versions via Visual Studio Subscriptions
Microsoft provides access to older versions of Visual Studio, including the 2019 release, through their free Dev Essentials and Subscriptions portal.
While Microsoft promotes the newest version of Visual Studio on their main page, older versions are preserved for developers who need them for compatibility reasons, such as compiling ANSYS Fluent UDFs.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Visual Studio Subscriptions portal (my.visualstudio.com) and log in using your Microsoft account.
Click on the 'Downloads' tab at the top of the portal, and type 'Visual Studio 2019' into the search bar.
Locate 'Visual Studio Community 2019' in the search results and download the installer. The Community edition is generally free for students and academic research.

Seek Licensing Guidance on Microsoft Q&A
If you encounter issues locating the specific build or have complex licensing questions regarding academic use, consult Microsoft experts.
Boost Your Academic Productivity with WPS Office
While you set up Visual Studio 2019 for your ANSYS Fluent simulations, you also need a powerful office suite for writing research papers, analyzing data, and preparing presentations. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that is perfect for students and academic researchers.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free suite for your operating system.
- 2. Install Quickly: Run the lightweight installer to equip your PC with Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools in minutes.
- 3. Manage Academic Documents: Open existing Microsoft Office documents seamlessly and start drafting your research without formatting issues.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visual Studio Community 2019 free for students?
Yes, the Visual Studio Community edition is completely free for students, academic researchers, open-source contributors, and individual developers.
Why do I need Visual Studio 2019 specifically for ANSYS Fluent?
ANSYS Fluent often relies on specific versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC) compiler to successfully compile and link User-Defined Functions (UDFs). Using a version newer than what your ANSYS release supports can lead to compilation errors.
Where can I find older versions of Visual Studio if they aren't on the main page?
Older versions of Visual Studio are officially archived in the Microsoft Visual Studio Subscriptions portal under the 'Downloads' section. You must sign in with a free Microsoft Dev Essentials account to access them.




