MCP Server for Visual Studio bridges your IDE with AI coding assistants like Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Cline.
Unlike file-based tools, this extension provides what AI agents CAN'T do alone:
• IntelliSense & semantic code understanding (powered by Roslyn)
• Symbol search - definitions, usages, inheritance hierarchies
• Solution/project navigation and document outlines
• Build execution with clean, structured error output
• Async test execution with progress tracking
• Solution-wide refactoring (rename symbols across all files)
20 tools designed for AI consumption with token-efficient output.
Windows only. Supports VS 2022 (17.13+) and VS 2026.
Overview
What is Visual Studio MCP Server?
Visual Studio MCP Server is an extension that bridges Visual Studio with AI coding assistants, enhancing their capabilities by providing access to IntelliSense, semantic code understanding, and more.
How to use Visual Studio MCP Server?
To use the MCP Server, open a solution in Visual Studio, start the server from the Tools menu, and configure your AI agent to connect to the server.
Key features of Visual Studio MCP Server?
- IntelliSense and semantic code understanding
- Symbol search for definitions, usages, and inheritance hierarchies
- Solution/project navigation and document outlines
- Clean, structured error output during builds
- Async test execution with progress tracking
- Solution-wide refactoring capabilities
Use cases of Visual Studio MCP Server?
- Enhancing AI coding assistants with IDE features.
- Facilitating code navigation and symbol searching.
- Running builds and tests efficiently with AI support.
FAQ from Visual Studio MCP Server?
- What AI assistants are supported?
The MCP Server supports Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and any MCP-compatible AI tool.
- Is it free to use?
Yes! The MCP Server is free to use for everyone.
- What are the system requirements?
It requires Visual Studio 2022 (17.13+) or Visual Studio 2026 on Windows.