Cannot Start Stride: Could not find a compatible version of MSBuild
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- Dominant language
- C#
- Stars
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Description
Release Type: Official 4.0.0.1-beta03-1036
Version: 4.0.0.1-beta03-1036
Platform(s): Windows 10
Describe the bug
Installer goes through perfectly - no complaints, but when trying to launch Stride, I get an error dialog with the text: Could not find a compatible version of MSBuild.
System.InvalidOperationException: Could not find a MSBuild installation (expected 16.0 or later) at Stride.Core.Assets.PackageSessionPublicHelper.FindAndSetMSBuildVersion() at Stride.GameStudio.Program.d__12.MoveNext()
To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:
- Install from xenko website for Windows 10
Run installer - let it complete, run the launcher.
Try to launch the "latest" version it installs for you automatically.
Expected behavior
I expected the Game Studio to launch.
Screenshots

Log and callstacks
If any, please attach here any log or callstack (preferably in a .txt file using GitHub drag and drop)
Additional context
I have VS 2017 installed, and some version of build tools. From reading the other issues like this, I found that the version required is lower than the version I have - I think.

I've also tried the gacutil /u Microsoft.Build.Tools fix mentioned on a different ticket, found the vs2017 dll and registered it - still no dice.
I've already spent a significant amount of time struggling - uninstalling this and going for Godot - it worked the first time I tried to use it.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start at Stride.Core.Assets.PackageSessionPublicHelper.FindAndSetMSBuildVersion and the Stride.GameStudio.Program startup path, then reproduce the Windows 10 launch failure with the reported Visual Studio 2017 and build-tools setup. Done means the installed Stride Game Studio launches without the compatible-MSBuild error under the supported configuration.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- csharp
- Domain
- build-system, desktop
- Issue type
- Bug
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100