Yes, you can install VS 2026 alongside 2022 without disrupting your existing setup. Your settings and extensions can be imported easily, and most projects run without modification. Developers ready to adopt .NET 10 or modern C++ standards can switch smoothly, though some older extensions may need updates for full compatibility.

The 2026 release modernizes the IDE with a redesigned Fluent UI, faster performance, and built-in GitHub Copilot that provides contextual code suggestions, refactoring help, and test generation. It adds support for .NET 10, C# 14, and C++ 23/26 through the MSVC v14.50 toolchain, introduces a new Profiler Agent for detailed memory and CPU analysis, and simplifies upgrades with side-by-side installation and automatic settings migration.

AI now plays a central role, with GitHub Copilot built directly into the IDE. It suggests code, generates tests, explains functions, and helps refactor intelligently based on project context. VS 2026 also expands AI-driven debugging and code-quality analysis tools, improving productivity without leaving the editor.