Check the boxes for or specific legacy Azure SDK targeting packs. 2. Microsoft Web Platform Installer (WebPI) Legacy Archives
Installing Visual Studio 2015 Update 3 with the “Microsoft Azure Development Tools” component often installs a version equivalent to SDK 2.9.6. You can then update via the Azure SDK standalone installer if needed.
The , released on January 20, 2017 , is a legacy toolset designed for developers building cloud-native applications within older versions of Visual Studio. While Microsoft has largely transitioned to a workload-based model in newer IDEs, this specific SDK version remains essential for maintaining legacy Azure Cloud Services and Logic App projects. Key Features and Updates in SDK 2.9.6
Visual Studio 2013 (Update 5), Visual Studio 2015 (Update 3) .NET Framework 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, or 4.6.1 Privileges
: This was the primary method for installation, but it has also been retired. Because the SDK relied on web installers, even archived versions of the installer often fail because the backend files they need are no longer hosted by Microsoft. Support Status : Official support for these legacy libraries ended on March 31, 2023 Technical Overview: Microsoft Azure SDK 2.9.6 microsoft azure sdk 2.9.6 download
Remaining on Azure SDK 2.9.6 introduces security risks and prevents you from utilizing modern cloud architectures. Microsoft has retired the classic Azure Cloud Services deployment model in favor of Azure Cloud Services (extended support).
The Microsoft Azure SDK for .NET version 2.9.6 is an important piece of Azure's history, representing the last of its kind as a large, bundled installation package. While obsolete and unsupported for modern development, it remains essential for maintaining legacy cloud services built during that era.
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If you are currently downloading SDK 2.9.6 to maintain an old application, consider prioritizing a migration to or refactoring the architecture to Azure App Services . This removes the dependency on desktop-installed MSI packages and shifts your application to standard NuGet dependency workflows. Check the boxes for or specific legacy Azure
The SDK is compatible with the following Windows operating systems:
Microsoft officially recommends migrating to newer development workflows whenever possible. For , the standalone SDK is deprecated. Instead, users should: Unable to update to Azure SDK 2.9.6 - Microsoft Q&A
Search the official directly for standalone packages using the exact phrase Azure SDK for .NET (VS 2015) - 2.9.6 . 3. NuGet Package Manager (For Libraries Only)
Microsoft Web Platform Installer (WebPI) was the original distribution method. Since WebPI is no longer supported, the command-line approach using webpicmd.exe is unreliable today. You can then update via the Azure SDK
Given the age of this SDK, installation is rarely smooth. Below is a troubleshooting table based on real-world issues from developer forums.
: Starting with Visual Studio 2017 , the standalone SDK was replaced by the Azure development workload within the Visual Studio Installer . For modern applications, Azure functionality is now managed via individual NuGet packages rather than a single monolithic installer .
Given that WebPI is no longer supported, this command-line method may also face issues, but it remains a valid part of the SDK's legacy documentation.
The is a legacy toolset primarily designed for Visual Studio 2013 and 2015 . It was one of the last versions released as a monolithic installer before Microsoft shifted toward a modern, modular architecture based on individual NuGet packages . Availability and Download Status