> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.poshtools.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.poshtools.com/open-source-tools/visual-studio.md).

# PoshTools VS

PowerShell Pro Tools for Visual Studio adds a PowerShell-focused development experience to Visual Studio. It provides editor services, project templates, debugging, analysis, test discovery, packaging, and UI design tools for PowerShell scripts and modules.

Use this tool when Visual Studio is your primary IDE or when you want PowerShell project support alongside .NET development.

## Features

* Syntax highlighting and IntelliSense for PowerShell files.
* Local and remote script debugging.
* PowerShell project and item templates.
* Pester unit test discovery through the Visual Studio Test Explorer.
* PSScriptAnalyzer integration.
* Refactoring commands and go to definition.
* PowerShell Interactive Window.
* Script packaging and MSBuild integration.
* Windows Forms designer support.
* Windows PowerShell and PowerShell 7 support.

## Quick Examples

Create a PowerShell project from **File > New > Project**, select a PowerShell project template, and press **F5** to run or debug the script entry point.

Package a script from a project by configuring the PowerShell project properties or by using the MSBuild packaging task documented in [Packaging in Visual Studio](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/bundling-and-packaging-with-msbuild.md).

Design a Windows Forms UI from Visual Studio with the form item templates and designer documented in [User Interface Design](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/user-interface-design.md).

## Downloads

* [Visual Studio 2022 extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AdamRDriscoll.PowerShellToolsVS2022)
* [Visual Studio 2017 and 2019 extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AdamRDriscoll.PowerShellToolsforVisualStudio2017-18561)
* [Changelog](https://github.com/ironmansoftware/powershell-pro-tools/releases)

## More Information

* [Installation](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/installation.md)
* [System Requirements](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/system-requirements.md)
* [Project System](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/project-system.md)
* [Debugging](/open-source-tools/visual-studio/chapter1.md)