Feeling Perplexed? Learn How to Install MFC in Visual Studio 2019

Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) is a widely-used C++ library that offers an object-oriented framework to create Windows desktop applications. However, if you’re a Visual Studio 2019 user who wants to develop Windows desktop applications using MFC, you will need to install it first. Don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to install MFC in Visual Studio 2019.

Step 1: Visual Studio Launching!

The first step of the guide is quite easy – you just have to launch your Visual Studio 2019 IDE. Once opened, select either “Create a new Project” or “Open an existing project” depending on your requirements. As soon as you finish this step, Visual Studio 2019 will open a blank solution or your chosen existing project.

Step 2: Extension Installation Time!

To install MFC, you need to install the Visual Studio Installer Extension first. This tool assists you with managing Visual Studio workloads by either modifying or adding components and more.

To install the Visual Studio Installer Extension, follow these simple steps:

1. Navigate to “Extensions” on the top menu and click on “Manage Extensions.”
2. In the “Extensions and Updates” dialog box, search for “Visual Studio Installer Projects.”
3. Click on “Download” next to the extension name and restart Visual Studio 2019 when prompted.

Step 3: MFC Library Addition

Now that the Visual Studio Installer Extension is installed, it is time to add the MFC library to your project. Follow the instructions given below:

1. Navigate to “Extensions” on the top menu and click on “Manage Extensions.”
2. Select “Installed” and confirm that the “Visual Studio Installer Projects” extension is listed.
3. Back to Visual Studio 2019, click on “File” > “New” > “Project.”
4. The “New Project” dialog box will appear where you need to pick the “Visual C++” template on the left and choose “MFC” on the right.
5. After selecting “MFC,” choose the “MFC Application” template and click “Next.”
6. You will be asked to specify the project name and location, and then click “Create.”

Step 4: MFC Options Configuration Time!

With a new MFC project created, it is time to configure some MFC options. Follow the instructions given below:

1. In the Solution Explorer window, right-click on the project’s name, and select “Properties.”
2. In the Properties window, select the “Configuration Properties” and click on the “General” panel.
3. Change the “Use of MFC” option to one of the following:
• Use MFC in a Shared DLL
• Use MFC in a Static Library

Remember that choosing the “Use MFC in a Shared DLL” option needs the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package.

4. Navigate to the “Linker” panel under “Configuration Properties.”
5. In the “Input” panel, add “afxres.lib” to the “Additional Dependencies” field.

Step 5: Building and Running the MFC Application

With MFC added to your project and configured, it is finally time to build and run your application. Follow these simple steps:

1. Press “F5” or click “Debug” > “Start Debugging” from the top menu.
2. Visual Studio will compile and launch your MFC application.
3. Woohoooo! Congratulations! You now have a working MFC application built in Visual Studio 2019.

The Conclusion

MFC library is an effective tool for developing compelling Windows desktop applications. With the support of this comprehensive guide, you can now easily install MFC in Visual Studio 2019. From managing your environment with the Installer Extension to configuring MFC options and building your application, we’ve got you covered. So, start exploring the MFC library and realize its full potential for developing powerful Windows desktop applications!