Software⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: How to fix the error "Windows SDK version 8.1" was not found?

Windows SDK version 8.1 not found error in Visual Studio 2015.

Quick Answer: Update the project to use a compatible Windows SDK version, or reinstall the Windows SDK 8.1.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error 'Windows SDK version 8.1 was not found' occurs when Visual Studio 2015 is unable to locate the required Windows SDK version, which can be frustrating for developers who rely on this feature.

This issue affects users who have updated their Visual Studio 2015 installation and are now experiencing build failures due to the missing SDK version.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the Windows SDK version 8.1 was not installed during the update process, which is required for certain project configurations.
  • Another possible cause is that the Windows SDK version 8.1 was previously uninstalled or corrupted, leading to the missing SDK version.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Installing the required Windows SDK version

  1. Step 1: Open the Visual Studio Installer and select the 'Individual Components' tab.
  2. Step 2: Check the box next to 'Windows 10 SDK (10.0.19041.0)

Alternative Advanced Fix

    🎯 Final Words

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