MSVC Build Tools v14.51 now generally available

Microsoft released MSVC Build Tools v14.51 as the default compiler in Visual Studio 2026 18.6.

Notable additions include:

• additional C++23 language features
• performance improvements in code generation
• preview support for Intel APX

VS 2026 + Copilot users can use the @Modernize agent (currently in public preview) to help resolve upgrade-related build issues.