Step 1: Download the Installer
Go to the official Microsoft page for older versions: visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/older-downloads/
Sign in with your Microsoft account to access the download
Find Visual Studio 2019 and download the Professional installer
Alternatively, use the direct installer link:
https://aka.ms/vs/16/release/vs_professional.exe
Run the downloaded vs_professional.exe file
Step 2: Install Visual Studio 2019 Professional
The Visual Studio Installer will open
Select the workloads you need (e.g. .NET desktop development, ASP.NET, C++, etc.)
Click Install and wait for the installation to complete
Step 3: Activate with Your Product Key
Launch Visual Studio 2019 Professional
Go to: Help → Register Product
Click "Unlock with a Product Key"
Enter your 25-character product key and click Apply
Alternative — Activate via Visual Studio Installer:
Open Visual Studio Installer from the Start menu
Find your installed Visual Studio 2019 Professional
Click the three dots (⋯) → select "Change product key"
Enter your product key and click Apply
Step 4: Verify Activation
Go to: Help → About Microsoft Visual Studio
The dialog will show your license status — it should display "Professional" with your license details
Step 5: Done
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2019 is fully activated and ready to use