When you first install the extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace, it automatically activates a . This trial includes all premium features, such as advanced IntelliSense, PHP 8.x support, and Xdebug integration. How to Obtain a Valid License Key
: Click on PHP Tools for Visual Studio and select License... (In some versions, this may be under Help > PHP Tools License ).
100% free for eligible students and teachers, renewed annually.
To license PHP Tools for Visual Studio (developed by ), you must obtain a key through their official channels. The extension is a paid product, though it offers several free tiers and a trial period. 1. How to Activate Your License
PHP Tools for Visual Studio comes with a free 30-day trial license that allows you to use all features. The trial license is automatically enabled once Visual Studio starts. Note that enabling the trial license requires an internet connection. php tools for visual studio license key
Pricing | PHP Tools for Visual Studio and VS Code by DEVSENSE
Cracked software is the number one delivery method for ransomware, keyloggers, and crypto-miners. When you download a "keygen" or a patched DLL for VS.Php.dll , you are executing unsigned code on your machine.
Click . The status will change to "Active," displaying your expiration or renewal date. Free and Open-Source Alternatives
Select the appropriate license type (Personal or Commercial). When you first install the extension from the
This extension goes beyond basic editing by adding full PHP project support, a powerful debugger that works like Visual Studio’s native debuggers, and integration with PHPUnit and Composer. It supports Visual Studio versions from 2010 to 2022, including the free Visual Studio Community Edition, making it accessible to a broad range of developers.
: You receive all new updates and technical support during your active subscription.
If a commercial license does not fit your current budget, several powerful, free alternatives allow you to develop PHP applications without needing a paid license key. 1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) + PHP Extensions
This model ensures that even after your subscription expires, you are not locked out of your tools—only locked out of new feature releases. (In some versions, this may be under Help
Paying for 12 consecutive months also qualifies you for a perpetual license for the starting version. PHP Tools for Visual Studio Pricing and License Types License Type Typical Cost (1st Year) Key Conditions Individual developers Must use personal funds; non-reimbursable. Commercial Companies/Orgs Transferable within the organization. Students & Teachers Must be under 26 and enrolled in an accredited school. Open Source Core contributors Project must be non-commercial and non-sponsored. Essentials Limited feature set compared to Premium. 🚀 Key Premium Features
Disclaimer: License pricing and activation steps are based on information available as of early 2026. For the most up-to-date pricing, always refer to the official DEVSENSE store. Share public link
If you want to move forward with setting up your IDE, let me know: Which are you currently using? Do you need help configuring Xdebug for your PHP project? Share public link
: Launch your Microsoft Visual Studio IDE.