[visual-studio-2013] How to add MVC5 to Visual Studio 2013?

I'm starting a new project, and would like to give a try to MVC 5 (I have built a web app using MVC 4 before).

In Visual Studio 2013, I click the New Project and navigate to Visual C# > Web > Visual Studio 2012 (even though I have installed VS 2013 it says 2012 in the menu) and on that list I only have MVC 4 application - not 5.

The framework in the drop down menu is set to .NET Framework 4.5.1 - and still nothing.

I've checked Tools > Extensions and Update and searched for MVC 5 - but it doesn't find anything official from Microsoft.

How can I add MVC 5 to my Visual Studio 2013?

Thank you

This question is related to visual-studio-2013 asp.net-mvc-5

The answer is


With respect to other answers, it's not always there. Sometimes on setup process people forget to select the Web Developer Tools.

In order to fix that, one should:

  1. Open Programs and Features find Visual Studios related version there, click on it,
  2. Click to Change. Then the setup window will appear,
  3. Select Web Developer Tools there and continue to setup.

It will download or use the setup media if exist. After the setup windows may restart, and you are ready to have fun with your Web Developer Tools now.


You can look into Windows installed folder from here of your pc path:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft ASP.NET

View of Opened file where showing installed MVC 3, MVC 4

enter image description here


MVC 5 is already built into Visual Studios 2013.

  1. Open a new project, on the left make sure you are under Templates > Visual C# > Web not Templates > Visual C# > Web > Visual Studios 2012.

  2. Important: Now look near the top of the new project dialog box and select .NET 4.5 or higher. Once under web and the proper framework is selected click ASP.NET Web Application in the middle pane. Click OK

  3. This will bring you to a page where you can select MVC as the project and start the wizard.


Select web development tools when you install the visual studio 2013. Then it will work properly and show the asp.net web applicaton.


Go File -> New Project.

Select Web under Visual C#.

Select ASP.NET Web Application

select mvc

when solution is created, you will find resources getting added in solution in status bar of vs 2013.

Check property of Dll file --> system.web.mvc, it shows latest version (5.2.2.0)

but depending on your OS runtime version will be decided.


Also, while installing Visual Studio 2013, ensure that you have checked "Web Developer Tools"


Go File -> New Project.

Select Web under Visual C#.

Select ASP.NET Web Application

Click OK.

New Project Dialog

Select MVC.

Click OK.

ASP.Net Dialog