# Use the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic

To use the compiler with Microsoft Visual C++* (MSVC):

1. Create a MSVC project, or open an existing project.
2. In Solution Explorer, select the project(s) to build with Intel® C++ Compiler Classic.
3. Open Project > Properties.
4. In the left pane, expand the Configuration Properties category and select the General property page.
5. In the right pane, change the Platform Toolset to <compiler selection>. Alternatively, you can change the toolset by selecting Project > Intel Compiler > Use Intel C++ Compiler. This sets whichever version of the compiler that you specify as the toolset for all supported platforms and configurations.

   ### Note

   For C/C++, there are two toolsets: Select Intel C++ Compiler <major version> (example 2021) to invoke `icx`, or select Intel C++ Compiler <major.minor> (example 19.2) to invoke `icl`.
6. To add options, go to Project > Properties > C/C++ > Command Line and add new options to the Additional Options field. Alternatively, you can select options from Intel specific properties. Refer to complete list of options in the Compiler Options section in this documentation.
7. Rebuild, using either Build > Project only > Rebuild for a single project, or Build > Rebuild Solution for a solution.

## Switch Back to the MSVC Compiler

If your project is using the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic, you can switch back to MSVC:

1. Select your project.
2. Right-click and select Intel Compiler > Use Visual C++ from the context menu.

## Verify Use of the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic

To verify the use of the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic:

1. Go to Project > Properties > C/C++ > General.
2. Set Suppress Startup Banner to No. Click OK.
3. Rebuild your application.
4. Look at the Output window.

You should see a message similar to the following when using the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic:

    Intel® C++ Intel® XX Compiler Classic for applications running on XXXX, Version XX.X.X

## Unsupported MSVC Project Types

The following project types are not supported:

- Class Library
- CLR Console Application
- CLR Empty Project
- Windows* Forms Application
- Windows Forms Control Library

## Tips for Use

- Create a separate configuration for building with Intel® C++ Compiler Classic:
  - After you have created your project and specified it as an Intel project, create a new configuration (for example, rel_intelc based on Release configuration or debug_intelc based on Debug configuration).
  - Add any special optimization options offered by Intel® C++ Compiler Classic only to this new configuration (for example, rel_intelc or debug_intelc) through the project property page.
- Build with Intel® C++ Compiler Classic.

Parent topic: Use Microsoft Visual Studio*