Error windows SDK v8.1 must be installed in order to build this target

Development Programming & Scripting C++
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1

I have windows 7 trying to make basic C++ coding file in Unreal engine version 4.14.1 but it says I need windows 8.1, I don’t want windows 8 or 10 so I guess I have to download a previous version of Unreal engine, does anyone know which version will work with windows 7?

2

Hi Isent,

The SDK installation doesn’t mean you have to have Windows 8.1 or 10 installed. You just need the SDK installation so that you can properly build for these.

You can download and install them from here:

-Tim

2 Likes
3

Cheers Tim I thought for a minute I’d have to get windows 8 :frowning:

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No problem. I remember running into similar issues with Windows 7 when I was deploying to an Xbox One and it needs the SDK for Windows 10 to do so correctly. I think it’s an uncommon issue that some have run into seeing that a lot of people have now switched over to Windows 10.

5

Seems to be related to third-party plugins…

If I create a new ‘blank’ project with all 3rd party plugins turned off it compiles fine. Then turn on something like substance or low-entry (relaunch editor) and the build fails with the ‘Windows SDK v8.1 must be installed’ error.

This was with a standard 4.14.3 Blueprint-based project

6

Hi Tim, I just installed windows 10 sdk, yet the generateprojectfiles is still requesting that I install windows v8.1 sdk, is there any way to resolve this problem?

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My reading of this is that because you have 10 and the build is trying to create something that when shipped will work on 10 AND 8,1 it needs you to install the 8.1 kit so that it has the things needed for 8.1.

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Bravo Tim, TY so much!

9

I have the same issue. I installed windows SDK 8.1 and I’m still getting the error that says it needs to be installed.

10

Thanks, that worked.

11

i have windows 10 installed. i installed windows sdks bot v8.1 and v10 , and i still get this error :
Error windows SDK v8.1 must be installed in order to build this target

12

Have you got c++ components installed in Visual Studio? (They aren’t installed by default). Microsoft’s MDSN site explains how to too add c++ support:

“In Visual Studio 2015, Visual C++ is not installed by default. When installing, be sure to choose Custom installation and then choose the C++ components you require. Or, if Visual Studio is already installed, choose File | New | Project | C++ and you will be prompted to install the necessary components.”

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For the people installing visual studio 2017.

https://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/images/Programming/Development/VisualStudioSetup/VS2017_SettingsNoInstaller.jpg

More info here: https://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/INT/Programming/Development/VisualStudioSetup/ scroll down to visual studio 2017 users

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Thank you!

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You can also download it by modifying the Visual Studio 2017 file in “Change/Uninstall”

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I just installed a new Windows 10 machine, switched from 4.17 to 4.18 and installed VS2017 instead of 2015.
I had to download the 8.1 SDK from the link above plus I set an “Everyone” with full access in the access list for my project directory tree as well as the complete Epic install tree.
Also my project depended on the dungeon Architect plugin so I had to install that too.
After several restarts it seems to work now

17

I have same problem, but here in my case:
i have installed the windows 10 sdk via here Windows SDK - Windows app development
but the windows 10 sdk is not detected in vs installer , and win 8.1 sdk is not installed.

but i can run the GenerateProjectFiles by changing the line of code on \Engine\Source\Programs\UnrealBuildTool\U
nrealBuildTool.csproj
from 8.0 to 8.1 which based on solution from here Errors when run GenerateProjectFiles.bat in UWP Unreal release - Engine Source & GitHub - Unreal Engine Forums

is it ok or no?

18

I got the issue, installed 8.1 SDK (didn’t helped), modified VS with 8.1 SDK ,the issue still persist, can’t add any c++ asset to the project, please help.

19

Check the toolchain setting sin VS project options. In my case I had a mix of old and new toolchains in my project. Once I cleared it all and deleted all temporary files it was OK

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sorry for possibly dumb question ,but what “toolchain” you mean ? (couldn’t find such setting)