By default, Microsoft provides a lightweight online web installer (a "bootstrapper"). When you run it on a machine connected to the internet, it dynamically downloads the specific components and workloads needed for your setup. However, for environments with strict security protocols (like defense or finance), unstable internet connections, or if you need to install the same development environment on dozens of identical machines, the offline method is essential.
vs_community.exe --layout C:\VS2022_Offline_V17_8 --lang en-US --version 17.8.0
: Install the full IDE on highly secure, air-gapped systems or secure lab machines completely disconnected from the internet.