Installing VDM and Required Components

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Article Goal

This article provides step-by-step instructions for installing VDM and its required components, including system prerequisites, runtime dependencies, MSI installation procedures, and post-installation configuration tasks needed to prepare the environment for use.

Installation Process

Starting with version 10, VDM introduces significant changes to the installation and upgrade process:

• VDM version 9 (or older) and version 10 (or later) can now be installed on the same computer. This allows users to explore and transition to newer versions while still maintaining access to older versions.
• VDM installations and updates are now managed using a Microsoft Installer package (MSI). This simplifies deployment, upgrades, and maintenance across multiple systems.
• Beginning with version 2026.03.30.0, VDM was migrated to .NET 10 and now requires specific Microsoft .NET 10 runtime components to be installed.
• Before installing the .NET 10 version of VDM, it may be necessary to uninstall existing Microsoft runtime components if conflicts occur.
• For detailed instructions on installing the required runtime components, refer to the VDM .NET 10 Runtime Installation Guide.

Important Note

Views created in newer versions of VDM are not backwards compatible with older versions. Attempting to open or run newer Views in older versions of VDM may result in errors or unexpected behavior.

To avoid compatibility issues:

• Be cautious when opening newer Views in older VDM versions
• Always create backups of Views before making modifications or upgrades

Video Tutorial

Steps To Install VDM

1. Download & Run: Download the VDM.MSI installation file from the official website or the provided download link. Once the download is complete, double-click the VDM.MSI file to begin the installation process.

2. Click Next: Follow the on-screen installation instructions and click the Next button to continue through the setup process.

3. Agree to the EULA: Review the End User License Agreement (EULA). If you agree to the terms, select I Agree, then click Next to continue with the installation

4. Select Installation Location: Choose where VDM will be installed on your device.

If you are unsure, it is recommended to keep the default installation path:
C:\Program Files\BridgeWorks LLC\BridgeWorks VDM

Select Everyone, then click Next to continue.

5. Click Next Again: Continue following the installation prompts by clicking the Next button when instructed.

6. Allow Changes: When prompted by Windows to allow the MSI installer to make changes to your device, click Yes. This grants the installer permission to complete the installation properly.

7. Wait for Installation to Complete: Allow the installation process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your system configuration.

8. Close the Installer and Launch VDM: Once the installation is complete, click Close to exit the installer.

Launch VDM to begin using the application.

Note: If you are installing VDM version 2026 or later and your system does not already have the required .NET 10 runtime components installed, VDM may prompt you to install them the first time you launch the application.

The following components are required:

• .NET Windows Desktop Runtime 10 (x64)
• .NET ASP.NET Core Runtime 10 (x64)

For additional details, please refer to the article, VDM NET 10 Runtime Installation Guide.

9. OPTIONS File Detection: The first time you launch VDM, the application may detect an existing OPTIONS file. If detected and you want to use it, click Yes. The OPTIONS file helps VDM locate important resources such as registration information, connection profiles, Views, settings, and other configuration data.

Note: OPTIONS files are typically carried over from previous VDM installations or shared environments.

Importing an OPTIONS File

10. Import an OPTIONS File: If VDM does not automatically detect an OPTIONS file and you have one available that you would like to use, the application will prompt you to import it.

Follow the prompts to browse your computer and select the OPTIONS file you want to import.

11. Select an OPTIONS File: Browse to the location of the OPTIONS file you want to import, then select the file to continue.

Registration Process

An OPTIONS file is not required to use VDM. If you do not currently have an OPTIONS file available, you may proceed with the registration process instead. Please refer to the article, Registering and Activating VDM.