: Use the full ISO image instead of the web bootstrapper. Download both the ISO and the vs_setup.msi from My.VisualStudio.com.
Microsoft allowed free downloads of VS 2012 Express editions (Web, Windows 8, Desktop) until late 2021. Today, the only free Microsoft-hosted link still functional (as of this writing) is for via the Microsoft Download Center archives : visual studio 2012 download microsoft
: Choose from available editions such as Professional, Ultimate, or Express. Editions Available : Use the full ISO image instead of the web bootstrapper
Many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies still run critical applications written in .NET Framework 4.5 with project formats that newer versions of Visual Studio break (e.g., old setup projects, custom build tasks). Today, the only free Microsoft-hosted link still functional
: Missing prerequisites, especially the Windows Update Agent.
You can find Visual Studio 2012 in your Start menu (or Start screen on Windows 8). Launch it to start developing.