Complete Guide to Install C++17 on Windows

C++17 provides many modern language and Standard Library features that improve productivity and code quality. This article covers the installation of a C++17 compiler on Windows and the configuration of popular C++ IDEs and code editors.

Installing a C++17 Compiler (GCC 9.2)

GCC 9.2 provides full support for most C++17 features and can be used to compile C++17 programs on Windows.

Step 1: Download GCC 9.2

Download the GCC 9.2 compiler package and extract the downloaded archive.

Step 2: Move MinGW Folder

After extraction, copy the MinGW folder to the C:\ drive.

Setting Up the Environment Path

To use GCC from the Command Prompt, add the MinGW bin directory to the system PATH.

Step 1: Copy the MinGW Bin Path

Open the MinGW folder and copy the path of the bin directory.

Example:

C:\MinGW\bin

Step 2: Add the Path Variable

Navigate to:

Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings-> Environment Variables -> Path -> Edit -> New

Paste the copied path and save the changes.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and run:

gcc --version

If the installation is successful, the installed GCC version will be displayed.

Configuring Sublime Text for C++17

By default, Sublime Text may not compile programs using the C++17 standard. You can create a custom build system to enable C++17 support.

Step 1: Create a New Build System

Open:

Tools -> Build System -> New Build System

Paste the following configuration:

Step 2: Save the Build File

Save the file with the .sublime-build extension.

Step 3: Select the Build System

Go to:

Tools -> Build System

Select the build system you just created.

Step 4: Run the Program

Press:

Ctrl + B

to build and run the C++17 program.

Configuring Code::Blocks for C++17

Step 1: Select GCC Compiler

Open:

Settings -> Compiler

Choose GNU GCC Compiler.

Step 2: Enable C++17

Under Compiler Settings, select the C++17 standard option.

Step 3: Configure Toolchain Executables

Switch to the Toolchain Executables tab and set the compiler installation directory to the MinGW folder stored in C:\.

Update the executable paths using the files available in:

C:\MinGW\bin

Configuring Dev-C++

Step 1: Add a Compiler Set

Open:

Tools -> Compiler Options

Click the + button to add a new compiler set.

Step 2: Select the MinGW Directory

Browse to the MinGW folder stored in C:\ and click OK.

Step 3: Switch Between Compilers

You can switch between installed compiler versions at any time using the compiler selection drop-down menu available in Dev-C++.

Verifying C++17 Support

Create and compile the following program:

C++17 is enabled

If the program compiles successfully, your system is properly configured for C++17 development.