How to compile x64 code with Visual Studio in command line?

Question

I want to compile a simple hello-world-style program using the Windows command line.

cl file_name.c

is easy enough. Now I want to do the sa

Answer 1

Run cl from a "Visual Studio x64 Command Prompt" or something similar like "x64 Native Tools Command Prompt for VS 2017". Run where cl to see the path of which "cl" you're running. Something like "x64" or "amd64" should be in the path.

The start menu search can be unhelpful at times. Try typing "vs20xx" or "vs 20xx" instead of "visual studio" to find it. The name of the prompt changes over releases. If it does not say "64", then it will set up a 32 bit environment.

The 64 prompt tends to just call "Vcvarsall.bat" with a 64 argument, but the argument changes over time and may not be backwards compatible.