Team Foundation Server 2015 Installation Guide (SQL Express + Update 3)

Originally published on 2016-08-20; fully revised and updated.

This guide walks through a practical installation path for Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2015 using the same components referenced in the original post: SQL Server Express 2016, TFS 2015 installer media, and TFS 2015 Update 3. It is most useful for teams maintaining legacy on-premises TFS environments and needing a clear, repeatable install flow.

Original download sources referenced by this guide

The original article points to the following Microsoft pages:

Note: legacy Microsoft download URLs can change over time. Validate each link and artifact name before production use.

Choose the right TFS 2015 media option

The source describes two installation media paths: web installer (.exe) and ISO image. Choose based on connectivity and repeatability needs.

Option	How it works	Best for	Internet needed during install
.exe – Run now	Download and execute immediately	One-off install on a connected machine	Yes
.exe – Save and run later	Download installer now, run later	Deferred install on same or another connected machine	Yes (as described in source)
.exe with /layout	Create local offline package from the web installer	Offline-capable installs and repeatable lab setups	Needed to build layout; later installs can use local files
.iso image	Download DVD5 ISO media	Air-gapped or media-based installation workflows	Not required once ISO is downloaded

Installation workflow

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare host and admin access] --> B[Download SQL Server Express 2016]
    B --> C[Install SQL Server Express]
    C --> D[Download TFS 2015 media]
    D --> E{Install method}
    E -->|Web installer| F[Run EXE]
    E -->|Offline layout| G[Run EXE with layout switch]
    E -->|ISO| H[Mount or burn ISO]
    F --> I[Install TFS 2015]
    G --> I
    H --> I
    I --> J[Install TFS 2015 Update 3]
    J --> K[Validate TFS services and access]

Step-by-step installation sequence

1) Install SQL Server Express 2016

Download and run the SQL Server 2016 Express installer from the Microsoft link above. Complete the installation first so a SQL instance is available before TFS setup.

2) Install Team Foundation Server 2015

Use one of the methods listed in the original source:

• Install over the Internet: choose the .exe, then either Run now or Save for later execution.
• Create local offline installer: save the .exe, open a command prompt in that folder, and run with /layout.
• Use ISO media: choose the .iso option and install from the downloaded image.

3) Apply Team Foundation Server 2015 Update 3

After base TFS 2015 installation, install TFS 2015 Update 3 from the Microsoft download channel referenced by the original post. This keeps the server aligned with the update level explicitly called out in the source material.

Command example: create offline layout from the web installer

The original instructions mention running the installer with /layout. Example:

cd /d "%USERPROFILE%\Downloads"
TFS2015Installer.exe /layoutCode language: JavaScript (javascript)

Replace TFS2015Installer.exe with the actual downloaded file name.

Post-install validation checklist

• Confirm SQL Server Express services are running.
• Confirm TFS services start successfully after installation/update.
• Open the TFS web access URL from a browser on the server or a client machine.
• Create a test team project or connect from Visual Studio to verify end-to-end connectivity.

Common pitfalls

• Using outdated or moved download links without validating artifact integrity.
• Skipping Update 3 after base TFS 2015 installation.
• Assuming offline install is possible without first creating layout files or downloading ISO media.
• Proceeding without checking Microsoft compatibility guidance for your exact OS and SQL combination.