The problem arises when vcpkg’s settings, defined in the vcxproj file, take precedence over the Visual Studio project properties. This can lead to unexpected behavior during the build process, as the project-specific configurations may not be applied correctly.

The root cause lies in the order of property evaluation in MSBuild. In the typical MSBuild process:

• Properties are evaluated in sequence based on the order defined in the build files.
• If vcpkg property groups introduces settings after the project definitions, they might override user-defined properties unless explicitly handled.

To address this issue, developers should:

1. Review the vcxproj File: Examine the order of property group definitions and imports.

2. Ensure Proper Overrides: Use the Condition attribute in property definitions to ensure that user-defined properties are not overridden unintentionally.

   <PropertyGroup Label="Vcpkg" Condition="'$(YourProperty)' == ''">
      <YourProperty>DefaultValue</YourProperty>
   </PropertyGroup>
   

3. Modify Project Files: Explicitly set project-specific properties in a way that ensures they are applied after vcpkg’s settings.

   <PropertyGroup Label="Vcpkg" Condition="'$(YourProperty)' == ''">
      <YourProperty>DefaultValue</YourProperty>
   </PropertyGroup>
   ...
   <Import Project="$(VCTargetPath)\Microsot.Cpp.targets" />
   ...
   

This issue highlights the importance of understanding MSBuild’s property evaluation mechanism, especially when integrating third-party tools like vcpkg. By carefully managing the order of property evaluations and using conditions, developers can ensure their Visual Studio project properties are applied as intended.