diff --git a/vs_toolchain.py b/vs_toolchain.py
index 5d83b6c..d82417b 100644
--- a/vs_toolchain.py
+++ b/vs_toolchain.py
@@ -468,7 +468,10 @@ def _CopyDebugger(target_dir, target_cpu):
   debug_files = [('dbghelp.dll', False), ('dbgcore.dll', True),
                  ('symsrv.dll', True)]
   for debug_file, is_optional in debug_files:
-    full_path = os.path.join(win_sdk_dir, 'Debuggers', target_cpu, debug_file)
+    full_path = os.path.join(win_sdk_dir, 'Debuggers', target_cpu, debug_file)
+    local_toolchain = not bool(
+        int(os.environ.get('DEPOT_TOOLS_WIN_TOOLCHAIN', '1'))
+    )
     if not os.path.exists(full_path):
-      if is_optional:
+      if is_optional or local_toolchain:
         continue
       else:
         raise Exception('%s not found in "%s"\r\nYou must install '