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For most Windows 11 PCs, the simplest choice is Windows → User Installer → x64 on the official Visual Studio Code download page. It installs VS Code for your Windows account without requiring administrator access.
Choose Arm64 only if your computer uses an ARM processor. If you need an all-users installation, cannot use the installer, or want a portable copy, VS Code also provides System Installer and ZIP downloads.
Before downloading VS Code
Visual Studio Code supports 64-bit versions of supported Windows client systems, including Windows 11. The download is under 200 MB, and the installed footprint is under 500 MB. Microsoft lists a 1.6 GHz or faster processor and 1 GB of RAM as recommended hardware.
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Windows 11 is 64-bit only, but Windows 11 computers can use either x64 or Arm64 processors. Check your processor type before selecting a download:
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- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Go to System → About.
- Under Device specifications, find System type.
| System type | VS Code download |
|---|---|
| x64-based processor | Windows User Installer x64 |
| ARM-based processor | Windows User Installer Arm64 |
Which VS Code download should you choose?
| Download | Use it when | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| User Installer | You are installing VS Code for your own Windows account | Recommended for most users; normally does not require administrator permission |
| System Installer | VS Code must be available to every Windows account on the PC | Requires administrator permission and installs under Program Files |
| .zip | The installer is blocked or you need a portable-style installation | Extract and run it manually; updates are not automatic |
| CLI | You specifically need the command-line interface package | Not the normal choice for installing the full desktop editor |
For a typical personal Windows 11 computer, download the User Installer x64. Select the Arm64 version only when System type identifies an ARM-based processor.
How to download and install VS Code on Windows 11
- Open the official Visual Studio Code download page.
- Find the Windows section.
- Select User Installer, then choose x64 or Arm64 based on your system type.
- When the download finishes, open the downloaded file. Its name will look similar to
VSCodeUserSetup-{version}.exe. - Read the license agreement, select I accept the agreement, and click Next.
- Choose the installation folder, or keep the default location. A User Installer normally installs to
C:Users<Username>AppDataLocalProgramsMicrosoft VS Code. - Continue until the installer displays Select Additional Tasks.
- Enable Add to PATH if it is not already selected. This allows you to run the
codecommand from Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, and WSL. - Optionally enable the File Explorer context-menu options for opening a file or folder with VS Code.
- Click Install, wait for setup to finish, and select Launch Visual Studio Code if that option appears.
Close any Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal windows that were open during installation. Open a new terminal before testing the code command because existing terminals may still have the old PATH value.
Verify that VS Code installed correctly
Open a new PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal window and run:
code --versionThe command should display the installed VS Code version, commit identifier, and architecture.
To open a project folder, change to that folder and run code .:
cd C:UsersYourNameDocumentsmy-project
code .The dot means “the current folder.” This command opens the folder in VS Code; it does not create a project or install any programming tools.
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- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
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- Windows 11 Pro
Install VS Code with WinGet
You can also install VS Code through Windows Package Manager. Open PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal and run:
winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -eThe --id option identifies the package and -e requests an exact match. WinGet may ask for administrator approval, depending on the installer and your terminal permissions. Approve the elevation prompt if one appears.
If Windows reports that winget is not recognized, update or install the App Installer package through the Microsoft Store. The WinGet client is distributed as part of App Installer.
What to do if code is not recognized
The most common cause is an old terminal window. Close all terminals, open a new one, and run:
code --versionIf the command still fails, the installer may not have added VS Code to PATH. The default User Installer command-line directory is:
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- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
- Open Start and search for environment variables.
- Select Edit the system environment variables.
- Click Environment Variables.
- Under User variables, select Path and click Edit.
- Click New and add
%LOCALAPPDATA%ProgramsMicrosoft VS Codebin. - Click OK on each dialog, then open a new terminal.
A ZIP installation may not configure PATH automatically. In that case, either run Code.exe from the extracted folder or add that installation’s bin directory to PATH.
File Explorer: open a folder with VS Code
If you enabled the context-menu options during setup, right-click a file or folder in File Explorer and select the VS Code option. Recent VS Code releases can place the entry directly in Windows 11’s modern context menu. It may therefore appear without choosing Show more options.
If the option is missing, run the VS Code installer again and enable the File Explorer context-menu tasks, or use Open with and browse to the VS Code executable.
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VS Code is an editor, not a complete programming toolchain. Installing it does not install:
- Git
- Python
- Node.js or npm
- Java
- C or C++ compilers
- The .NET SDK
- Language runtimes and debuggers
Install the runtime or compiler required by your programming language separately. Extensions can add editor features, formatting, and debugger integration, but they usually do not replace the underlying runtime or compiler. Git integration is included in VS Code, but Git itself must be installed separately.
Common installation problems
The installer will not run
Download the official Windows .zip archive instead. Extract it to a folder such as %LOCALAPPDATA%Programs, then launch VS Code from the extracted folder. ZIP installations must be updated manually when a new release is published.
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- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
You installed the User Installer as Administrator
The User Installer is designed to run normally for one Windows account. Running it as Administrator disables updates for that installation. If your organization requires an elevated, all-users setup, use the System Installer instead.
VS Code cannot open a network path
A UNC path starts with two backslashes, for example:
\server-ashared-folderWindows security restrictions can prevent VS Code from opening an unapproved UNC host. You can map the share to a drive letter or configure the host through VS Code’s security.allowedUNCHosts setting. For remote extensions such as SSH, configure the relevant setting on the remote machine.
Update or uninstall VS Code
For a normal installer installation, VS Code can update itself. To check manually, open VS Code and select Help → Check for Updates. To view the installed version, select Help → About.
To uninstall it from Windows 11:
- Open Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Search for Visual Studio Code.
- Click the three-dot menu next to it.
- Select Uninstall and follow the prompts.
Uninstalling normally does not remove your settings, extensions, and user data. For a complete reset, uninstall VS Code and then delete:
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%APPDATA%Code
%USERPROFILE%.vscodeDeleting these folders removes your VS Code settings, extensions, and other user data.
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
FAQ
Is VS Code free to download on Windows 11?
Yes. Visual Studio Code is available as a free download from the official VS Code website. Download it from code.visualstudio.com rather than an unofficial software-download site.
Should I download VS Code x64 or Arm64?
Choose x64 for an x64-based processor, which is the common option on Windows PCs. Choose Arm64 only when Settings → System → About shows an ARM-based processor.
Does VS Code require administrator access?
The recommended User Installer normally does not require administrator access because it installs for the current Windows account. The System Installer requires administrator permission because it installs VS Code for all users.
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Open a new terminal first. If the command still fails, VS Code may not be on PATH. Add %LOCALAPPDATA%ProgramsMicrosoft VS Codebin to your user Path variable, or reinstall VS Code with Add to PATH enabled.
Does installing VS Code install Python, Node.js, or Git?
No. VS Code provides the editor and integrations, but Git, Python, Node.js, compilers, SDKs, and language runtimes must be installed separately.
The Bottom Line
Download User Installer → x64 from the official VS Code website unless your Windows 11 PC uses an ARM processor. Enable Add to PATH during setup, restart your terminal, and confirm the installation with code --version. Use the System Installer for all Windows accounts and the ZIP download when the standard installer is blocked or unsuitable.
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