The Tool Desk
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After installation, open a new terminal and run code . from a project folder to open it in VS Code. If the command is unavailable, reopen the terminal first; use the ZIP archive if the installer continues to cause trouble.
Before you install VS Code
Visual Studio Code is a code editor. Installing it does not install every development dependency: Git, Node.js, other runtimes, and extensions are optional additions for specific workflows.
Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio are different products. VS Code is an editor; Visual Studio is a separate development environment.
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- Full Sized Keyboard: The US QWERTY keyboard features a tilt angle for the great typing position, which provides you with a comfortable and accurate typing experience, prevents wrist fatigue. Quiet clicks allow you to focus on your work or play without disturbing others
- Stable 2.4G Wireless Connection: Plug and play without any drivers. Advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 ft with virtually no delays or dropouts, even in the busiest wireless environments. Note: The USB dongle is stored in the compartment next to the keyboard battery slot, and can be found by opening the keyboard battery cover
- Auto Sleep & Power Saving: The keyboard features automatic sleep function, when you stop using it for more than 15 minutes, it will go into sleep mode to save power and you can click any button to activate it, the battery life up to 6 months. The external keyboard is powered by 1 AAA battery (Batteries Not Included)
- Wide Compatibility: Easy to use, simply plug the USB receiver into the USB port and start working. This wireless keyboard compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Chrome OS, Linux and Mac OS. Works well with desktop, computer, PC, laptop, Chromebook, notebook and more. Perfect for office & home work, business travel. Enjoy your wireless freedom and keep your desk clean and tidy
- Multimedia Shortcuts: The full-sized cordless keyboard with numeric keypad features 12 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to your media player, E-mail, Internet, volume, play/pause, mute, computer and favorites, so you can easily check out your favorite sites. Ideal for office work and entertainment, it saves you time and makes work and life easier. Note: the 12 shortcuts are not fully compatible with the Mac system
Choose a Windows installation
Download VS Code from the official Visual Studio Code download page. Choose the installation type that fits your computer:
| Option | Best fit | Permissions and updates |
|---|---|---|
| User setup | Most personal Windows installations | Installs for your account; does not require administrator permission; supports smoother background updates. Updates are disabled when VS Code is run as Administrator. |
| System setup | A shared machine where all users need VS Code | Requires administrator permission, installs under Program Files, and in-product updates require elevation. |
| ZIP archive | Installer troubleshooting or portable deployment | Extract and run; updates are manual. The Windows ZIP archive supports Portable mode. |
Install VS Code with User setup
- Go to the official VS Code download page and download the Windows User Setup installer.
- When the download finishes, open the downloaded
VSCodeUserSetup-{version}.exefile. - Follow the setup prompts and complete the installation.
- Open Visual Studio Code from the Start menu.
- To open a project, select File > Open Folder and choose the folder you want to work in.
The default User setup location is under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Microsoft VS Code. The setup adds VS Code to your user PATH.
Open a folder from a terminal
Open a new PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal window. Change to your project folder, then run:
code .
The period opens the current folder. To see other command-line options, run code --help.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
User setup or System setup?
Microsoft recommends User setup for most people. It installs VS Code for the current account and does not require administrator permission. Its default location is under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Microsoft VS Code.
Choose System setup when VS Code must be available to all users on a machine. It requires administrator permission, installs under Program Files, and in-product updates require elevation.
Install from the ZIP archive
If the installer causes trouble or you need a portable deployment, download the Windows ZIP archive from the official download page, extract it, and run VS Code from the extracted folder. ZIP installations do not update automatically; download a newer archive to update.
To use Portable mode, follow the official Portable mode instructions for the Windows ZIP archive. Portable mode keeps VS Code data near the application, but still requires manual updates.
Rank #3
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Fix common installation problems
“code” is not recognized
The Windows setup adds VS Code to PATH. If a terminal was open before installation, it may not have loaded the updated environment.
- Close your open terminal windows.
- Open a new terminal window.
- Run
code --versionor trycode .from a project folder. - If the command still is not available, review the official Windows setup instructions and reinstall if necessary.
The installer causes trouble
Microsoft recommends trying the Windows ZIP archive if you have trouble with the installer. Extract the archive and run VS Code from its folder. ZIP installations require manual updates.
VS Code does not update
ZIP installations require manual updates. Also, updates for a User setup installation are disabled when VS Code is run as Administrator. Run VS Code as your regular user to use its normal update behavior.
Uninstall VS Code
For an installer installation, uninstall VS Code through Windows Apps or Control Panel. For a ZIP installation, delete the extracted folder.
Rank #4
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
Removing the application is separate from removing user data. Consult Microsoft’s uninstall instructions before removing settings, profiles, or extension data.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Which VS Code setup should I use on Windows 11?
Use User setup for most personal installations. It installs for your account and does not require administrator permission. Choose System setup when all users on a shared machine need VS Code.
Does the VS Code User setup require administrator permission?
No. User setup installs for the current account without administrator permission. System setup requires administrator permission because it installs for all users.
Why is “code” not recognized after installation?
An already-open terminal may not have loaded the updated PATH. Close it, open a new terminal, and try again. If the command remains unavailable, review the official Windows setup instructions and reinstall if necessary.
Best Value
- 【Lag-free & Efficient】Stable and reliable connection of wireless keyboard and mouse is up to 10m(33ft). This combo share a nano USB receiver, no need to take up additional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug and play, no software needed,convenient and efficient.
- 【Quiet & Type in Comfort】Wireless keyboard come with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time.Our wireless keyboard adopts a silent structure. Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience.The wireless mouse is quiet without any clicking sound also.So whether at home or in the office, you can use this combo as you please without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Full Size Keyboard】This keyboard saves desktop space while retaining its full size.The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and search, to help you improve work efficiency.
- 【Auto Power Saving Function】Wireless keyboard and mouse have a smart auto-sleep mode to save power for long battery life. They will enter sleep mode after stop using a while(Refer to the instructions for details). Unplug the receiver or after the PC shutdown, they will enter sleep mode too.You can press any keys to wake. (battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions)
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】This silent wireless mice provides 3 adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600) to meet your different needs in terms of sensitivity.The compact lightweight design of wireless mouse and a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking. Very suitable for office and daily use.
Can I install VS Code without the installer?
Yes. Download and extract the Windows ZIP archive, then run VS Code from the extracted folder. ZIP installations require manual updates and support Portable mode.
Does installing VS Code install Git or Node.js?
No. Git, Node.js, other runtimes, and extensions are optional tools for particular development workflows.
The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 PCs, download and run the official User setup, follow the prompts, and open VS Code from the Start menu. Open a new terminal to use code .; choose System setup for all-user access or the ZIP archive for troubleshooting or portable use.
Quick Recap
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