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On Windows 11, the best default is the VS Code User setup for your PC’s processor architecture. It installs without administrator permission, adds the code command to PATH, and supports background updates. Use System setup only when every Windows account needs the editor, or use the ZIP archive when you need a portable installation.
This guide covers the download choice, installation, first project, terminal, updates, and the fixes for the problems Windows users most often encounter.
Check your Windows 11 architecture first
Windows 11 should normally run the 64-bit x64 version of VS Code. Some Windows 11 PCs with ARM processors require the Arm64 build instead. Windows x86/32-bit builds are no longer actively supported after VS Code 1.83, so do not choose one for a current Windows 11 installation.
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Windows+I. - Select System > About.
- Look at System type. Choose x64 for a standard Intel or AMD PC, or Arm64 for a Windows-on-Arm PC.
Microsoft’s current minimum guidance is a 1.6 GHz or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM, less than 200 MB for the download, and less than 500 MB of disk space for the installed product. Windows Server is not supported.
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- 【Four USB 3.0 Ports (3×USB-A + 1×USB-C)】 This KVM switch features 4 USB 3.0 ports with ultra-fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, including 3 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port for broader device compatibility. It allows you to seamlessly share peripherals between two computers, reducing cable clutter and improving workspace efficiency. Perfect for connecting and sharing USB devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, printers, flash drives, headsets, and webcams. The switch automatically detects and recognizes connected devices for stable and reliable performance.
- 【4K Resolution & HDCP 2.2】HDMI KVM Switch supports stunning 4K resolution at 60Hz, ensuring crystal-clear and highly detailed visuals for your monitors. Additionally, it is HDCP 2.2 compliant, allowing you to seamlessly view HDCP-protected content on your monitors without any interruptions. It also supports 4K@30Hz, 2K, 3D, and 1080P, offering flexibility for various display needs. This guarantees both exceptional image quality and a smooth, secure multimedia experience.
- 【Two Ways of Switching】4K HDMI KVM Switch features two switching options: On-KVM Switch Button and Wired Remote Switch. The Wired Remote Switch allows you to place the HDMI KVM switch in hidden or distant location, keeping your desk tidy. Simply place the remote control within easy reach on your desk for quick access. With a press, you can switch between computers seamlessly, enhancing productivity and reducing clutter on your monitors.
- 【Adaptive EDID & Plug and Play】This USB 3.0 HDMI KVM Switch features Adaptive EDID, ensuring stable and smooth image transmission by automatically optimizing display settings on your monitors. Easy to install, this HDMI KVM switch requires no power supply or driver software—just plug it in and connect all cables for seamless operation between two computers and one monitor.
Choose the right VS Code Windows package
| Package | Best for | Administrator permission | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| User setup | Most people and personal PCs | No | Automatic updates enabled by default |
| System setup | Shared PCs where all users need VS Code | Yes | Updates require elevation |
| ZIP archive | Portable or restricted installations | No installer permission | Manual updates |
The User setup is the recommended choice for most Windows 11 users. Its default installation directory is:
%LOCALAPPDATA%ProgramsMicrosoft VS CodeSystem setup installs under Program Files and makes VS Code available to all accounts on the computer. It is useful on managed or shared machines, but an administrator must approve the installation and later updates.
Install VS Code on Windows 11
- Open the official Visual Studio Code download page.
- Under Windows, download User Installer for x64 or Arm64, matching your PC.
- When the download finishes, open the file named similarly to
VSCodeUserSetup-{version}.exe. If Windows displays a security confirmation, select Yes only if the file came from the official VS Code website. - Accept the license agreement and select Next.
- Keep the default destination unless you have a reason to change it.
- On Select Additional Tasks, consider selecting Add to PATH if it is offered. This allows commands such as
code .to work from PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Windows Terminal. - Select Install, then select Finish.
The standard installer can launch VS Code when setup completes. To suppress that behavior from a command prompt, run the installer with this Inno Setup switch:
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VSCodeUserSetup-{version}.exe /mergetasks=!runcodeFor an all-users installation, download System Installer, right-click the installer, select Run as administrator, and follow the same prompts.
Open VS Code and verify the command line
Launch VS Code from the Start menu by searching for Visual Studio Code. You can also open a terminal and check the installation:
code --versionThis prints the installed version, commit ID, and architecture. The shorter equivalent is:
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code -vTo see all available command-line options, run:
code --helpOpen a project folder with code .
- Open PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal.
- Move to your project directory. For example:
cd C:UsersAlexProjectsweather-app- Open that folder in VS Code:
code .The period means “the current directory.” VS Code treats the folder as the workspace, so its files appear in the Explorer and workspace-specific settings can be stored in .vscodesettings.json.
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Other useful commands include:
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
code filename |
Open a specific file |
code --goto app.py:25:4 |
Open a file at line 25, character 4 |
code --diff old.txt new.txt |
Open two files in the diff editor |
code --new-window |
Open a separate VS Code window |
code --reuse-window |
Open the target in the last active window |
code folder-one folder-two |
Open multiple folders as a multi-root workspace |
Fix “code is not recognized”
If PowerShell or Command Prompt reports that code is not recognized, first close every existing terminal window and open a new one. The Windows installer updates PATH, but already-open terminals do not automatically receive the new environment variables.
Try this again in a new PowerShell window:
code --versionIf it still fails, check whether the default command directory exists:
Test-Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATAProgramsMicrosoft VS Codebin"If the directory exists but code remains unavailable, uninstall VS Code from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, download the current User setup again, and reinstall it. A ZIP installation does not automatically add the command to PATH, so you may need to launch Code.exe directly or configure PATH yourself.
Use the integrated terminal
Open the terminal inside VS Code with View > Terminal or press Ctrl+`. To create another terminal, use the + button, choose Terminal > New Terminal, or press Ctrl+Shift+`.
Select the down-arrow beside the plus button to choose another installed shell. Depending on your Windows setup, the list may include PowerShell, Command Prompt, or a WSL shell. A new terminal normally starts in the root of the current workspace.
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- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Installing VS Code does not install Git, Node.js, Python, WSL, or language runtimes. Install those separately when your project requires them.
Install extensions from the command line
Extensions add language support, debuggers, formatters, and other tools. From a terminal, install one with:
code --install-extension publisher.extensionUseful extension commands are:
code --list-extensions
code --list-extensions --show-versions
code --update-extensions
code --disable-extensionsYou can install a particular version by adding @version, or install a downloaded VSIX package like this:
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"extensions.autoUpdate": "off"Configure VS Code settings
Open the graphical Settings editor with File > Preferences > Settings or press Ctrl+,. The Command Palette alternative is Preferences: Open Settings.
VS Code has two important settings scopes:
- User settings apply to every project. On Windows, the JSON file is
%APPDATA%CodeUsersettings.json. - Workspace settings apply only to the current project and are normally stored in
.vscodesettings.json. They override user settings when both define the same option.
To edit either file directly, open the Command Palette with Ctrl+Shift+P and run Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON) or Preferences: Open Workspace Settings (JSON).
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- 【Support Multi Devices & Widely applied】KVM switch supports many kinds of input devices or signal sources switch, such as PS4, PS4 Pro, PS3, Xbox One, TV Box, PC, laptop, Nintendo Switch, and most HDMI capable devices. It is widely applied for Enterprise, Office, Multimedia Teaching, Meeting Room Gaming Room, Home Theater, Research Tests, etc.
- 【Great Compatibility & One Button Switch】This KVM switch works with great compatibility, driver-free for Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS, simply plug and play, No external power required. Easily switch between 2 displays by a single click on the button.
- 【What you will Get】Jancane provides lifetime technical support for this KVM switcher. Package includes 1*kvm switcher, 2*1.2m*USB 2.0 Cable, 2*1.2m*HDMI cables, 1*User Manual. Any problem, pls contact us to solve it.
If VS Code says Unable to write into user settings, open the user JSON file and inspect the red-squiggled entries. Invalid JSON, such as a missing comma or an extra quote, prevents the file from being saved. To reset user settings without uninstalling, open the JSON file, remove everything between the outer braces, and save it.
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Windows installer installations have automatic updates enabled by default. To check immediately, select Help > Check for Updates. Stable releases are issued weekly, so keeping updates enabled generally provides the simplest maintenance experience.
To disable automatic updates:
- Open File > Preferences > Settings.
- Search for update mode.
- Set Update: Mode to
none.
The JSON setting is:
"update.mode": "none"Do not confuse update.mode with the similarly named UpdateMode, which is an enterprise policy. On a restricted company network, the update host update.code.visualstudio.com must be allowed for updates to download.
Install VS Code as a portable app
Use the Windows ZIP archive when you need to carry VS Code on removable storage or keep its settings separate from the normal Windows profile. Portable mode is supported only by the ZIP archive—not by User setup or System setup.
- Download the Windows ZIP archive for x64 or Arm64.
- Extract it, preferably under
%LOCALAPPDATA%Programs. - Open the extracted VS Code directory.
- Create a folder named
datadirectly besideCode.exe. - Launch
Code.exe.
VS Code stores session state, preferences, and extensions in the data folder. ZIP releases do not update automatically; download and replace the application files manually when a new version is released.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse VS Code with WSL
Windows Subsystem for Linux lets you work with a Linux distribution while VS Code runs on Windows. Install WSL and a Linux distribution separately, then install the official WSL extension in VS Code. Open a WSL project and use the extension to edit, run, and debug in the Linux environment.
Best Value
- 【KVM Switch 1 Monitors 2 Computers】This HDMI KVM Switch with two HDMI ports allows control of two computers, enabling them to share a single monitor along with keyboard and mouse. It's complete USB switch and HDMI switch rolled into one. This KVM Switch also supports various input devices such as PCs, Laptops, PS4, etc. It is compatible with various operating systems including Windows 7/8/10/11/Vista/XP, Linux, Mac, and more.
- 【Four USB 3.0 Ports (3×USB-A + 1×USB-C)】 This KVM switch features 4 USB 3.0 ports with ultra-fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, including 3 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port for broader device compatibility. It allows you to seamlessly share peripherals between two computers, reducing cable clutter and improving workspace efficiency. Perfect for connecting and sharing USB devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, printers, flash drives, headsets, and webcams. The switch automatically detects and recognizes connected devices for stable and reliable performance.
- 【4K Resolution & HDCP 2.2】HDMI KVM Switch supports stunning 4K resolution at 60Hz, ensuring crystal-clear and highly detailed visuals for your monitors. Additionally, it is HDCP 2.2 compliant, allowing you to seamlessly view HDCP-protected content on your monitors without any interruptions. It also supports 4K@30Hz, 2K, 3D, and 1080P, offering flexibility for various display needs. This guarantees both exceptional image quality and a smooth, secure multimedia experience.
- 【Two Ways of Switching】4K HDMI KVM Switch features two switching options: On-KVM Switch Button and Wired Remote Switch. The Wired Remote Switch allows you to place the HDMI KVM switch in hidden or distant location, keeping your desk tidy. Simply place the remote control within easy reach on your desk for quick access. With a press, you can switch between computers seamlessly, enhancing productivity and reducing clutter on your monitors.
- 【Adaptive EDID & Plug and Play】This USB 3.0 HDMI KVM Switch features Adaptive EDID, ensuring stable and smooth image transmission by automatically optimizing display settings on your monitors. Easy to install, this HDMI KVM switch requires no power supply or driver software—just plug it in and connect all cables for seamless operation between two computers and one monitor.
Installing VS Code alone does not install WSL, Ubuntu, Git, Node.js, Python, TypeScript, or any other development dependency.
Common Windows 11 installation problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| The installer will not run | Download the installer again from the official site. If setup continues to fail, use the ZIP archive and extract it under %LOCALAPPDATA%Programs. |
| VS Code asks for administrator credentials | You likely selected System setup. Download User setup instead, unless an all-users installation is required. |
| Updates do not appear | Check Help > Check for Updates. System setup requires elevation; ZIP installations must be updated manually. Running User setup as Administrator also disables its updates. |
The title bar says [Unsupported] |
VS Code files were modified or quarantined. Reinstall VS Code and check antivirus quarantine. Extensions that patch product files can also cause this warning. |
A network path such as \server-apath is blocked |
Approve the host with security.allowedUNCHosts, map the location to a drive letter, or configure the NODE_UNC_HOST_ALLOWLIST environment variable. |
Since VS Code 1.78.1, Windows restricts some UNC paths for security. If the problem occurs in a remote workspace, configure the allowed host on the remote machine rather than only on the local PC.
FAQ
Is Visual Studio Code free on Windows 11?
Yes. Visual Studio Code is free to download and use. Extensions, language runtimes, Git, and WSL are separate components that may have their own installation or licensing considerations.
Do I need administrator permission to install VS Code?
No. The User setup installs only for your Windows account and normally does not require administrator permission. Choose System setup only when VS Code must be available to all users.
Where is VS Code installed on Windows 11?
The default User setup location is %LOCALAPPDATA%ProgramsMicrosoft VS Code. System setup normally installs under Program Files.
Why does code . not work after installation?
Close and reopen PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal so it reloads PATH. If the command still fails, reinstall the User setup and ensure the VS Code command directory is present.
Can I install VS Code without an installer?
Yes. Download the Windows ZIP archive, extract it, and run Code.exe. For portable mode, create a data folder beside Code.exe. ZIP installations require manual updates.
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How do I uninstall VS Code from Windows 11?
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Visual Studio Code, select the three-dot menu, and choose Uninstall. Your user settings and extensions may remain unless you remove them separately.
The Bottom Line
For nearly every Windows 11 PC, download the official x64 User Installer, run it, reopen your terminal, and verify with code --version. Open a project from its folder with code .. Choose System setup for shared computers and the ZIP archive only when you specifically need portable, manually updated VS Code.
Quick Recap
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