Download and install Visual Studio Code
Install Visual Studio Code on Windows, macOS, or Linux, then open the application and choose where to start.
AI features are optional. You don't need an account to use the core editor.
Already installed? Get to know VS Code or go directly to a hands-on starting path.
Install VS Code
Review the system requirements before installing. On a managed device, check your organization's installation policies or contact your administrator.
- Download the Windows User Installer (
.exe). - Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Open VS Code from the Start menu.
User setup doesn't require administrator permissions. For System setup, ZIP archives, or command-line setup, see the Windows installation guide.
- Download the macOS
.dmginstaller. - Open the
.dmgfile and drag Visual Studio Code.app to the Applications folder. - Open VS Code from the Applications folder or Spotlight.
For command-line setup and other options, see the macOS installation guide.
Choose the package for your distribution. Replace <file> with the downloaded package's file name and run the installation command from the folder containing it.
-
Debian or Ubuntu
- Download the
.debpackage from the VS Code download page. - Install it with
sudo apt install ./<file>.deb.
- Download the
-
Fedora or RHEL
- Download the
.rpmpackage from the VS Code download page. - Install it with
sudo dnf install ./<file>.rpm.
- Download the
Open VS Code from your desktop's applications menu. For package repositories, automatic updates, Snap, and other options, see the Linux installation guide.
The download page provides Stable builds. To try upcoming changes, install Insiders, which runs alongside Stable.
For installation and update troubleshooting, see the VS Code FAQ.
Open your code
Select File > Open Folder to open an existing project folder or a new folder you created. You can also clone a repository. When the folder and its files appear in the Explorer, your project is open.
If prompted, only trust projects from sources you know. Workspace Trust lets you browse unfamiliar projects in Restricted Mode.
Enable AI features
To try AI, follow the GitHub Copilot setup guide, which covers sign-in, account access, and usage. For other providers and access options, explore AI in VS Code. Your organization might restrict the available AI features.