How to Download and Install VS Code on Windows 10 and 11

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a powerful, open-source code editor widely used by developers. Whether you’re coding in Python, JavaScript, or any other language, VS Code offers a robust platform to get the job done. In this quick guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to download and install VS Code on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine.

Key Takeaways

• Download VS Code directly from the official website to ensure security.
• The installation process is straightforward, with options to customize the setup.
• After installation, you can start coding right away with the default settings or customize them based on your needs.

Step 1: Download VS Code for Windows

1. Open Your Browser: Start by opening your preferred web browser.
2. Visit the Official Website: Head over to the official Visual Studio Code website.
3. Choose the Correct Version: You will see a “Download for Windows” button. If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, simply click on it to start the download.
   • Other Operating Systems: If you’re using macOS or Linux, click on the drop-down arrow next to the button and choose the appropriate version for your system.
4. Direct Download Link: If the download doesn’t start automatically, click the “Direct Download Link” to manually initiate the download.

Step 2: Install VS Code on Your Computer

Once the VS Code .exe file is downloaded, follow these steps to install it:

1. Open the Installer: Locate the downloaded .exe file (usually found in your “Downloads” folder) and double-click on it to launch the setup wizard.
2. Accept the License Agreement: On the first screen, review the license agreement. Once you’ve read it, click on the “I accept the agreement” checkbox and then click “Next.”
3. Choose an Installation Location: By default, VS Code will install in your C:\Program Files folder. If you want to install it elsewhere, click “Browse” and choose a different location.
4. Start Menu Folder: The installer will ask you to choose the Start Menu folder for the program. It’s safe to leave this on the default option, so click “Next.”
5. Additional Options: You’ll be presented with a few additional options:
   • Create a desktop icon
   • Add “Open with Code” to the right-click menu in Windows Explorer
   • Register VS Code as the default editor for supported file types
   • Recommendation: It’s a good idea to check all of these options for easier access.
6. Install: Finally, click “Install” to begin the installation. The process will take a few moments, so be patient.

Step 3: Complete the Installation and Launch VS Code

1. Installation Complete: Once the installation finishes, you’ll see a completion screen. Make sure the box to “Launch Visual Studio Code” is checked, then click “Finish.”
2. First-Time Setup: When VS Code opens for the first time, you’ll be guided through some basic setup prompts. These include:
   • Choosing a Theme: Light or dark mode, depending on your preference.
   • Installing Recommended Extensions: VS Code will suggest extensions based on your development needs, like Python, JavaScript, or others.
3. Start Coding: Once you’re through the setup process, you’re ready to start coding in VS Code.

Key Tips for Using VS Code

• Extensions: VS Code supports thousands of extensions for different programming languages and tools. Explore the “Extensions” tab to enhance your workflow.
• Customization: VS Code is highly customizable, from themes to keybindings. Personalize it to suit your needs.
• Integrated Terminal: Use the built-in terminal to run your code directly from the editor without switching windows.

Conclusion

Installing Visual Studio Code on Windows 10 and 11 is a quick and simple process. With just a few clicks, you can have a powerful code editor ready to use on your machine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, VS Code offers the flexibility and tools to suit your coding needs.

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FAQs

How do I update VS Code on Windows?

To update VS Code, go to “Help” in the top menu and click on “Check for Updates.” If a new version is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.

Can I install VS Code on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the installation process is identical for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Do I need administrative privileges to install VS Code?

Yes, you’ll need administrator access to install VS Code on your system.

What extensions should I install first?

Some popular extensions include Prettier for code formatting, GitLens for enhanced Git capabilities, and language-specific extensions like Python, JavaScript, or C++.

Is Visual Studio Code free?

Yes, VS Code is a free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft.