How to install vs code on Windows 11 - UMA Technology (2025)

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has gained immense popularity among developers and programmers worldwide. It’s a powerful, lightweight code editor that supports various programming languages and frameworks, making it an ideal tool for web development, application development, and general code management. If you are using Windows 11 and want to set up VS Code, this guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can get coding in no time.

Understanding Visual Studio Code

Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand what Visual Studio Code is and why it has become a go-to choice for many developers:

1. Lightweight and Fast: VS Code is designed to load quickly and use minimal system resources, which is crucial for multitasking.

2. Cross-platform Support: It runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for developers working in different environments.

3. Rich Extension Marketplace: With a plethora of extensions available, you can customize your VS Code experience to suit your specific programming needs, enhancing productivity and workflow.

4. Integrated Terminal: VS Code comes with a built-in terminal, allowing you to run command-line operations without leaving the editor.

5. Version Control: Built-in support for Git and other version control systems simplifies your workflow when working on collaborative projects.

   See Also

   How to Download VS Code in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech

Now that we understand the benefits of using VS Code, let’s focus on how you can install it on a Windows 11 machine.

System Requirements

Before you download and install Visual Studio Code, ensure that your Windows 11 system meets the following minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 11 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster (x86, x64, ARM)
• Memory: At least 1 GB of RAM
• Storage: 200 MB of free space
• Display: Minimum resolution of 800×600 pixels

These requirements are typically met by most modern computers, but it’s always a good idea to check.

Downloading Visual Studio Code

1. Visit the Official Website:

   • Open your web browser and navigate to the Visual Studio Code official website.

2. Choose the Download Option:

   • On the homepage, you will see a prominent "Download" button, which will automatically detect your operating system and offer you the version compatible with Windows. Click on this button to start the downloading process.

3. Select Architecture (if necessary):

   • If you prefer to manually choose between 32-bit or 64-bit, you can scroll down to find links under the "Other platforms" section. However, for most users, the default option offered is sufficient.

Installing Visual Studio Code

Once the download is complete, you can follow these steps to install Visual Studio Code on your Windows 11 machine:

1. Locate the Installer:

   • Navigate to your "Downloads" folder (or wherever you saved the installer file). The filename should be something like VSCodeSetup-x64-.exe.

2. Run the Installer:

   • Double-click the setup file to begin the installation process. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow the installer to run.

3. License Agreement:

   • Read through the license agreement. If you agree to the terms, check the box that says “I accept the agreement” and click “Next.”

4. Select Installation Folder:

   • The installer will prompt you to choose the destination folder where VS Code will be installed. The default location is typically C:Program FilesMicrosoft VS Code. If you want to change it, click “Browse…” to select a different folder.

5. Select Additional Tasks:

   • You will be given options to create a desktop icon, add ‘Open with Code’ option to the context menu, and other related tasks.
   • It is generally recommended to check the box for “Add to PATH” for easier command line access. Once you’ve selected your preferences, click “Next.”

6. Start the Installation:

   • Click the “Install” button to start the installation process. The installer will copy files and set up your environment based on the selections you made.

7. Completing the Installation:

   • Once the installation is completed, you will see a confirmation screen. You can choose to launch Visual Studio Code right away by checking the box that says "Launch Visual Studio Code." Click “Finish” to exit the installer.

First Launch of Visual Studio Code

1. Launch Visual Studio Code:

   • If you opted to launch VS Code during installation, it should open automatically. Otherwise, you can find it in your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

2. Getting Acquainted with the Interface:

   • Upon first launch, VS Code will display a welcome screen with useful resources to help you get started. Take a moment to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout.

3. Selecting a Theme:

   • VS Code allows you to switch between light and dark themes. You can choose a theme that fits your preference by navigating to File > Preferences > Color Theme, or simply by pressing Ctrl + K followed by Ctrl + T.

Customizing Your Visual Studio Code Environment

Setting up VS Code to suit your workflow can significantly enhance your productivity. Here are some tips on how to customize it effectively:

Installing Extensions

1. Accessing the Extensions Marketplace:

   • Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side (or press Ctrl + Shift + X).

2. Searching for Extensions:

   • Use the search bar to look for extensions that suit your development needs. Popular extensions include:
     • Python: Provides rich support for Python programming.
     • Prettier: Automatically formats your code to ensure consistency.
     • GitLens: Enhances the built-in Git capabilities to visualize code authorship.
     • Live Server: An extension that launches a local development server with live reload functionality.

3. Installing Extensions:

   • Click on the extension you want, and then click the install button. You can manage your installed extensions from the same panel.

Configuring Settings

1. Open Settings:

   • To adjust various settings in VS Code, navigate to File > Preferences > Settings or use the shortcut Ctrl + ,.

2. Configuring Preferences:

   • You can modify settings in various categories, such as editor behavior, appearance, and more. The settings can be viewed in a simple user interface or in JSON format for advanced users.

3. Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to streamline your coding process. You can view and customize them through File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts or using Ctrl + K followed by Ctrl + S.

Setting Up Version Control with Git

One of the powerful features of VS Code is its built-in support for Git repositories. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Installing Git:

   • If you haven’t installed Git yet, download it from the Git official website and follow the installation instructions.

2. Configuring Git in VS Code:

   • After installing Git, you should also configure it. Open the terminal within VS Code (Ctrl + `) and run the following commands:

     git config --global user.name "Your Name"git config --global user.email "[emailprotected]"

3. Opening a Repository:

   • Simply open a folder that contains your Git repository or initialize a new one using the VS Code terminal:

     git init

4. Using Git Commands:

   • You can perform most Git operations through the Source Control icon in the Activity Bar. You can view changes, stage files, commit, and push changes directly from VS Code.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

While installing and using VS Code is generally straightforward, you may face some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

1. Installation Errors:

   • If you encounter errors during installation, ensure that no other copies of VS Code or installers are running. Restart your computer and try installing again.

2. Missing Extensions:

   • If your required extensions are not installed or you encounter issues, try reloading VS Code or reinstalling the extensions.

3. Performance Issues:

   • If VS Code runs slowly, consider disabling heavy extensions, closing unnecessary tabs, or checking system resources.

4. Syncing Settings:

   • If you use multiple machines and want consistent settings, you can use the Settings Sync feature to keep your environment synchronized across devices.

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code is an immensely powerful code editor that can significantly enhance your coding experience on Windows 11. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have VS Code installed and running on your system. Remember to customize it according to your needs, explore the vast library of extensions, and utilize the built-in Git support to streamline your development process.

As you become more familiar with Visual Studio Code, you will discover more features and techniques to improve your coding workflow. Happy coding!