How to Install and Set Up Visual Studio Code (VS Code) on Windows

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most powerful and widely used code editors for Windows. Developed by Microsoft, it is lightweight, fast, and packed with features that make coding easier. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, setting up VS Code properly on Windows will significantly enhance your productivity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring VS Code on a Windows system.

Why Use Visual Studio Code on Windows?

Before we dive into the installation, here are some compelling reasons why VS Code is an excellent choice for Windows users:

• Free and Open-Source – No cost, and it’s regularly updated by Microsoft.
• Lightweight and Efficient – Consumes minimal system resources.
• Built-in Git Support – Ideal for version control and collaboration.
• Powerful Extensions – Thousands of extensions available for different programming languages.
• Customizable UI – Tailor themes, keybindings, and settings to your preference.
• Integrated Terminal – Run commands and scripts without leaving the editor.

Step 1: Downloading Visual Studio Code for Windows

To install VS Code on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser and visit the official VS Code website: https://code.visualstudio.com.
2. Click on the Download for Windows button. The website will automatically detect your system architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) and suggest the appropriate version.
3. Wait for the .exe installer file to download. Once complete, proceed to the installation process.

Step 2: Installing Visual Studio Code on Windows

Running the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded .exe file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to launch the installer.
2. In the setup window, click Next to proceed.
3. Read and accept the license agreement, then click Next.
4. Choose the destination folder where VS Code should be installed. The default location is usually fine.
5. Select additional options:
   • Add “Open with Code” action to File Explorer (Recommended)
   • Add to PATH (Allows running VS Code from the command line)
   • Create a Desktop Icon (For quick access)
6. Click Install and wait for the installation to complete.
7. Once the installation finishes, click Finish to launch VS Code.

Step 3: Configuring Visual Studio Code on Windows

Setting Up Basic Preferences

After launching VS Code for the first time, you can customize the editor to suit your workflow:

1. Select a Theme – Navigate to File > Preferences > Color Theme and choose your preferred theme.
2. Adjust Font and Editor Settings – Open Settings (Ctrl + ,) and modify the font size, line height, and other preferences.
3. Enable Auto Save – Prevent data loss by enabling auto-save in the settings.

Installing Essential Extensions

Extensions enhance VS Code’s functionality. Some recommended extensions for Windows users include:

• Python – Enables Python development with debugging and linting.
• ESLint – Helps maintain clean JavaScript code.
• Prettier – Formats your code automatically.
• Live Server – Runs a local development server for web projects.
• C/C++ – Provides C and C++ language support.

Learn:
Top 10 Most Useful Chrome Extensions for Productivity in 2025

To install extensions:

1. Click on the Extensions icon in the left sidebar.
2. Search for the desired extension.
3. Click Install and restart VS Code if needed.

Step 4: Setting Up Git Integration

VS Code has built-in Git support, making it easy to manage repositories. Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Open VS Code and click on Source Control (Git icon in the sidebar).
2. If Git is not installed, download it from https://git-scm.com and install it.
3. Configure Git using the following commands in the integrated terminal: git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "your-email@example.com"
4. Clone a repository using: git clone <repository-url>

Step 5: Running Your First Program in VS Code

Now that VS Code is set up, let’s run a simple program:

1. Open VS Code and create a new file (Ctrl + N).
2. Save the file as hello.py.
3. Type the following code: print("Hello, VS Code on Windows!")
4. Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl + ~) and run: python hello.py

Conclusion

You have successfully installed and set up Visual Studio Code on Windows. By following this guide, you have optimized VS Code for smooth development. As you explore its features further, consider customizing your workflow with additional extensions, themes, and settings to improve your productivity.

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