How to Update VS Code?

by

How to Update VS Code?

Updating Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a straightforward process that ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security updates. In this guide, I’ll explain how to update VS Code in 1000 words or less.

Step 1: Open VS Code

If you don’t already have VS Code open, launch it by clicking on its icon in your system’s application menu or taskbar.

Step 2: Check for Updates

Visual Studio Code typically checks for updates automatically in the background and prompts you to install them when available. However, you can also manually check for updates by following these steps:

  1. Go to the menu bar at the top of the VS Code window.
  2. Click on “Help” or “Help and Feedback,” depending on your operating system.
    • On Windows and Linux, you might see “Help and Feedback.”
    • On macOS, you’ll see “Help.”
  3. In the dropdown menu, select “Check for Updates.”

Step 3: Install Updates

If there are updates available, VS Code will display a notification. Click the “Install” button to start the update process.

Step 4: Relaunch VS Code

After the update is complete, you’ll see a message asking you to restart VS Code. Click the “Restart Now” button to relaunch the updated application.

Alternative Method: Command Palette

Another way to check for updates and manage extensions in VS Code is by using the Command Palette. This method is particularly useful if you prefer keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (macOS).
  2. In the Command Palette, type “Update” and select “Check for Updates” from the dropdown list.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

Step 5: Verify the Update

Once VS Code restarts, you should ensure that the update was successful. To verify this, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to the menu bar again.
  2. Click on “Help” or “Help and Feedback,” depending on your OS.
  3. Select “About.”

This will open the “About Visual Studio Code” page, which displays information about your currently installed version. If the update was successful, the version number should match the latest available version.

Step 6: Configure Automatic Updates (Optional)

To keep VS Code up-to-date without manual intervention, you can configure automatic updates. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open the Command Palette as described earlier (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P).
  2. Type “Preferences: Configure Settings” and select it from the dropdown list.
  3. In the search bar at the top of the settings window, type “update.mode.”
  4. Under “Edit in settings.json,” click on the pencil icon to edit your settings.json file.
  5. In the settings.json file, add the following line to enable auto-updates:jsonCopy code"update.mode": "none", Change “none” to “manual” if you want to manually check for updates or “start” to enable automatic updates.
  6. Save the settings.json file and close it.

Now, VS Code will update automatically according to your specified update mode.

Step 7: Update Extensions (Optional)

Extensions add functionality to VS Code, and it’s essential to keep them up-to-date as well. Here’s how to update extensions:

  1. Click on the extensions icon in the left sidebar (it looks like a set of squares).
  2. In the Extensions view, you’ll see a list of installed extensions. If updates are available for any of them, you’ll see an “Update” button next to the extension’s name.
  3. Click the “Update” button for each extension that has an available update.

Step 8: Enjoy the Latest Features

With your VS Code updated to the latest version, you can now take advantage of new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Keep in mind that regular updates help ensure your coding environment remains secure and efficient.

Final Conclusion on How to Update VS Code?

In summary, updating Visual Studio Code is a straightforward process:

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Check for updates through the “Help” menu or the Command Palette.
  3. Install updates and restart VS Code if prompted.
  4. Verify the update through the “About Visual Studio Code” page.
  5. Optionally, configure automatic updates and update extensions.

By keeping your development environment up-to-date, you’ll have a more productive and secure experience with Visual Studio Code.

x