Microsoft Visual Studio Code is a free code editor from Microsoft Corporation, built for writing and debugging modern web and cloud applications. Version 1.143.1 for Windows came out on October 22, 2026. The installer is 237.3 MB and is fetched straight from vscode.download.prss.microsoft.com, Microsoft's official server.
Who a free web and cloud editor suits
The publisher describes the program as an editor built for creating and debugging modern web and cloud applications. That points to developers working on websites and cloud services, and to anyone who wants a general editor under the programming category.
It is also tagged developer-tools and editor. Check language support before relying on it for a particular stack.
Core functions
The editor covers code editing and debugging.
It also runs on Linux and macOS, not only Windows. A team that mixes operating systems can therefore use the same tool on each machine.
Price and license
The editor is free, and the license is the Microsoft Software License. Read that license if you plan to use the editor in a company setting.
Listed alternatives are Python 3.13 and Android SDK Platform-Tools, though both are developer tools of a different kind rather than direct editor replacements.
Microsoft Visual Studio Code pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download
- Made by Microsoft Corporation, the listed developer
- Described as built for web and cloud application work
- Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Downloaded from the official Microsoft host
Cons
- The 237.3 MB installer is fairly large for an editor
- Feature details beyond editing and debugging are limited
- Language support needs checking before you commit to it
- Not a direct replacement for the listed alternatives
Is Microsoft Visual Studio Code safe?
The download link points to Microsoft's own server, vscode.download.prss.microsoft.com, not a mirror, and we keep no copy of the file. Microsoft Corporation publishes the editor under the Microsoft Software License. As with any installer, running it through your antivirus before you open it is a sensible habit.
How to install Microsoft Visual Studio Code
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Microsoft Visual Studio Code from the Start menu.
