Install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu: Step-by-Step Guide
Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu is a free source-code editor made by Microsoft that lets you write, test, and debug software projects. Setting up the official software repository method on Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 ensures that system updates run automatically so you always have access to the newest version.
The editor runs natively on Linux alongside Windows and macOS, bringing built-in tools like syntax highlighting, smart code completion, and integrated debugging support. You can install it on your Ubuntu machine in just a few minutes using the terminal and a handful of standard setup commands.
Open your terminal and run `sudo snap install code –classic` to install VS Code via Snap. Alternatively, add the Microsoft APT repository and then run `sudo apt update && sudo apt install code`.
How to install VS Code on Ubuntu Linux
You can install VS Code using one of the two methods below. Most users prefer the first method.
Method 1Installing via Snap (Recommended)
Visual Studio Code installs through the Snap Store as the easiest way to get the code editor on Ubuntu. This method keeps the program updated automatically in the background without needing you to check for updates by hand. Open your terminal and run the install command to set it up in a few seconds.
- Open your terminal.
- Run this command:
sudo snap install code --classic
Method 2Installing via APT Repository
Visual Studio Code installs using the APT repository as a reliable alternative that works with your standard system updates. This approach adds the Microsoft software repository to your computer so you get the latest features and security fixes through regular system updates. Check your system architecture first to make sure your computer supports the package.
dpkg --print-architecture.Most modern systems use amd64.
Install the necessary helper tools:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install wget gpgNow, import the Microsoft GPG key to your keyring folder:
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -D -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /etc/apt/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg
Next, add the repository source file for your Ubuntu system:
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/code stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list > /dev/nullFinally, update your package list and install the editor:
sudo apt updatesudo apt install code
VS Code is now installed. You can find it in your application menu.
Post-Installation
After you install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu, adding extensions can really boost your coding experience by adding new features.
- Remote Development pack: Allows you to code on remote machines or inside containers.
- GitHub Copilot: Uses AI to help you write code faster.
Conclusion
Visual Studio Code is a versatile, feature-rich code editor compatible with various platforms. Git control, syntax highlighting, and code completion are among the features supported by VS Code. By following these steps, developers can seamlessly install and utilize VS Code for their coding projects.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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