If you know the specific version number, you can bypass the website and use Microsoft's direct download pattern. This is useful for finding specific "patch" versions (like 1.86.1 instead of just 1.86).
Recent updates might require more resources than a legacy machine can handle comfortably. Method 1: Use the Official Release Notes Archive (Easiest)
Download links for Windows, macOS, and Linux are located at the , right under the main header. Method 2: Use a Direct URL (Advanced) download older visual studio code
For example, to download version for a 64-bit Windows machine, you would use: https://visualstudio.com . Crucial Step: Disable Auto-Updates
Microsoft maintains a public archive of every major release. This is the safest way to find a stable older version. Navigate to the VS Code Updates Archive . Browse by year and month to find the version you need. Click on the specific release month (e.g., "January 2024"). If you know the specific version number, you
If you are actually looking for the full Visual Studio IDE (not Code), those downloads require a Visual Studio Subscription or a free Dev Essentials account .
Sometimes the latest software isn’t the best for your specific setup. Whether you're working on a legacy machine, dealing with a broken extension, or just prefer a previous UI, finding the right version of Visual Studio Code is straightforward if you know where to look. Why Download an Older Version of VS Code? Method 1: Use the Official Release Notes Archive
Newer versions may drop support for older operating systems. For example, v1.97.2 is the final release compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina .