Ms-dotnettools.csharp Requested To Download The .net Runtime //top\\ May 2026

Some developers prefer not to have extensions downloading executables in the background, which is why the notification is triggered. How to Fix or Bypass the Download Request

Below is a guide on why this happens and how to manage it, whether you want to let the download proceed or use your own existing installation. Why is this happening?

If you are seeing a notification in Visual Studio Code stating that you aren't alone. This message typically appears when the C# extension (or the C# Dev Kit) needs a specific version of the .NET Runtime to power features like IntelliSense and debugging, but cannot find a compatible version on your system. ms-dotnettools.csharp requested to download the .net runtime

The extension uses the .NET Install Tool to fetch these runtimes automatically so users don't have to manually configure paths.

Modern versions of the Microsoft C# Dev Kit use a "Language Server" that runs on .NET itself. Even if you have the .NET SDK installed for your projects, the extension might require a specific runtime (often the ASP.NET Core runtime or a specific version like .NET 8 or 9) to run its internal tools. Some developers prefer not to have extensions downloading

If the download starts but fails, it’s often due to a slow connection timing out the default 2-minute limit. [BUG] always request downloading .NET Runtime #562 - GitHub

If you want the extension to stop asking or if the download is failing, use these methods: 1. Manually Point to an Existing .NET Installation If you are seeing a notification in Visual

(Note: Use the appropriate path for your OS, such as /usr/local/bin/dotnet for macOS or Linux.) 2. Increase the Download Timeout