If you want to get rid of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) from your Windows 11 or 10 computer, doing it the usual way through Control Panel or Settings won’t cut it. That method leaves behind stuff like your settings, extensions, and how they’re set up.
When you delete VS Code this normal way, it keeps these bits to make it easier if you ever want to bring it back. But, if you’re looking to clean everything out, maybe because the software’s acting up, you’re tweaking your computer for better performance, or you’re starting over with a fresh install, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and remove everything by hand. Here’s how to do that on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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Understanding partial uninstallation of VS Code
Normally, when you get rid of VS Code, Windows’ own uninstaller tosses out the main program files from the Program Files folder but leaves your personal data, like settings and extensions, untouched. This leftover data can mess things up if it’s corrupt or if you’re trying to start from scratch. It could even be a security risk if it holds sensitive info.
Related resource: How to Clean Up AppData Folder in Windows 11
Why manually uninstall VS Code completely
Totally getting rid of VS Code by hand means you leave no trace of it on your computer. This is key in a few situations, like:
- A clean reinstall lets you set up your development space just how you like, without old setups getting in the way.
- If VS Code isn’t working right, those leftover files could be the issue.
- Starting from zero might fix weird performance problems or glitches caused by old settings or extensions.
- If you need to make sure a computer is secure, you have to get rid of every bit of software, including settings and extensions.
Step-by-step guide to completely uninstall VS Code in Windows 11
Step 1: Uninstalling VS Code normally
First, use the basic uninstall process to remove the main part of VS Code.
- Open Settings by pressing Win + i.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Visual Studio Code in the list and select it.
- Hit Uninstall and say yes to any pop-ups to take out the main app files.
Removing Visual Studio Code this way gets rid of the big parts and the structure that lets the app run. But remember, this doesn’t take out your personal settings, extensions, or other bits and pieces. They stay on your computer to make it easier if you decide to put VS Code back on later.
Step 2: Delete VS Code folders
Next, let’s take out the leftover data folders holding your user settings, extensions, and cached files.
- Open Run by pressing Win + R.
- Type
%AppData%and hit Enter to go to the Roaming folder.
- Find and delete the Code folder. This folder has your user settings and some extension info, sticking around after a regular uninstall.
- Go back to the AppData directory (
%AppData%in Run, but go up one level) and head to the Local folder. - Delete the
Programs\Microsoft VS Codefolder. This is where the install files sit if you installed VS Code just for your user account.
Taking out the VS Code folders from both “AppData/Roaming” and “AppData/Local” is a must for a full uninstall because these folders hold your settings, extensions, and temporary files that don’t go away with the first uninstall step. The Code folder in “AppData/Roaming” has stuff like your preferences, extension setups, and workspace info.
Step 3: Remove user settings and extensions
There are more settings and extensions saved in a special spot in your user profile.
- Open Run again with Win + R.
- Type
%UserProfile%and press Enter.
- Find the “.vscode” folder and delete it. This spot is crucial to clear out because it holds extensions and their setups.
The .vscode folder in your profile is where VS Code keeps extensions and some specific settings. Deleting this means you’re taking out any extensions you added and their data, plus any tweaks that weren’t stored in the AppData folder.
Step 4: Clear Out Remaining Shortcuts and Context Menu Entries
Finally, make sure there are no leftover shortcuts or right-click menu links pointing to the VS Code you just removed.
- Look around your Desktop and Start Menu for any VS Code shortcuts still hanging around and delete them.
- Getting rid of right-click menu links might need you to dive into the registry or use a tool made for this. If you’re okay with editing the registry, you can do it with
regedit, or find a good tool to help.
VS Code might have added some things to the right-click menu. Usually, these should go away when you do the standard uninstall, but if they stick around, you might need to manually remove them or use a special tool.
Step 5: Restart your computer
To wrap it up, restarting your computer is a smart move. This gets rid of any temporary files still in use and makes sure all the changes are fully in place, leaving your system VS Code-free.
Concluding thoughts
Finding that Microsoft Visual Studio Code and its extensions aren’t totally gone after a basic uninstall is a usual issue. When folks go to put VS Code back on, they often bump into their old settings and extensions still there. For a real clean slate or to fix specific problems, following a detailed uninstall process is the way to go. This means manually getting rid of certain folders, cleaning up your settings and extensions, and making sure there’s nothing left in the registry. Doing all this ensures VS Code is completely wiped from your computer.
