How to Install VS Code on Pop!_OS (Step by Step for Beginners)

This tutorial takes about 2 minutes to complete.

This guide shows how to install Visual Studio Code on Pop!_OS 24.04 with apt: download the .deb file, install it with one command and start it. It follows the video, and every command below is the one typed on screen, ready to copy.

Before you start

You need a computer running Pop!_OS 24.04, an internet connection and your account password: the install command asks for it.

Jump to a chapter in the video: Download .deb · Install .deb · Run VS Code

Step 1: Download the VS Code .deb

Open your browser and go to code.visualstudio.com/download. Download the Debian/Ubuntu .deb file. When the download is complete, open your Downloads folder: the Visual Studio Code .deb file is there.

Step 2: Open a terminal and go to your Downloads folder

Close the file manager window and open a terminal. Change into the Downloads folder with the first command below, then run the second command to list the folder and see the exact file name.

cd ~/Downloads/
ls

Step 3: Install the .deb with apt

Now install the file. Type sudo apt install ./ followed by the first letters of the file name and press Tab to autocomplete it, then press Enter. The finished command is below. Type your password and press Enter. The install adds the Microsoft APT repository for Visual Studio Code, so whenever you run sudo apt update or sudo apt upgrade, you get the latest stable version. Select yes when it asks. The installation is complete when the prompt returns.

sudo apt install ./code_1.145.2-1793945276_amd64.deb

Step 4: Start VS Code

To open Visual Studio Code, type the command below and press Enter. You can also open it from the applications menu: click Applications, find Visual Studio Code and double-click it. VS Code is installed.

code