How to Install and Manage VS Code Extensions from the Command Line

You can install, uninstall, list, update, and disable VS Code extensions entirely from the terminal using the code command. No need to open the Extensions view or click through the Marketplace UI.

If you have not set up the code command yet, see the VS Code command line interface guide. For managing extensions through the UI instead of the terminal, use the Extensions view.

Install an extension

Use the --install-extension flag followed by the full extension identifier in the format publisher.extension.

bash

code --install-extension esbenp.prettier-vscode

VS Code downloads the extension from the Marketplace and installs it. You see the installation progress in the terminal. The extension activates the next time you open VS Code or immediately if VS Code is already running.

To install a specific version, append the version number. To install from a local VSIX file instead of the Marketplace, provide the file path. To skip any confirmation prompts, add --force:

bash

# Install a specific version
code --install-extension ms-python.python@2024.0.0
 
# Install from a local VSIX file
code --install-extension ~/downloads/custom-theme.vsix
 
# Skip confirmation prompts
code --install-extension esbenp.prettier-vscode --force

See how to install a VS Code extension from a VSIX file for VSIX-specific safety guidance.

Install an extension for a specific profile

Extensions can be scoped to a single VS Code profile using the --profile flag.

bash

code --install-extension ms-python.python --profile "Python Dev"

The extension installs only in the named profile. It does not appear in other profiles or the Default Profile.

Use the exact profile name shown in the Profiles menu.

Uninstall an extension

Remove an extension with --uninstall-extension. Provide the full publisher.extension identifier, just like you did when installing it. VS Code deactivates and removes the extension immediately:

bash

code --uninstall-extension esbenp.prettier-vscode

VS Code removes the extension immediately. If VS Code is running, the extension is deactivated.

To target a specific profile, add the --profile flag:

bash

code --uninstall-extension ms-python.python --profile "Python Dev"

List installed extensions

See every extension you have installed with --list-extensions. Redirect the output to a file to save your list, or add --show-versions to include version numbers:

bash

# Save extension list to a file
code --list-extensions > my-extensions.txt
 
# List with version numbers
code --list-extensions --show-versions

This is useful for sharing your setup with a team or scripting an automated install on a new machine.

Filter by profile

List extensions for a specific profile:

bash

code --list-extensions --profile "Python Dev"

This shows only the extensions installed in that profile, not your global extensions.

Update all extensions

Update every installed extension to the latest version with one command:

bash

code --update-extensions

VS Code checks each extension against the Marketplace and downloads newer versions. This command exits after the update completes. It is ideal for keeping a CI environment or a shared machine up to date automatically.

Disable all extensions temporarily

If you need to launch VS Code without any extensions active, use --disable-extensions:

bash

code --disable-extensions .

Extensions remain installed and appear in the Disabled section of the Extensions view, but none are activated. This is useful for troubleshooting performance issues or extension conflicts. Close the window and reopen normally to restore extensions.

Automate extension setup for a team

A common workflow is to commit a list of recommended extensions to your project repository and let team members install them with a single script.

This pairs well with an extensions.json recommendations file, which suggests extensions inside the VS Code UI instead of the terminal.

Verify that an extension installed correctly

After running --install-extension, confirm it worked by listing the extension:

bash

code --list-extensions | grep prettier

If the extension identifier appears in the output, it is installed. Open VS Code and check the Extensions view to confirm it is active and has no errors.