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Disable automatic Visual Studio Code extension updates

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Works with any Linux distroWorks with any Linux distribution that can run bash scripts.
  • Linux onlyThis script improves your privacy on Linux
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Bash (Shell script)These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.
  • Sudo/root requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

By default, Visual Studio Code automatically downloads and installs updates for all extensions 1. These updates are fetched from a Microsoft online service 1.

This script disables the automatic updating of installed extensions. It accomplishes this by setting extensions.autoUpdate to false 2.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system backup before doing any changes.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

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Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

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  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable automatic Visual Studio Code extension updates" using script​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

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Help

How to apply or restore "Disable automatic Visual Studio Code extension updates" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable automatic Visual Studio Code extension updates
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
if ! command -v 'python3' &> /dev/null; then
  echo 'Skipping because "python3" is not found.'
else
  python3 <<EOF
from pathlib import Path
import os, json, sys
property_name = 'extensions.autoUpdate'
target = json.loads('false')
home_dir = f'/home/{os.getenv("SUDO_USER", os.getenv("USER"))}'
settings_files = [
  # Global installation (also Snap that installs with "--classic" flag)
  f'{home_dir}/.config/Code/User/settings.json',
  # Flatpak installation
  f'{home_dir}/.var/app/com.visualstudio.code/config/Code/User/settings.json'
]
for settings_file in settings_files:
  file=Path(settings_file)
  if not file.is_file():
    print(f'Skipping, file does not exist at "{settings_file}".')
    continue
  print(f'Reading file at "{settings_file}".')
  file_content = file.read_text()
  if not file_content.strip():
    print('Settings file is empty. Treating it as default empty JSON object.')
    file_content = '{}'
  json_object = None
  try:
    json_object = json.loads(file_content)
  except json.JSONDecodeError:
    print(f'Error, invalid JSON format in the settings file: "{settings_file}".', file=sys.stderr)
    continue
  if property_name not in json_object:
    print(f'Settings "{property_name}" is not configured.')
  else:
    existing_value = json_object[property_name]
    if existing_value == target:
      print(f'Skipping, "{property_name}" is already configured as {json.dumps(target)}.')
      continue
    print(f'Setting "{property_name}" has unexpected value {json.dumps(existing_value)} that will be changed.')
  json_object[property_name] = target
  new_content = json.dumps(json_object, indent=2)
  file.write_text(new_content)
  print(f'Successfully configured "{property_name}" to {json.dumps(target)}.')
EOF
fi
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable automatic Visual Studio Code extension updates" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Terminal
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
  1. 1

    Open terminal

    Open your terminal application.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into terminal application and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

These scripts control the automatic update behavior of extensions. Updates are fetched from Microsoft servers. Use of online Microsoft services can disclose inform...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Configure auto-update settings for Visual Studio Code extensions 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable Visual Studio Code automatic extension update checks
Disable automatic fetching of Microsoft recommendations in Visual Studio Code

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process