install-vscode-extension
How to install a VS Code extension from an extension ID. Useful when the user wants to add new capabilities to their VS Code environment by installing extensions.
Packaged view
This page reorganizes the original catalog entry around fit, installability, and workflow context first. The original raw source lives below.
Install command
npx @skill-hub/cli install microsoft-vscode-copilot-chat-install-vscode-extension
Repository
Skill path: assets/prompts/skills/install-vscode-extension
How to install a VS Code extension from an extension ID. Useful when the user wants to add new capabilities to their VS Code environment by installing extensions.
Open repositoryBest for
Primary workflow: Ship Full Stack.
Technical facets: Full Stack.
Target audience: everyone.
License: Unknown.
Original source
Catalog source: SkillHub Club.
Repository owner: microsoft.
This is still a mirrored public skill entry. Review the repository before installing into production workflows.
What it helps with
- Install install-vscode-extension into Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, or OpenCode workflows
- Review https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-chat before adding install-vscode-extension to shared team environments
- Use install-vscode-extension for development workflows
Works across
Favorites: 0.
Sub-skills: 0.
Aggregator: No.
Original source / Raw SKILL.md
---
name: install-vscode-extension
description: 'How to install a VS Code extension from an extension ID. Useful when the user wants to add new capabilities to their VS Code environment by installing extensions.'
---
# Installing VS Code extensions
1. VS Code extensions are identified by their unique extension ID, which typically follows the format `publisher.extensionName`. For example, the Python extension by Microsoft has the ID `ms-python.python`.
2. To install a VS Code extension, you need to use the VS Code command `workbench.extensions.installExtension` and pass in the extension ID. The args are of the format:
```
[extensionId, { enable: true, installPreReleaseVersion: boolean }]
```
> NOTE: install the pre-release version of the extension if the user explicitly mentions it or if the current environment is VS Code Insiders. Otherwise, install the stable version.
3. Run that command via the `copilot_runVscodeCommand` tool. Make sure to pass the `skipCheck` argument as true to avoid checking if the command exists, as we know it does.