During installation, ensure "Add to PATH" was checked. Alternatively, add manually:

You downloaded the wrong version. Uninstall and download VS Code 1.85.2 using the links in Step 2.

If VS Code is allowed to update, it will automatically download a newer version that is incompatible with Server 2012 R2, breaking your installation. Open VS Code and go to . Search for update.mode . Change the setting to none . Handle "Missing Library" Errors

Do NOT go to code.visualstudio.com and click the big blue download button—that will give you an installer that fails on 2012 R2. Instead, follow these steps:

For a permanent fix, add this to your PowerShell profile.

Some VS Code extensions require newer runtime features. On version 1.85.2, focus on: