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How to open .VSIX files on Linux

To open .VSIX files on Linux, in Visual Studio Code, use the Extensions view and choose “Install from VSIX”, or run: code --install-extension /path/to/file.vsix.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. In Visual Studio Code, use the Extensions view and choose “Install from VSIX”, or run: code --install-extension /path/to/file.vsix.
  2. To inspect without installing, extract it as a ZIP/OPC container (for example by renaming to .zip) and review the manifest and included files.

Common issues

The VSIX installs in the wrong product (Visual Studio vs VS Code)

Both Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code use .vsix for extensions, but the packages target different platforms and extension APIs. A VSIX built for one product typically will not install or function in the other.

  1. Check which product the extension is intended for (for example, the download source or the manifest inside the VSIX).
  2. Install it using the correct tool: Visual Studio for Visual Studio extensions, or VS Code via “Install from VSIX” / code --install-extension for VS Code extensions.

Install fails due to compatibility requirements declared in the manifest

VSIX packages include a manifest (extension.vsixmanifest) that declares installation behavior and requirements; if your installed IDE version doesn’t match, installation can be blocked.

  1. Extract the VSIX (it is a ZIP/OPC container) and review extension.vsixmanifest to understand the declared requirements.
  2. Install the extension in a compatible IDE version, or obtain a VSIX build that targets your IDE version.

Trying to “open” the file in a text editor shows gibberish

A VSIX is a ZIP/OPC package, so opening it as plain text will not display meaningful content.

  1. Inspect it by extracting it as an archive (for example, rename .vsix to .zip and extract).
  2. Look for extension.vsixmanifest and other package files to understand what the extension contains.

Security note

A .vsix installs code and tooling into an IDE; treat it like installing software. Only install VSIX packages from sources you trust.

Back to .VSIX extension page