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How to Set Up Visual Studio Code for Python on Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

July 3, 2026

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Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors for Python development. It is lightweight, highly customizable, and packed with features such as IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, extensions, and an integrated terminal. Whether you’re a beginner learning Python or an experienced developer working on large projects, setting up VS Code correctly can significantly improve your coding experience.

Unlike a full-fledged Integrated Development Environment (IDE), VS Code requires a few additional components before you can start writing and running Python code. You’ll need to install Python, Visual Studio Code, and the official Python extension. Once configured, VS Code provides syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, virtual environment support, and many other features that make Python development easier.

This guide explains how to set up Visual Studio Code for Python on Windows 11 step by step.

Before You Begin

Before setting up your development environment, ensure you have:

• A Windows 11 PC
• Administrator privileges (recommended)
• An internet connection
• At least 2 GB of free disk space

Step 1: Install Python

The first step is installing Python on your computer.

1. Download the latest version of Python from the official Python website.
2. Run the installer.
3. Check the box labeled Add Python to PATH.
4. Click Install Now.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.
6. Click Close.

Adding Python to the PATH environment variable allows Windows and VS Code to locate the Python interpreter automatically.

Step 2: Verify the Python Installation

After installing Python, verify that it works correctly.

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
3. Run:

python --version

or

py --version

If Python is installed correctly, you’ll see the installed version number.

Step 3: Install Visual Studio Code

Next, install Visual Studio Code.

1. Download the latest version of Visual Studio Code from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the installer.
3. Accept the license agreement.
4. Choose the installation location.
5. Enable these recommended options:
   • Add “Open with Code” to the context menu
   • Register Code as an editor
   • Add VS Code to PATH
6. Click Install.
7. Launch Visual Studio Code after installation.

Step 4: Install the Python Extension

The Python extension adds IntelliSense, debugging, formatting, linting, testing, and many other features.

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar.
3. Search for Python.
4. Install the extension published by Microsoft.
5. Wait for the installation to finish.

You may also be prompted to install additional recommended extensions.

Step 5: Install the Pylance Extension

Pylance improves IntelliSense and code analysis.

If it isn’t installed automatically:

1. Open Extensions.
2. Search for Pylance.
3. Install the Microsoft extension.
4. Restart VS Code if prompted.

Pylance provides:

• Faster autocomplete
• Better error detection
• Improved type checking
• Enhanced navigation

Step 6: Open or Create a Python Project

Create a folder for your Python project.

Example:

C:\Users\YourName\Documents\PythonProjects

In VS Code:

1. Click File.
2. Select Open Folder.
3. Choose your project folder.
4. Click Select Folder.

Working within project folders keeps files organized and simplifies virtual environment management.

Step 7: Create Your First Python File

Inside the project folder:

1. Click New File.
2. Name it:

hello.py

Add the following code:

print("Hello, World!")

Save the file.

Step 8: Select the Python Interpreter

VS Code needs to know which Python interpreter to use.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P.
2. Type:

Python: Select Interpreter

3. Press Enter.
4. Choose the installed Python version.

If multiple versions are installed, select the one you want to use for the project.

The selected interpreter appears in the bottom-right corner of VS Code.

Step 9: Run Your Python Program

There are several ways to run Python code.

Option 1: Run Button

Click the Run button in the upper-right corner.

Option 2: Integrated Terminal

Open the terminal using:

Ctrl + `

Run:

python hello.py

or

py hello.py

The program output appears in the terminal.

Step 10: Create a Virtual Environment

Virtual environments keep project dependencies isolated.

Open the terminal and run:

python -m venv .venv

After the environment is created, activate it.

In Command Prompt:

.venv\Scripts\activate

In PowerShell:

.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

The terminal prompt changes to indicate the environment is active.

Step 11: Install Python Packages

With the virtual environment activated, install packages using pip.

Example:

pip install requests

You can install any library required for your project.

Verify installed packages with:

pip list

Step 12: Enable Code Formatting

Formatting keeps your code clean and consistent.

Popular formatters include:

• Black
• autopep8
• Ruff

Install Black:

pip install black

Then configure VS Code to use it as the default formatter.

Step 13: Enable Linting

Linting helps detect coding mistakes before running your program.

Popular linters include:

• Pylint
• Ruff
• Flake8

Example:

pip install pylint

VS Code automatically highlights syntax errors and coding issues.

Step 14: Use the Debugger

VS Code includes a powerful debugger.

1. Open your Python file.
2. Click beside a line number to add a breakpoint.
3. Press F5.
4. Choose Python File.

You can now:

• Step through code
• Inspect variables
• View the call stack
• Evaluate expressions
• Monitor program execution

Step 15: Install Git (Optional)

If you use version control:

1. Install Git.
2. Restart VS Code.
3. Open the Source Control tab.
4. Initialize a repository.
5. Commit your changes.

Git integration is built directly into VS Code.

Useful VS Code Shortcuts

Some useful keyboard shortcuts include:

• Ctrl + Shift + P – Command Palette
• Ctrl + ` – Open Terminal
• Ctrl + Shift + X – Extensions
• Ctrl + / – Toggle comment
• F5 – Start debugging
• Shift + F5 – Stop debugging
• F9 – Toggle breakpoint
• Ctrl + S – Save file

Common Setup Problems

Python Isn’t Recognized

If Windows reports that Python isn’t recognized:

• Ensure Python was added to PATH.
• Restart VS Code.
• Restart your computer.
• Reinstall Python if necessary.

Interpreter Missing

If no interpreter appears:

• Install Python.
• Restart VS Code.
• Use Python: Select Interpreter.
• Refresh the interpreter list.

Extensions Not Working

Try:

• Updating VS Code.
• Updating the Python extension.
• Reinstalling the extension.
• Restarting the editor.

Virtual Environment Not Detected

Activate the virtual environment manually.

Then choose it using Python: Select Interpreter.

Tips for Python Development

• Create a separate virtual environment for each project.
• Keep VS Code updated.
• Update Python regularly.
• Use code formatting consistently.
• Install only the packages required for your project.
• Back up your projects using Git.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VS Code free?

Yes. Visual Studio Code is completely free to download and use.

Do I need Visual Studio to use Python?

No. Visual Studio Code is a lightweight editor and doesn’t require the full Visual Studio IDE.

Which Python version should I install?

For most users, installing the latest stable version of Python from the official website is recommended.

Can I install multiple Python versions?

Yes. VS Code allows you to choose different Python interpreters for different projects.

Conclusion

Setting up Visual Studio Code for Python on Windows 11 takes only a few minutes and provides a powerful development environment for beginners and professionals alike. By installing Python, Visual Studio Code, the official Python extension, and Pylance, you’ll gain access to intelligent code completion, debugging tools, integrated terminal support, and project management features.

To further enhance your workflow, create virtual environments for each project, use a code formatter like Black, enable linting, and keep both Python and VS Code up to date. With the proper setup in place, you’ll be ready to write, test, debug, and manage Python applications efficiently on your Windows 11 PC.