To run VS Code on a CAT-supported Windows machine, open a Command Prompt by pressing Win+R and typing “cmd”, then hitting return.
Within the command prompt, type:

code --user-data-dir="N:\VSCode"

Why does it have to be done this way?

VS Code will store its data in your Windows Profile by default. This works great at home, but not well in an enterprise environment. Our profiles have a very limited quota (750MB), so this command tells it to use your Windows home directory instead, which has 10GB (more than 10x as much room).

What if I don’t do it this way?

If you fail to do this, the application will default to the profile, part of which is deleted when you log out. This will result in *DATA LOSS*. We cannot recover data lost in this way, there are no backups of local disks. It will also cause your profile to hit its maximum quota which will cause other applications to behave strangely or not work at all.

What are my other options?

The Linux machines in the Intel Lab, FAB 55-17, have VS Code installed, and it can be run without any special flags.

If you are a graduate student with larger storage needs and have an assigned machine, you can replace the N: with a D: if you choose. This will allow more work space, but it will be local to the computer you are on and, very importantly, D: is *NOT BACKED UP*. This method is not recommended on lab machines with high traffic and multiple users.

For more information on Windows user profiles in MCECS: https://cat.pdx.edu/platforms/windows/user-environment/profiles/

For more information on software in Windows labs: https://cat.pdx.edu/services/software/windows-labs/