Fixing Visual Studio Code "Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed"

The "Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed" in Visual Studio Code is a common network connectivity issue that prevents users from browsing, searching, and installing extensions from the marketplace. This article provides comprehensive solutions to resolve this frustrating error.

Problem Overview

The XHR (XMLHttpRequest) failed error typically occurs when VS Code cannot establish a connection to Microsoft's extension marketplace. This can happen due to various reasons including:

• Network proxy configuration issues
• VPN interference
• Firewall restrictions
• Outdated VS Code settings
• Service outages
• DNS problems

INFO

While the error message mentions XHR failure, the root cause is almost always network-related rather than JavaScript-related.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these solutions in order, starting with the simplest first:

1. Check Microsoft Service Status

Before making any configuration changes, verify that Microsoft's Visual Studio Code Marketplace is operational:

# Visit this URL in your browser:
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/

If you see a service unavailable message, the issue is on Microsoft's end, and you'll need to wait for them to resolve it.

2. Restart VS Code and Computer

Sometimes the simplest solution works:

# Close all VS Code instances completely
# Then reopen VS Code

If that doesn't help, try a full system restart to clear any network stack issues.

3. Check Proxy Settings (Most Common Solution)

Improper proxy configuration is the most frequent cause of this error.

Windows Proxy Settings

1. Open Windows Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy
2. Ensure "Automatically detect settings" is turned off if you're not using a proxy
3. If using a proxy, verify the settings are correct

VS Code Proxy Settings

settings.json

{
  "http.proxy": "",
  "http.proxyAuthorization": null,
  "http.proxySupport": "on"
}

To access these settings:

1. Press F1 to open the command palette
2. Type "Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON)"
3. Add or modify the proxy settings as shown above
4. Save the file and restart VS Code

4. Check Environment Variables

VS Code may be reading proxy settings from system environment variables:

# Check for proxy environment variables
echo $HTTP_PROXY    # Linux/macOS
echo $HTTPS_PROXY   # Linux/macOS

# On Windows, check Environment Variables in System Properties

Remove or correct any HTTP_PROXY or HTTPS_PROXY environment variables that may be causing conflicts.

5. Sign in with Microsoft Account

Some users report that signing in to VS Code with a Microsoft account resolves the issue:

1. Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner
2. Select "Turn on Settings Sync"
3. Choose "Sign in with Microsoft" and complete the authentication

6. Firewall Configuration

Ensure Windows Firewall isn't blocking VS Code:

1. Open Windows Security → Firewall & Network Protection
2. Click "Allow an app through firewall"
3. Ensure Visual Studio Code is in the allowed apps list
4. If not present, add Code.exe from your VS Code installation directory

7. VPN Considerations

If you're using a VPN:

• Try disconnecting from the VPN temporarily
• Check if extensions load without VPN
• If they do, your VPN may be blocking the marketplace connection
• Try switching VPN servers or protocols

8. Reinstall VS Code

If all else fails, reinstall VS Code using the System Installer rather than the User Installer, as some users report this resolves network-related issues.

WARNING

Back up your settings and extensions before reinstalling by exporting your configuration through the Settings Sync feature.

9. Manual Extension Installation

As a temporary workaround, you can manually install extensions:

1. Visit the VS Code Marketplace
2. Download the .vsix file for your desired extension
3. In VS Code, go to Extensions → ⋯ → Install from VSIX
4. Select the downloaded file

Advanced Solutions

For persistent issues, try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Clear VS Code Cache

Delete VS Code's cache directories:

# Windows
rm -r %APPDATA%\Code\Cache
rm -r %APPDATA%\Code\CachedData

# macOS
rm -r ~/Library/Application Support/Code/Cache
rm -r ~/Library/Application Support/Code/CachedData

# Linux
rm -r ~/.config/Code/Cache
rm -r ~/.config/Code/CachedData

Use Ignore Certificate Flag

Temporarily launch VS Code with certificate validation disabled:

code --ignore-certificate-errors

Security Warning

Only use this flag temporarily to install extensions, as it displays important security protections.

Prevention Tips

To avoid future occurrences:

1. Keep VS Code updated to the latest version
2. Regularly check and clean up proxy settings
3. Maintain consistent network configuration
4. Use Settings Sync to backup your configuration

When to Seek Further Help

If none of these solutions work:

1. Check the VS Code GitHub Issues for similar reports
2. Examine the Developer Console in VS Code (Help → Toggle Developer Tools) for detailed error messages
3. Consider network infrastructure issues at your organization (corporate proxies, firewalls)

Most users resolve the XHR failed error through proxy configuration adjustments or temporary workarounds. The issue is typically resolvable without drastic measures once the root network cause is identified.