Download VSIX Files from VS Code Marketplace

Problem

Microsoft removed the in-browser download option for .vsix files from the VS Code Marketplace, making it difficult to obtain extension installation packages for offline machines. Developers needing to install extensions like Python or Pylance in disconnected environments can no longer rely on the browser interface or older methods documented in official instructions.

Note on Built-in Solution

VS Code v1.96+ introduced a built-in method: Use the extensions sidebar → extension settings → Download Extension VSIX. However, this requires an updated VS Code installation with internet access.

Recommended Solutions

Method 1: Manual URL Construction (Official API)

All .vsix downloads still use Microsoft's public API. Construct the URL manually using:

1. Extension Identifier: Split into Publisher and Package
   (e.g., ms-python.python → Publisher: ms-python, Package: python)
2. Version: Find in the "Version History" marketplace tab
   (e.g., 2024.17.2024100401)
3. Target Platform (skip for universal extensions):

Platform	targetPlatform Value
Windows x64	win32-x64
macOS Apple Silicon	darwin-arm64
macOS Intel	darwin-x64
Linux x64	linux-x64
Linux ARM64	linux-arm64
[See all platforms]	[Full table in solution]

4. URL Format:

   https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/_apis/public/gallery/publishers/[Publisher]/vsextensions/[Package]/[Version]/vspackage?targetPlatform=[Platform]

   Example:
   https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/_apis/public/gallery/publishers/ms-python/vsextensions/python/2024.17.2024100401/vspackage?targetPlatform=win32-x64

Python Example

# Generate URL automatically
unique_id = "ms-python.python"
version = "2024.17.2024100401"
platform = "win32-x64"  # Use "" for universal extensions

publisher, package = unique_id.split('.')
url = (
    f"https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/_apis/public/gallery/publishers/{publisher}/"
    f"vsextensions/{package}/{version}/vspackage"
    + (f"?targetPlatform={platform}" if platform else "")
)
print(url)  // Copy and paste URL into browser to download

Method 2: TamperMonkey Script (Automated Version Downloads)

This userscript adds direct download links to version numbers in the marketplace.

1. Install TamperMonkey
2. Create a new script and paste this code:

// ==UserScript==
// @name         VS Marketplace VSIX Links
// @match        https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items*
// ==/UserScript==

const platformMap = {
  "Linux x86_64": "linux-x64",
  "Win32": "win32-x64",      // Add your platform
  "MacIntel": "darwin-x64"   // Add mappings as needed
};

function addLinks() {
  const rows = document.querySelectorAll('.version-history-container-row');
  const identifier = new URLSearchParams(location.search).get('itemName');
  if (!identifier || !rows.length) return setTimeout(addLinks, 500);

  const [publisher, pkg] = identifier.split('.');
  const platform = platformMap[navigator.platform] || 'linux-x64';

  rows.forEach(row => {
    const versionCell = row.querySelector('.version-history-container-column');
    if (!versionCell || versionCell.querySelector('a')) return;
    
    const version = versionCell.textContent.trim();
    const vsixUrl = `https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/_apis/public/gallery/publishers/${publisher}/vsextensions/${pkg}/${version}/vspackage?targetPlatform=${platform}`;
    
    const link = document.createElement('a');
    link.href = vsixUrl;
    link.textContent = version;
    versionCell.textContent = '';
    versionCell.appendChild(link);
  });
}
setTimeout(addLinks, 1000);

WARNING

Update platformMap with your OS using navigator.platform values seen in console. Remove ?targetPlatform=... from the URL if download fails (indicates universal extension).

Alternative Methods

• Chrome Extension: Install VS Marketplace Downloader to add download buttons
• Bookmarklet: Create a bookmark with this URL (works when on extension page):

  javascript:(function(){const API='https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/_apis/public/gallery/publishers/${publisher}/vsextensions/${package}/${version}/vspackage';const id=new URL(location).searchParams.get("itemName");const[pkg,publisher]=id.split(".");const version=document.querySelector('.version-history-container-row .version-history-container-column').textContent;window.open(API.replace('${publisher}',publisher).replace('${package}',pkg).replace('${version}',version))})();

• open-vsx.org: Open VSX Registry provides direct downloads for many extensions
• Build from Source (Fallback option):

  git clone <extension-repo-url>
  cd extension-dir
  npm install -g @vscode/vsce
  vsce package  # Generates .vsix in current directory

Conclusion

For most users, constructing the download URL (Method 1) provides the most reliable way to obtain .vsix files. The TamperMonkey script automates this process once configured. When possible, update VS Code to v1.96+ and use the built-in download option via the extensions sidebar.