Installing Roo Code

Roo Code is a VS Code extension that brings AI-powered coding assistance directly to your editor. Install using one of these methods:

1. VS Code Marketplace (Recommended) - fastest method for standard VS Code and Cursor users
2. Open VSX Registry - for VS Code-compatible editors like VSCodium

VS Code Marketplace

1. Open VS Code
2. Access Extensions: Click the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar or press Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (macOS)
3. Search for "Roo Code"
4. Select "Roo Code" by RooVeterinaryInc and click Install
5. Reload VS Code if prompted

After installation, find the Roo Code icon () in the Activity Bar to open the Roo Code panel.

VS Code marketplace with Roo Code extension ready to install

Open VSX Registry

For VS Code-compatible editors without Marketplace access (like VSCodium and Windsurf):

1. Open your editor
2. Access the Extensions view
3. Search for "Roo Code"
4. Select "Roo Code" by RooVeterinaryInc and click Install
5. Reload if prompted

Open VSX Registry with Roo Code extension ready to install

Roo Code Nightly

For information on installing Roo Code Nightly (our prerelease build published on each merge to main), please see the Roo Code Nightly guide in the Advanced Usage section.

Manual Installation from VSIX

If you prefer to download and install the VSIX file directly:

1. Download the VSIX file:

   • Find official releases on the Roo Code GitHub Releases page
   • Download the .vsix file from the latest release

2. Install in VS Code:

   • Open VS Code
   • Access Extensions view
   • Click the "..." menu in the Extensions view
   • Select "Install from VSIX..."
   • Browse to and select your downloaded .vsix file

Installing Roo Code using VS Code's "Install from VSIX" dialog

Local Setup & Development

For instructions on setting up Roo Code for local development, building from source, or contributing, please see the Local Development Setup guide in the Advanced Usage section.

Troubleshooting

VS Code Output panel showing Roo Code logs for troubleshooting

Extension Not Visible

• Restart VS Code
• Verify Roo Code is listed and enabled in Extensions
• Try disabling and re-enabling
• Check Output panel for errors (View → Output, select "Roo Code")

Installation Problems

• Ensure stable internet connection
• Verify VS Code version 1.84.0 or later
• If VS Code Marketplace is inaccessible, try the Open VSX Registry method

Getting Support

If you encounter issues not covered here:

• Join our Discord community for real-time support
• Submit issues on GitHub
• Visit our Reddit community