Cannot install extension with vscode 1.111.0

[tberthe-orange]

Hello,

I cannot install the python extension with VSC 1.111.0
The error message is : Can't install 'ms-python.python' extension because it is not compatible with the current version of Visual Studio Code (version 1.111.0)

I cannot report via the Help: Report issue... because the extension is not yet installed in VSC.

[vinkay215]

The error means the version of the Python extension that VS Code is trying to install requires a newer VS Code version than 1.111.0.

VS Code extensions declare their minimum compatible editor version using the engines.vscode field in their package.json. The Marketplace uses that value to decide whether an extension version can be installed.

So this is not a Python installation problem.

You have two practical options:

1. Update VS Code to a newer version, then install the current Microsoft Python extension normally.

2. If you must stay on VS Code 1.111.0, install an older Python extension release that still supports your VS Code version.

You can find older releases here:

microsoft/vscode-python → Releases

For a specific release, open its package.json and check:

"engines": {
    "vscode": "..."
}

The version constraint there must include VS Code 1.111.0.

I would recommend updating VS Code if possible, since installing an older Python extension may also mean missing newer fixes and Python environment improvements.

Also, Help: Report Issue not being available for the Python extension in this case is expected because the extension has not been successfully installed/activated yet.

[Virendar Rawat (VirendarRawat)]

Hi tberthe-orange!

As mentioned above, the latest release of the Python extension requires a newer version of VS Code. However, you do not need to update VS Code if you are restricted to version 1.111.0.

Here are the two easiest ways to install a compatible version directly:

---

Option 1: Install an Older Version directly inside VS Code (Recommended)

1. Open VS Code 1.111.0.
2. Open the Extensions View (Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac).
3. Search for Python (ms-python.python).
4. Next to the Install button (or on the Gear icon ⚙️ if already partially installed), click the dropdown arrow next to Install.
5. Select Install Another Version...
6. Scroll down slightly and pick a release from early March 2026 or prior (which supports VS Code 1.111.0).
7. Once installed, click the Gear Icon (⚙️) next to the Python extension and select Disable Auto-Updating so VS Code doesn't try to upgrade it back to the incompatible version.

---

Option 2: Download and Install via VSIX File

If the Marketplace won't load the version picker:

1. Go to the official VS Code Marketplace page for Python.
2. On the right sidebar under Resources, click Version History.
3. Download a version compatible with 1.111.0 (it will download a .vsix file).
4. In VS Code, press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P) to open the Command Palette.
5. Type and select: Extensions: Install from VSIX...
6. Select the downloaded .vsix file to install it manually.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you run into any issues.