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Fixing XHR Failed Error When Downloading Extensions in VS Code



How to Fix XHR Failed Error When Downloading Extensions in VS Code




If you are a VS Code user, you probably know how useful extensions are for enhancing your coding experience. Extensions are add-ons that provide extra features, such as syntax highlighting, code formatting, debugging, testing, and more. You can find thousands of extensions in the VS Code marketplace, which you can easily install and manage from within the editor.




xhr failed download xhr failed at q.download installable extension



However, sometimes you may encounter an error message that says "XHR failed" when you try to search for or download extensions in VS Code. This error prevents you from accessing the extensions you need and can be very frustrating. In this article, we will explain what this error means, why it happens, and how to fix it.


What is XHR Failed Error and Why Does It Happen?




XHR stands for XML HTTP Request and is a method of sending and receiving data over the web




XHR is a technique that allows web browsers to communicate with servers without reloading the page. It is widely used by web applications to provide dynamic and interactive features, such as autocomplete, live search, chat, etc. XHR is also used by VS Code to fetch extensions from the marketplace.


XHR Failed Error occurs when VS Code cannot fetch extensions from the marketplace due to network or proxy issues




When you try to search for or download extensions in VS Code, it sends an XHR request to the marketplace server and expects a response. However, sometimes this request may fail due to various reasons, such as:


  • Your internet connection is slow or unstable



  • Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the request



  • Your proxy settings are incorrect or incompatible with VS Code



  • The marketplace server is down or overloaded



  • The extension you are looking for is unavailable or corrupted



When any of these situations occur, VS Code will show an error message that says "XHR failed" or "Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed". This means that it could not receive the data it needed from the server and could not display or install the extensions.


How to Troubleshoot XHR Failed Error in VS Code




Check your internet connection and firewall settings




The first thing you should do when you encounter the XHR failed error is to check your internet connection. Make sure that you have a stable and fast connection that can support data transfer. You can test your connection speed by using online tools like .


You should also check your firewall settings and make sure that they are not blocking VS Code or its requests. You can temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and see if that solves the problem. If it does, you can add an exception for VS Code or adjust your firewall rules accordingly.


Check your proxy settings in VS Code and your system




If you are using a proxy server to access the internet, you need to make sure that your proxy settings are correct and compatible with VS Code. A proxy server is an intermediary that acts as a gateway between your device and the internet. It can help you bypass censorship, enhance your privacy, or improve your performance. However, it can also cause issues with some applications that require direct access to the internet, such as VS Code.


To check your proxy settings in VS Code, you can go to File > Preferences > Settings and search for "proxy". You will see two options: "http.proxy" and "http.proxyStrictSSL". The first one is the URL of your proxy server, which you need to enter in the format " The second one is a boolean value that determines whether VS Code should verify the SSL certificates of the proxy server. If you are using a self-signed or untrusted proxy, you may need to set this to false.


You should also check your proxy settings in your system and make sure they match with VS Code. Depending on your operating system, you can find these settings in different places. For example, in Windows 10, you can go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and enable or disable the proxy server. In Mac OS, you can go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies and configure the proxy server.


How to fix xhr failed error when downloading extensions in VS Code


XHR failed at q.download installable extension: causes and solutions


Troubleshooting xhr failed download issue in Visual Studio Code


What does xhr failed mean and how to resolve it in VS Code extensions


XHR failed at q.download installable extension on Mac: steps to fix


Best practices for installing extensions in VS Code without xhr failed error


XHR failed download problem in VS Code: common scenarios and fixes


How to manually install extensions in VS Code when xhr failed occurs


XHR failed at q.download installable extension on Windows: tips and tricks


How to avoid xhr failed error when downloading extensions in VS Code


XHR failed download issue in Visual Studio Code: FAQs and answers


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XHR failed at q.download installable extension on Linux: workarounds and solutions


How to diagnose and troubleshoot xhr failed error in VS Code extensions


What are the possible reasons for xhr failed download issue in VS Code


How to install extensions from VS Code marketplace without xhr failed error


XHR failed at q.download installable extension: how to contact support and get help


How to use proxy settings to fix xhr failed download problem in VS Code


XHR failed download issue in Visual Studio Code: how to report a bug or feedback


How to uninstall and reinstall extensions in VS Code when xhr failed occurs


XHR failed at q.download installable extension: how to check logs and debug information


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How to use VPN or hotspot to fix xhr failed error when downloading extensions in VS Code


XHR failed at q.download installable extension: how to verify checksum and integrity of files


How to sync Microsoft account in VS Code to fix xhr failed download issue


XHR failed download issue in Visual Studio Code: how to change DNS server or flush DNS cache


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XHR failed at q.download installable extension: how to disable firewall or antivirus software


How to restart router or laptop to fix xhr failed download problem in VS Code


Clear the extension cache and restart VS Code




Sometimes, the XHR failed error may be caused by a corrupted or outdated extension cache. The extension cache is a folder that stores temporary files related to the extensions you have installed or searched for in VS Code. It helps VS Code load extensions faster and reduce network traffic. However, it can also become corrupted or outdated and cause problems with fetching extensions from the marketplace.


To clear the extension cache and restart VS Code, you can follow these steps:


  • Close VS Code if it is running



  • Open the File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac OS) and navigate to the following folder: %USERPROFILE%\.vscode\extensions (Windows) or /.vscode/extensions (Mac OS)



  • Delete all the files and folders inside this folder



  • Open VS Code again and try to search for or download extensions



This will clear the extension cache and force VS Code to fetch extensions from the marketplace again.


Download and install extensions manually from the VS Code website




If none of the above methods work, you can try to download and install extensions manually from the VS Code website. This way, you can bypass the XHR request and directly get the extension files from the source. To do this, you can follow these steps:


  • Go to and search for the extension you want to install



  • Click on the extension name and then click on the "Download Extension" link at the bottom of the page



  • Save the extension file (.vsix) to your computer



  • Open VS Code and go to File > Preferences > Extensions



  • Click on the "..." menu at the top right corner of the extensions panel and select "Install from VSIX..."



  • Browse to the extension file (.vsix) that you downloaded and click "Install"



  • Restart VS Code and enjoy your extension



How to Prevent XHR Failed Error in VS Code




Keep your VS Code updated to the latest version




One of the best ways to prevent XHR failed error in VS Code is to keep your editor updated to the latest version. This way, you can benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements that may solve or prevent issues with extensions. To update your VS Code, you can go to Help > Check for Updates (Windows) or Code > Check for Updates (Mac OS) and follow the instructions.


Use a reliable VPN service if you are behind a proxy or firewall




If you are behind a proxy or firewall that restricts your access to certain websites or services, you may face problems with fetching extensions from the marketplace. In this case, you can use a reliable VPN service that can help you bypass these restrictions and access any website or service you want. A VPN service is a virtual private network that encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server in another location. This way, you can hide your IP address and location and appear as if you are accessing the internet from another country.


There are many VPN services available online, both free and paid. However, not all of them are trustworthy or compatible with VS Code. You should do some research before choosing a VPN service and make sure that it meets your needs and expectations. Some of the factors that you should consider are:


  • <ul The speed and reliability of the VPN service



  • The security and privacy features of the VPN service



  • The compatibility and support of the VPN service with VS Code and other applications



  • The cost and customer service of the VPN service



Some of the popular and reputable VPN services that you can try are . However, you should always do your own research and read reviews before choosing a VPN service.


Sync your Microsoft account in VS Code to access extensions across devices




If you use VS Code on multiple devices, such as your laptop, desktop, or tablet, you may want to sync your extensions across them. This way, you can have a consistent and seamless coding experience on any device you use. To sync your extensions across devices, you need to sign in to your Microsoft account in VS Code and enable the settings sync feature. To do this, you can follow these steps:


  • Open VS Code and click on the "Account" icon at the bottom left corner of the editor



  • Select "Sign in to sync settings" and choose "Microsoft" as the sign-in provider



  • Follow the instructions to sign in to your Microsoft account or create one if you don't have one



  • Once you are signed in, click on the "Settings" icon at the bottom left corner of the editor



  • Select "Turn on Settings Sync..." and choose what settings you want to sync, such as extensions, themes, keyboard shortcuts, etc.



  • Click on "Turn on" and wait for the sync process to complete



  • Repeat these steps on any other device you use with VS Code and enjoy your synced extensions



Conclusion




XHR failed error is a common problem that can occur when you try to search for or download extensions in VS Code. It is caused by various factors, such as network or proxy issues, firewall or antivirus settings, extension cache corruption, or server downtime. However, it can be fixed by following some simple steps, such as checking your internet connection and firewall settings, checking your proxy settings in VS Code and your system, clearing the extension cache and restarting VS Code, or downloading and installing extensions manually from the VS Code website. You can also prevent this error by keeping your VS Code updated to the latest version, using a reliable VPN service if you are behind a proxy or firewall, or syncing your Microsoft account in VS Code to access extensions across devices.


We hope this article has helped you understand and solve the XHR failed error in VS Code. If you still face this issue or have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Happy coding!


FAQs




What is XHR?




XHR stands for XML HTTP Request and is a method of sending and receiving data over the web without reloading the page. It is widely used by web applications to provide dynamic and interactive features.


What is VS Code?




VS Code is a popular code editor that supports multiple programming languages, frameworks, and tools. It offers features such as syntax highlighting, code formatting, debugging, testing, extensions, and more.


What are extensions in VS Code?




Extensions are add-ons that provide extra features or functionalities to VS Code. You can find thousands of extensions in the VS Code marketplace that cater to different needs and preferences of developers.


How do I install extensions in VS Code?




You can install extensions in VS Code by going to File > Preferences > Extensions and searching for the extension you want to install. You can also download and install extensions manually from the VS Code website.


How do I update extensions in VS Code?




You can update extensions in VS Code by going to File > Preferences > Extensions and clicking on the "..." menu at the top right corner of the extensions panel. You can choose to update all extensions or select specific ones to update. 44f88ac181


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