---
title: Windows + VS Code + (Ana)conda
tags: PythonSetup
---

# How to use a `conda`-based Python environment in VS Code on Windows?

Experience has shown that on Windows some users run into problems.
This document outlines a suggested setup and discusses "test cases" so you can verify that your setup is working correctly.

Please provide feedback by writing a comment below.

## Issues at Play

There may be different issues at play making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source
of the problem without knowing more details.

Some causes include:
- How was `conda` installed?
- Is `conda` added to the `PATH` environment variable (e.g. during installation)?
- Different prompts/shells with different configurations:
- Windows command prompt
- Windows powershell
- Anaconda command prompt
- Terminal within VS Code
- How is VS Code configured?
- How is the Python path set?
- How is the terminal configured?
- ...
- Changes in default settings over time.
- ...

See also:
- [Python in VS Code (official docs)](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/python)
- [VS Code and Anaconda (official docs)](https://docs.anaconda.com/anaconda/user-guide/tasks/integration/vscode/)
- [Working with Anaconda in Visual Studio Code (SO)](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/54828713/working-with-anaconda-in-visual-studio-code)
- [Using Python with Anaconda and Visual Studio Code (Windows) (YT)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wt00qGlh3s)
- [VS Code missing from Home Page (GH)](https://github.com/ContinuumIO/anaconda-issues/issues/11640)

### 0. Prepare a test environment

See the beginning of this [guide](https://hackmd.io/@caichinger/BJ2og5bNF).

### 1. Install VS Code

[Download and install VS Code.](https://code.visualstudio.com/Download)

Launch VS Code.

Within VS Code, type `Ctrl+Shift+X` to install the following extensions by
typing their name into the text field:
* Python
* Jupyter

### 2. Install Anaconda Python Distribution

We require the package manager `conda` and the [Anaconda Navigator](https://anaconda.org/anaconda/anaconda-navigator) as graphical user interface.

**Option A**

[Download and install Anaconda distribution keeping the default settings.](https://docs.anaconda.com/anaconda/install/windows/)

**Option B**
Alternatively, this means you can as well:
- Install `conda` through the [Miniconda installer](https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html)
- Use Anaconda prompt to [install the navigator](https://anaconda.org/anaconda/anaconda-navigator)

  $ conda activate base
  $ conda install -c anaconda anaconda-navigator

### 3. Create a `conda` Environment

**Option A**

Launch Anaconda Navigator from the start menu.

Within the navigator, create an environment by doing
1. Environment
2. Import
3. Select "Specification File", i.e. browse and select `environment.yml`
file created above

If you do not see the navigator in the start menu, you can launch
it from the command line

$ conda activate base
$ anaconda-navigator

**Option B**

Alternatively, using Anaconda prompt (start menu) run

$ conda env create -f environment.yml

### 4. Launch VS Code using the `conda` environment

Launch VS Code through Anaconda Navigator.

Anaconda navigator displays VS Code as an application (if not, see [here](https://github.com/ContinuumIO/anaconda-issues/issues/11640)).

In the "Applications on" dropdown menu on the home screen, select our *testenv*
environment and then launch VS Code by clicking the respective button.

### 5. Verify that it works

See the end of this [guide](https://hackmd.io/@caichinger/BJ2og5bNF).

## To keep in mind

- The location of the folder and the `conda` environment you use are not
related to each other. You can use whatever `conda` environment in whatever
folder.
- Once created, there is no persisitng relationship between the environment
file and `conda` environment that was created from the file.
- Activating a `conda` environment in an terminal and then launching VS Code from that terminal has no effect on how VS Code is configured.

## Comments

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