Fix: VS Code "code ." Shortcut in Windows File Explorer

fix.md

The Problem

If typing code . in your Windows File Explorer address bar opens a Shell file or triggers a Bing search or an annoying conhost window, this guide provides a permanent, silent fix.

We can tell Windows to map the word code directly to the Code.exe GUI. This is silent and takes priority over PATH scripts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
3. Create Key: Right-click App Paths > New > Key. Name it code.exe.
4. Set Executable: Double-click the (Default) value and set it to: C:\Users\%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe
5. Set Path: Right-click in the right pane > New > String Value. Name it Path. Set it to: C:\Users\%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code Note: replace "%USERPROFILE%" with the actual username as regedit prefers absolute paths.

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Related Issues & Context

This fix addresses the underlying issues discussed here:

• Extensionless file conflict: microsoft/vscode#79638
• Address bar execution issues: microsoft/vscode#198851

*Note: This also works for other VS code based editors like AntiGravity