VS Code not playing nice with GitHub Copilot on Manjaro? Here's how to fix it with the official build — and some open-source AI coding alternatives too.

Installing Visual Studio Code on Manjaro Linux

✅ Method 1: Install from the AUR (Official Microsoft Version)

Open Terminal

Use yay to install VS Code:

yay -S visual-studio-code-bin

This installs the official Microsoft build (includes telemetry, full extension support, etc.).

Install yay (if not already installed):

sudo pacman -S yay

🧑‍💻 Method 2: Install the Open Source Version via pacman

You can install the open-source build (code) from the community repository:

sudo pacman -S code

This version lacks some proprietary Microsoft features and extensions.

🔄 Keeping It Updated

Use the following command to keep everything updated:

sudo pacman -Syu

Or if using yay:

yay -Syu

🟢 Launching VS Code

After installation, run it from your application menu or via terminal:

code

⚠️ GitHub Copilot Chat Compatibility

GitHub Copilot does not work with the open-source version (code) due to:

Missing authentication APIs
Lack of access to the Microsoft Extension Marketplace

🛠️ Fix: Use the Official Microsoft Build

Enable GitHub Copilot Chat:
- Launch VS Code
- Install "GitHub Copilot Chat" from the Extensions panel
- Sign in to GitHub when prompted
- Access it from View > Copilot Chat

Install official VS Code:

yay -S visual-studio-code-bin

Uninstall the open-source version (if installed):

sudo pacman -Rns code

🧠 Alternatives for OSS Builds

If you want GitHub Copilot-like AI coding without Microsoft telemetry, try:

These work well with code-oss.