# NXP MCUXpresso for VS Code

## About this Install Guide

| Reading time: | 15 min |
|---------------|--------|
| Last updated: | 22 Jun 2026 |

| Author:          | Ronan Synnott, Arm [![Ronan Synnott](https://linkedin.com/in/ronansynnott)](https://linkedin.com/in/ronansynnott)            |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Official docs:   | [View](https://github.com/nxp-mcuxpresso/vscode-for-mcux/wiki) |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

[MCUXpresso for Visual Studio Code](https://www.nxp.com/design/software/development-software/mcuxpresso-software-and-tools-/mcuxpresso-for-visual-studio-code:MCUXPRESSO-VSC) provides an optimized embedded developer experience for code editing and development.

`MCUXpresso` is available as a [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) extension.

See [The New Era of MCUXpresso Starts Today with VS Code and Open-CMSIS-Packs](https://www.nxp.com/company/blog/the-new-era-of-mcuxpresso-starts-today-with-vs-code-and-open-cmsis-packs:BL-THE-NEW-ERA-OF-MCUXPRESSO) for more information.

## What do I need before installing MCUXpresso for VS Code?

[Download](https://code.visualstudio.com/download), install, and start `Visual Studio Code` on your desktop.

Linux, macOS, and Windows are supported.

## How do I install MCUXpresso for VS Code?

`MCUXpresso for VS Code` is available on the [Visual Studio Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=NXPSemiconductors.mcuxpresso).

Install the `MCUXpresso` extension:

1. Open the `Extensions` view in Visual Studio Code
2. Search for `MCUXpresso`
3. Click the `Install` button

Visual Studio Code will install the extension. `MCUXpresso` is now available in the `Activity Bar`.

### How do I install additional dependencies?

Additional software packages can be installed with the [MCUXpresso Installer](https://github.com/nxp-mcuxpresso/vscode-for-mcux/wiki/Dependency-Installation) for your host operating system.

Download and run the installer.

Select one or more packages and click `Install`.

![Image Alt Text:MCUXpresso Installer](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/mcuxpresso_installer.png)

### Are there other embedded development extensions for VS Code?

[Keil Studio for VS Code](https://www.keil.arm.com/) is also available. Refer to the [Arm Keil Studio for VS Code install guide](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/keilstudio_vs/) for more information.