How to Fix “Error Loading V8 Startup Snapshot File” in VS Code: Easy Solutions

The “Error loading V8 startup snapshot file” is a common startup failure in Visual Studio Code (VS Code). This error prevents the application from launching and is linked to the V8 JavaScript engine, which powers VS Code. The problem mainly arises due to corrupted or incomplete updates.

Many users have reported encountering this error after a failed or interrupted update, especially on Windows systems. In some cases, closing VS Code or restarting the computer during an update leaves incomplete installation files, causing the issue. Below, we’ll explore the causes, official responses, and proven solutions to fix this error without a full reinstall.

V8 Startup Snapshot Error

1. Interrupted VS Code Update

The most frequent cause is an update that was stopped before completion. For instance, if you restart your computer while VS Code is updating, some files may not be copied correctly. This often results in a partial installation where key components, such as the V8 startup snapshot file, are missing.

2. Corrupted Installation Files

A corrupted installation can also trigger this error. Some users found that the error appeared after using Windows Task Manager to force-close VS Code. Others encountered it when antivirus software interfered with the update process.

3. Issues with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Developers using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) reported similar errors. The issue seems to be tied to VS Code’s Windows installation rather than WSL itself. If the Windows installation is incomplete or corrupt, launching VS Code from WSL can produce this error.

Official Response from Microsoft

The VS Code development team has acknowledged this issue. They stated that it results from a broken update process and suggested reinstalling the application as the simplest fix. However, they also recommended a preventive measure:

Disable Windows background updates to prevent incomplete installations.

Since the update system doesn’t auto-recover from a failed update, manual fixes are necessary.

Proven Solutions to Fix the Error

You don’t always need to reinstall VS Code to resolve this issue. Several community-tested solutions have been found to work.

Solution 1: Copy Missing Files from the “_” Folder (Quick Fix)

When an update fails, VS Code may create a temporary folder named _ (underscore) inside the installation directory. This folder contains the new update files, but they are not copied over due to the update failure.

Steps to Fix:

• Navigate to the VS Code installation directory:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\

• Locate the _ folder inside this directory.
• Copy all files from the _ folder.
• Paste the copied files into the main Microsoft VS Code folder.
• Restart VS Code.

This solution has worked for many users without requiring a reinstall.

Solution 2: Repair the Installation Using the VS Code Installer

If the _ folder method doesn’t work, try reinstalling VS Code without uninstalling it.

Steps to Fix:

1. Download the latest VS Code installer from the official website.
2. Run the installer and choose the same installation location as before.
3. Follow the installation process without uninstalling the existing version.
4. Launch VS Code after installation is complete.

This method repairs any missing or corrupted files while keeping your extensions and settings intact.

Solution 3: Perform a Clean Reinstall (Last Resort)

If the error persists, a full reinstall may be required.

Steps to Fix:

1. Uninstall VS Code via the Control Panel or Windows Settings.
2. Delete leftover files manually (optional but recommended):
   • %APPDATA%\Code
   • %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Microsoft VS Code
3. Download the latest version of VS Code.
4. Install VS Code fresh and restart your system.

While this is the most time-consuming fix, it guarantees that all corrupted files are removed.

Preventing the Error in Future Updates

To avoid this issue in the future, follow these best practices:

1. Disable Background Updates

VS Code updates automatically in the background, which can sometimes cause incomplete installations. Disable this feature to prevent issues.

How to disable background updates:

• Open VS Code and go to Settings.
• Search for:

update.enableWindowsBackgroundUpdates

• Set the value to false.

This ensures that updates only happen when you manually trigger them.

2. Avoid Interrupting VS Code Updates

• Never force-close VS Code while it’s updating.
• Do not restart your PC if VS Code is in the process of updating.

3. Manually Update VS Code When Needed

Instead of automatic updates, you can set VS Code to manual update mode:

• Open Settings in VS Code.
• Search for:

update.mode

• Set it to manual.

With this setting, VS Code will notify you about updates but won’t apply them unless you approve.

Final Thoughts

The “Error loading V8 startup snapshot file” in VS Code is mostly caused by interrupted updates. Fortunately, you don’t need to reinstall VS Code in most cases.

• Best Fix: Copy files from the _ folder (if available).
• Alternative Fix: Run the VS Code installer to repair missing files.
• Last Resort: Perform a full reinstall if necessary.

To prevent this issue, disable background updates and manually update VS Code when needed. These simple steps can save you from future startup errors.