Is ~/.vscode/extensions Safe to Delete?
Yes if you are willing to reinstall extensions. Your settings.json is stored separately.
Side effects: VS Code will show missing extensions until you reinstall them from the marketplace.
What is ~/.vscode/extensions?
VS Code (and some forks) install extensions into ~/.vscode/extensions. The folder can balloon because each version keeps native binaries. Settings live in ~/Library/Application Support/Code. Deleting extensions is reversible; deleting Application Support/Code is not.
Is it safe to delete?
Use caution — While parts of ~/.vscode/extensions may be safe to delete, you should carefully review the contents before proceeding.
Consider backing up important data before deleting, and only remove filesyou're certain aren't needed.
What happens after deletion?
VS Code will show missing extensions until you reinstall them from the marketplace. The folder will be recreated automatically by the application when needed. This process is typically seamless but may take some time depending on the amount of data that needs to be regenerated.
How to delete it
Use MacMop
MacMop finds this folder automatically and lets you delete it safely with one click.
Download MacMopTerminal
rm -rf ~/.vscode/extensionsWarning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.
Finder
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
- Paste:
~/.vscode/extensions - Move the folder to Trash
MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.
Download MacMop Free