Visual Studio Code 1.100, described as the latest release of Microsoft’s popular code editor and also known as the April 2025 release, has arrived. This version includes several key upgrades to its artificial intelligence chat and AI code editing capabilities. Released on May 8, Visual Studio Code 1.100 is available for download across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, from the official website code.visualstudio.com. Highlights of this release include added support for Markdown-based instructions and prompt files for Copilot Chat, faster code editing in agent mode, and improvements to the speed and accuracy of Next Edit Suggestions.
Customizing AI Chat with Files
VS Code 1.100 introduces functionality that allows developers to tailor their AI chat experience within the code editor more precisely. This is achieved by supporting the use of Markdown-based files. Instruction files, according to Microsoft, are utilized to define specific coding practices, preferred technologies, project requirements, and other custom instructions that the AI should consider.
Prompt files, conversely, are used to create reusable chat requests for common coding tasks. For example, Microsoft stated that a prompt file might be used to generate code for a front-end component. The implementation of these files allows developers to create different sets of instructions, potentially tailored for various programming languages or specific project types, enhancing the context and relevance of AI assistance.
Faster AI-Powered Editing
The new VS Code release also brings improvements to the performance of AI-powered code editing when operating in agent mode. This enhancement is particularly noticeable when working with large files. The increased speed is attributed to the addition of support for specific editing formats and tools: OpenAI’s apply patch editing format and Anthropic’s replace string tool.
According to Microsoft, the update incorporating OpenAI’s format is currently on by default in VS Code Insiders and is being gradually rolled out to the stable version of the editor. The update related to Anthropic’s tool is available for all users immediately. These technical updates aim to make AI-assisted code modifications more efficient.
Improved Next Edit Suggestions
Visual Studio Code 1.100 introduces a new model that powers the Next Edit Suggestions feature. This updated model is intended to offer faster and more contextually relevant code recommendations to developers as they write code. According to Microsoft, the updated model delivers suggestions with reduced latency, meaning they appear more quickly, and aligns more closely with recent edits made by the developer, improving their accuracy.
Additionally, the Next Edit Suggestions feature in this release now automatically includes the capability to suggest adding missing import statements in both JavaScript and TypeScript files, a common task in these programming languages.
Enhanced Extension Security
The release also brings enhanced security features for extensions. With VS Code 1.100, the editor now provides links to additional information that explains why an extension identified as potentially malicious was flagged. These “Learn More” links reportedly connect users directly to GitHub issues or documentation that contain details about the specific security concerns, helping users better understand potential risks before installing extensions.
Furthermore, extension signature verification is now a mandatory requirement on all supported platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Previously, this verification process was mandatory only on Windows and macOS. With this release, Linux now also enforces extension signature verification, aiming to ensure that all extensions are properly validated for authenticity and integrity before they can be installed by users.
New Floating Window Modes
VS Code 1.100 also features the addition of two new modes for floating windows. Floating windows are a feature that allows developers to move editors and certain views out of the main VS Code window into a smaller, separate window, facilitating lightweight multi-window setups for managing workspace layouts. The two new modes introduced in this release are called Compact and Always-on-top.
In compact mode, certain user interface elements are hidden to create more room for the actual content being displayed. The always-on-top mode ensures that the floating window remains visible on top of all other windows running on the computer until the developer explicitly chooses to leave this mode.
Source Control and Debugging Updates
Updates for source control and debugging are also included in this release. For source control integration, VS Code 1.100 adds quick diff editor decorations specifically for staged changes. This allows developers to view staged changes directly from within the editor interface itself, eliminating the need to open the separate Source Control view to review these modifications. For debugging purposes, VS 1.100 features the addition of a context menu within the disassembly view, providing developers with more options and functionality when examining compiled code during the debugging process.
Previous Release Context
Visual Studio Code 1.100 follows the release of VS Code 1.99, which was made available on April 3. That previous release included improvements for both Copilot Chat and Copilot agent mode and also introduced the initial version of the Next Edit Suggestions feature. VS Code 1.99 was subsequently followed by three point releases that were issued to address various bugs and security issues that were identified after the initial release of version 1.99. The release of 1.100 builds upon the features and fixes introduced in these prior versions.
