Target Audience: Developers, IT administrators, and students using legacy Windows builds (e.g., Windows 10 version 1703, "Creators Update") or seeking specific historical compatibility.
.exe file.Assumes downloaded file: VSCodeUserSetup-x64-1.70.3.exe
| Step | Action | Screenshot / Note |
|------|--------|-------------------|
| 1 | Run the .exe as administrator | Right-click → Run as administrator |
| 2 | Accept the License Agreement | Click I accept the agreement → Next |
| 3 | Select Destination Location | Default: C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code |
| 4 | Select Start Menu Folder | Default: Microsoft VS Code |
| 5 | Select Additional Tasks | Recommended: ✔ Add "Open with Code" action ✔ Add to PATH |
| 6 | Click Install | Wait 1–2 minutes |
| 7 | Click Finish | Launch VS Code immediately if desired |
VS Code v1.7.03 is a fascinating artifact of software history. It represents the moment Microsoft’s editor stopped being an experiment and started becoming an industry standard.
While we don't recommend using it for production work today (security updates are non-existent in legacy builds), downloading and installing v1.7.03 offers a valuable lesson: Software doesn't have to be bloated to be powerful. Sometimes, stripping away the bells and whistles reminds us why we fell in love with the tool in the first place.
Disclaimer: Running legacy software poses security risks. Do not use VS Code v1.7.03 for sensitive projects or in production environments.
How to Download and Install Visual Studio Code 1.70.3 Visual Studio Code (VS Code) version 1.70.3
is a critical release for users on legacy systems, as it is the last official version to support Windows 7 visual studio code 1703 download install
. While newer versions exist, version 1.70.3 provides a stable environment for older hardware while offering modern features like title bar customization and sticky scroll. Key Features in Version 1.70.3 Sticky Scroll:
Keeps current code scopes (like function names) visible at the top of the editor while scrolling. Title Bar Customization:
Allows users to hide or show the menu bar and command center for a cleaner UI. Search Improvements:
Support for multi-select in search results and tree view filtering. Shell Integration:
Automatically enabled by default for supported terminals like PowerShell 7 and zsh. System Requirements Minimum Requirement 1.6 GHz or faster Windows 7, 8, 10, 11; macOS 10.11+; Linux Disk Space ~200 MB download; < 500 MB installed footprint Download and Installation Guide 1. Download the Specific Version
Because 1.70.3 is an older release, it is not the default on the main download page. You must access it through the VS Code Update Archive Choose the User Installer (recommended for automatic background updates) or System Installer Download the zip file depending on your chip. Select the (Debian/Ubuntu) or (RedHat/Fedora) package. 2. Install on Windows
How to install Visual Studio Code on Windows 10/11 [ 2026 Update ] Visual Studio Code 1703: The Complete Guide to
While newer versions are available for modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, version 1.70.3 remains the gold standard for developers working on legacy Windows environments. Key Features of VS Code 1.70.x
The 1.70 release cycle introduced several major productivity enhancements that remain core to the VS Code experience today:
Settings Profiles (Preview): Allows you to create different sets of extensions and settings for various workflows (e.g., one for Python, one for Web Dev).
Command Center: A new UI element in the title bar for quick access to search and recently used commands.
Tree Sticky Scroll: Helps you keep track of your location in long files by pinning the current scope (classes/functions) to the top of the editor.
Git Integration: Includes improved visual indicators for merge conflicts and enhanced source control management. How to Download and Install (v1.70.3)
Because it is a legacy version, you cannot find it on the main VS Code homepage, which always serves the latest stable build. Instead, you must use the official Visual Studio Code Updates Archive or direct Microsoft links. 1. Locate the Correct Installer Run the Installer : Once the download is complete, run the
Depending on your machine's architecture, choose the appropriate official download link from Microsoft: 64-bit (x64): Download VSCodeSetup-x64-1.70.3.exe 32-bit (x86): Download VSCodeSetup-ia32-1.70.3.exe ARM64: Download VSCodeSetup-arm64-1.70.3.exe 2. Installation Steps Run the Setup: Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
License Agreement: Select "I accept the agreement" and click Next.
Additional Tasks: Check the boxes for "Add to PATH" and "Add 'Open with Code' action" to integrate the editor with Windows Explorer.
Install: Click Install and wait for the process to complete. Important Note for Windows 7/8 Users
After installing, VS Code may attempt to auto-update to a newer version that is incompatible with your OS. To stay on version 1.70.3, you should disable automatic updates: Open VS Code. Go to File > Preferences > Settings. Search for "Update: Mode" and change the setting to none. March 2017 (version 1.11) - Visual Studio Code
VS Code 1.70.3 will try to update to the latest version by default. To prevent this:
Ctrl+,).update.mode.extensions.autoCheckUpdates and extensions.autoUpdate.Alternatively, edit settings.json:
"update.mode": "none",
"extensions.autoUpdate": false,
"extensions.autoCheckUpdates": false