VS Code
VS Code stores several local caches under its profile, including Electron HTTP and media caches, GPUCache data, cached extension assets, service worker data, and SQLite databases with write-ahead log and shared-memory files used by internal state and webview storage. These files exist to speed up startup, extension loading, remote/workspace state, and rendering in the Electron shell, but they can become stale after app, extension, or graphics driver changes. Kudu removes disposable cache directories and compacts VS Code’s SQLite-backed state by clearing transient WAL and cache data without touching your projects, settings, accounts, or saved passwords.
Why clean VS Code?
- Invalidated Electron code and resource caches after a VS Code update can make the first launch unusually slow, with a long blank window before the workbench appears
- Stale GPUCache entries after a graphics driver update can cause black panes, flickering menus, or missing text until Chromium rebuilds its shader and raster cache
- Corrupted service worker or webview cache data can leave extension views stuck loading, showing outdated content, or failing to sign in inside embedded browser panels
- Oversized HTTP and asset caches from Marketplace, remote sessions, and extension downloads can consume hundreds of megabytes or more, which shows up as unexpected disk usage in the Code profile folder
- Leftover cached extension files from older versions can cause mismatched icons, broken welcome pages, or extensions that appear installed but behave inconsistently after an update
- SQLite state databases accumulate free pages and become fragmented over time, so VACUUM rewrites them into a compact file without deleting rows and can reduce profile size and improve responsiveness when restoring windows or workspace state
- Lingering WAL files after an unclean shutdown can keep transient state changes on disk and coincide with slower startup, repeated restore prompts, or workbench state that does not seem to settle correctly
Cache paths Kudu targets
These databases are vacuumed (compacted) — no data is deleted. SQLite VACUUM reclaims wasted space left over from normal usage.
Windows
%AppData%/Code |
macOS
~/Library/Application Support/Code |
Linux
~/.config/Code |
Common questions about VS Code
Download Kudu and reclaim your disk space.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No account required, no feature gates, no telemetry without consent. All cleaning targets are open source and community-auditable.