Microsoft has released version 1.100 of its popular open-source code editor, Visual Studio Code, following its development cycle in April 2025. This update brings a host of new features aimed at enhancing user experience, particularly in the realms of GitHub Copilot Chat, editor views, and remote development capabilities.

Enhanced Floating Editor Windows

The latest version allows for floating windows, enabling users to detach editors and selected views from the main window. Version 1.100 introduces two new modes for these floating windows. The first is a Compact Mode, which conceals certain UI elements to maximize visible code space. The second is the Always-on-Top Mode, ensuring that a window stays above all others until the user opts to disable this setting.

Improvements to GitHub Copilot Chat

Significant enhancements have been made to the GitHub Copilot Chat functionality. Developers can now utilize custom Markdown-based instruction files, which can contain guidelines and context, such as code style rules or the frameworks in use. These instruction files, designated with the .instructions.md extension, can reside in user data folders or within workspaces. The chat feature also supports prompt files, which include complete chat requests and can be reused for common scenarios, such as developing frontend components or executing security reviews. These files use the .prompt.md extension and can be located via the chat.promptFilesLocations setting.

New Features for Remote Development

The update also enhances remote development capabilities through relevant extensions. Dev container features and images now include instruction files that describe their tools and configurations. This context enables the chat feature to provide more relevant and accurate suggestions during development sessions.

Updates for Python Integration

Additionally, the Python extension for Visual Studio Code has received updates aimed at improving Python environments. This May release, aligned with the current month rather than the previous one, focuses on enhancing the Python Environments extension, which is still in its preview phase. The new update supports a Quick Create feature that simplifies the process of creating new virtual environments by minimizing input requirements. The extension automatically detects the latest Python version installed on the machine and allows for one-click installation of workspace dependencies. This feature can be accessed through the command palette.

Furthermore, two chat tools have been introduced within the Python Environments extension, enabling users to gather information about Python environments and install packages directly. These tools can be referenced in prompts or activated automatically through an agent mode.

For detailed information regarding Visual Studio Code version 1.100, users can refer to the official announcement.