microsoft / microsoft/vscode

Restore Remote-SSH support for 32-bit ARM Linux (armv7l) targets

Open
#326,232 5 comments 11 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
Dominant language
TypeScript
Stars
193k
Forks
42.4k
PR merge metrics
PR metrics pending

Description

Since VS Code 1.86 removed the Linux ARM32 (armv7l) server build, Remote-SSH can no longer connect to 32-bit ARM devices. Connecting fails with:

Error: CodeError(UnsupportedPlatform("LinuxARM32"))

Steps:
1. Windows PC with current VS Code (1.86+) and Remote-SSH extension
2. Target: Raspberry Pi running 32-bit Raspberry Pi OS (armv7l)
3. Remote Explorer -> connect via SSH to the Pi
4. Connection fails with UnsupportedPlatform("LinuxARM32"); "Downloading VS Code Server..." notifications hang indefinitely with repeated password prompts

Expected: Able to connect and use Remote-SSH as before 1.86.

Impact: In industrial/embedded environments, many devices must stay on 32-bit OS images because vendor applications are compiled for armhf and cannot be rebuilt. Reflashing to 64-bit is not an option. Downgrading the Remote-SSH extension does not help since the server build itself no longer exists, and pinning VS Code at 1.85.2 permanently is not sustainable.

Request: Reinstate the ARM32 server build, or provide an officially supported lightweight/legacy server option for armv7l targets so these devices remain reachable for editing and debugging.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

The issue names no repository files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the Remote-SSH server platform/download handling and the LinuxARM32 error path, then determine whether an ARM32 build or a supported legacy option is feasible. Done means a 32-bit armv7l target can connect and the relevant regression coverage passes.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
linux, raspberry-pi, typescript, vscode
Domain
devtools, operating-systems
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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