---
ContentId: 2c4d6e8f-0a1b-3c5d-7e9f-1a2b3c4d5e6f
DateApproved: 11/11/2026
MetaDescription: Learn how to centrally manage {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} automatic updates in enterprise environments, including update modes and deployment strategies.
---

# Manage updates in enterprise environments

{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} releases weekly updates with new features, bug fixes, and security patches. Organizations can centrally manage how {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} updates are handled across their development teams.

This article covers how IT admins can configure automatic updates through [enterprise policies](/docs/enterprise/policies.md).

## Update policy

{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} provides the `UpdateMode` policy for controlling automatic updates. This policy controls the `setting(update.mode)` setting in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}.

Learn how to [deploy policies](/docs/enterprise/policies.md) to your organization's devices.

## Update mode options

The `UpdateMode` policy accepts the following values:

| Value     | Description                                                                 |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| `default` | Automatic checking for updates is enabled and runs in the background        |
| `start`   | Check for updates only when {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} starts                                  |
| `manual`  | Automatic checking is disabled; users can manually check for updates        |
| `none`    | Updates are disabled entirely                                               |

## Disable automatic updates

To prevent {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} from automatically checking for or installing updates, set the `UpdateMode` policy to `none`:

**Policy value**:

```text
none
```

When updates are disabled, users cannot update {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} through the application. You can then control {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} versions through your software deployment tools.

## Enable manual updates only

To allow users to check for updates manually while disabling automatic background checks, set the `UpdateMode` policy to `manual`:

**Policy value**:

```text
manual
```

Users can check for updates by selecting **Help** > **Check for Updates**.

## Check for updates at startup only

To check for updates only when {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} starts, without background checking, set the `UpdateMode` policy to `start`:

**Policy value**:

```text
start
```

## Network requirements

{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} downloads updates from Microsoft servers. If your network has restricted access, ensure the following hostname is allowed:

* `update.code.visualstudio.com` - {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} download and update server

See the [network documentation](/docs/setup/network.md#common-hostnames) for a complete list of hostnames.

## Related resources

* [Enterprise policies reference](/docs/enterprise/policies.md) - Complete list of enterprise policies
* [Network connections](/docs/setup/network.md) - Proxy and firewall configuration