How do I associate a file extension with a language in VS2022?

Question

How do I associate a file extension with a language in VS2022?

Derek Dongray 21

If I have a group of files in a project/solution with a particular file extension, how do I tell VS2022 what language it is for highlighting and Intellisense?

Specifically, how do I indicate that .SC files are Python scripts? In VSCode, it's simple.

David Lowndes 2,640 Reputation points MVP

2025-01-15T16:15:51.7666667+00:00

Assuming you have support for Python installed for VS, have a look at Tools, Options. Text Editor, File Extension.
Derek Dongray 21 Reputation points

2025-01-15T18:09:30.4366667+00:00

I already looked at this but don't know what to set the editor to. I tried "Common Language Editor Support TextMate Bundles" but to no effect. I have the Python support installed including Python 3.9 which is apparently the only version the interactive window works with, even though it's out of support.

If I create a .py file, highlighting works; unfortunately, the application was written to use files with a .sc extension and I can't change that.
Anna Xiu-MSFT 31,056 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-16T09:51:13.42+00:00

Hello, are you using the latest version of VS2022?

You can close and reopen the file to see syntax highlighting.

I recommend you install the supported Python environment such as Python 3.11 and check it again.
Derek Dongray 21 Reputation points

2025-01-16T10:32:56.4166667+00:00

I am using VS2022 version 17.12.4 (the latest).

I initially installed Python 3.13 then found the Python Interactive Window didn't work; an Internet search indicated it only works with Python 3.9, so I installed that; this information may be out of date, but installation of Python from VS installs 3.9 so I suspect this is still the case. Since VS lists multiple environments, I assume there's no issue having multiple versions installed. I'll add 3.11 and try again.

FYI, I completely close VS and restart it to ensure changes are picked up.

The site https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-31110/ and https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-31111/ both indicate there are no installers for Python 3.11 as it is described as now in the "security fixes only" stage of its life cycle. I'll try installing 3.12, but am not optimistic that a new Python version will change how it recognises .SC files as Python scripts.

Python 3.12 does not work in the Python Interactive Window. There is no change in the way .SC files are displayed in the C# project even after setting the extension to use "Common Language Editor Support TextMate Bundles".
Anna Xiu-MSFT 31,056 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-17T09:46:43.05+00:00

Hello, I tested it in the latest version of VS2022, and it seems that the .sc file can't be handled by IDE editor. I suggest you report it by clicking on the “Help” menu> Send Feedback. Thanks for your understanding.

Your answer

David Lowndes 2,640 Reputation points MVP

2025-01-15T16:15:51.7666667+00:00

Assuming you have support for Python installed for VS, have a look at Tools, Options. Text Editor, File Extension.
Derek Dongray 21 Reputation points

2025-01-15T18:09:30.4366667+00:00

I already looked at this but don't know what to set the editor to. I tried "Common Language Editor Support TextMate Bundles" but to no effect. I have the Python support installed including Python 3.9 which is apparently the only version the interactive window works with, even though it's out of support.

If I create a .py file, highlighting works; unfortunately, the application was written to use files with a .sc extension and I can't change that.
Anna Xiu-MSFT 31,056 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-16T09:51:13.42+00:00

Hello, are you using the latest version of VS2022?

You can close and reopen the file to see syntax highlighting.

I recommend you install the supported Python environment such as Python 3.11 and check it again.
Derek Dongray 21 Reputation points

2025-01-16T10:32:56.4166667+00:00

I am using VS2022 version 17.12.4 (the latest).

I initially installed Python 3.13 then found the Python Interactive Window didn't work; an Internet search indicated it only works with Python 3.9, so I installed that; this information may be out of date, but installation of Python from VS installs 3.9 so I suspect this is still the case. Since VS lists multiple environments, I assume there's no issue having multiple versions installed. I'll add 3.11 and try again.

FYI, I completely close VS and restart it to ensure changes are picked up.

The site https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-31110/ and https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-31111/ both indicate there are no installers for Python 3.11 as it is described as now in the "security fixes only" stage of its life cycle. I'll try installing 3.12, but am not optimistic that a new Python version will change how it recognises .SC files as Python scripts.

Python 3.12 does not work in the Python Interactive Window. There is no change in the way .SC files are displayed in the C# project even after setting the extension to use "Common Language Editor Support TextMate Bundles".
Anna Xiu-MSFT 31,056 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-17T09:46:43.05+00:00

Hello, I tested it in the latest version of VS2022, and it seems that the .sc file can't be handled by IDE editor. I suggest you report it by clicking on the “Help” menu> Send Feedback. Thanks for your understanding.

Share via

How do I associate a file extension with a language in VS2022?

Your answer