How to set up VS code and use python on new surface laptop? (Processor: Snapdragon X2 Elite @ 4.03 GHz (4.03 GHz))

Question

I bought a new surface laptop for grad school (computer details at the end of the post) in July 2027. My program requires us to learn python. We used VS code in our first class to complete assignments. However, the professor, TAs, and I had issues properly installing everything. I am very new to coding, so I am not 100% sure on what the issues were. But, we were not able to install all the correct packages via the terminal.

After restarting and trying a few times, one of the TAs in my program decided it would be best to install Linux and Ubuntu and partition my hard drive so I could run VS code and complete assignments. We set up an entirely different environment in the terminal to make this work. It mostly worked, but doing it this way used a lot of RAM to run VS code and my computer would restart anytime it went to sleep or the screen darkened. Eventually VS code ran an update and it stopped working altogether. The TAs and professor deduced that VS code and python have not caught up with this processor since it is so new.

Is there a way for me to install VS code and use common python packages on my computer? I will need to use this throughout my program? I did not think my computer being too new would be an issue for something like this.

DEVIDE SPECIFICSTIONS

Device name

Processor Snapdragon X2 Elite @ 4.03 GHz (4.03 GHz)

Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.5 GB usable)

Device ID EA62E778-6978-4541-8671-47B1B3520CD6

Product ID 00356-06345-96974-AAOEM

System type 64-bit operating system, ARM-based processor

Pen and touch Touch support with 10 touch points

WINDOWS SPECIFICATIONS

Edition Windows 11 Home

Version 26H1

Installed on ‎05-‎Jun-‎26

OS build 28000.2704

Serial number BK36QRH26223WG

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.335.0

Answer 1

Yep - the processor may have contributed to compatibility issues, but you should not need to install Linux, partition the drive, or run a separate Ubuntu environment just to use VS Code and Python on Windows 11 Home.

Remove the Linux/Ubuntu setup and install the native Windows 11 versions of Python and VS Code. For Python, install a current version such as Python 3.12 or 3.13, then create a virtual environment for your class and install the required packages with pip. VS Code's Python extension will work with that environment.

Likely the simplest way to install Python and VS Code cleanly on Windows 11 is through Windows Terminal using the built-in Windows Package Manager (winget). Open Windows Terminal by right-clicking the Windows Start button and selecting Terminal. You can use either a normal Terminal window or Terminal (Admin).

Install Python by running winget install Python.Python.3.13. Alternatively, download Python directly from python.org. If you use the manual installer, make sure you select "Add python.exe to PATH" before clicking Install.

Next, install VS Code by running winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode. Alternatively, download the installer from the official Visual Studio Code website.

After installation, close and reopen Windows Terminal so that the updated PATH settings are recognized. Verify Python by running python --version.

Launch VS Code and open the Extensions Marketplace by clicking the four-square icon on the left side, or press Ctrl + Shift + X. Search for Python, find the official Python extension by Microsoft, and click Install.

Using a virtual environment is important because it keeps the Python packages for one project separate from those used by other projects. This helps prevent package-version conflicts and is particularly useful for coursework where your professor may specify particular packages or versions.

In VS Code, select File > Open Folder... and create or select an empty folder for your project, such as C:\Users\YourName\Documents\PythonProject.

Press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the VS Code Command Palette. Select Python: Create Environment..., choose Venv, and then select the Python interpreter you installed. VS Code will create a .venv folder inside your project directory.

Finally, select Terminal > New Terminal in VS Code. If the virtual environment is active, you should see (.venv) at the beginning of the terminal prompt. This indicates that commands such as pip install will install packages into your project's isolated Python environment rather than into the system-wide Python installation.

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hth

Marcin