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docs(remote): document using WSL over SSH #9203

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docs(remote): document using WSL over SSH
DakotaB75 Dec 26, 2025
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docs(remote): simplify WSL over SSH instructions
DakotaB75 Jan 14, 2026
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Expand Up @@ -121,6 +121,31 @@ You can also use the `code` command line from this same terminal window to perfo

![Using the code CLI](images/wsl/code-command-in-terminal.png)

### Using WSL over an existing SSH connection

Starting with VS Code 1.89, it is possible to connect to a WSL distribution over an existing SSH connection.

This workflow is useful when you are already connected to a remote machine using **Remote - SSH** and want to work inside a WSL environment hosted on that machine.
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@ntrogh ntrogh Jan 4, 2026

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Drop this line for conciseness


#### Prerequisites
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Drop the prereqs section


- VS Code 1.89 or later
- Remote - SSH extension
- WSL installed and configured on the remote machine

#### Connect to WSL over SSH
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@ntrogh ntrogh Jan 4, 2026

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Remove this heading to keep everything under the main H3 heading


1. Connect to the remote machine using **Remote - SSH**.
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Suggested change
1. Connect to the remote machine using **Remote - SSH**.
1. Connect to the remote machine using the [Remote - SSH extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh).

2. Open the Command Palette (`kbstyle(F1)`) and run:
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2. Open the Command Palette (`kbstyle(F1)`) and run:
2. Run the **WSL: Connect to WSL using Distro** command from the Command Palette (`kb(workbench.action.showCommands)`).


**Remote-WSL: Connect to WSL using SSH**
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Suggested change
**Remote-WSL: Connect to WSL using SSH**


3. Select the target WSL distribution.

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Alternatively, select the remote WSL in the Remote Explorer view.

VS Code will open a new window connected to the selected WSL environment over the existing SSH session.

This setup combines **Remote - SSH** and **Remote - WSL**, enabling a seamless development experience with Linux tooling inside WSL while working on a remote host.
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@ntrogh ntrogh Jan 4, 2026

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Drop this line

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@DakotaB75 DakotaB75 Jan 14, 2026

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Thanks for the review I’ll apply the requested changes and update the PR accordingly.


## Debugging in WSL

Once you've opened a folder in WSL, you can use VS Code's debugger in the same way you would when running the application locally. For example, if you select a launch configuration in `launch.json` and start debugging (`kb(workbench.action.debug.start)`), the application will start on remote host and attach the debugger to it.
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