Set .sql Files to Open with Visual Studio Code

Let’s dive in.

1. Open Default Apps Settings

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Apps > Default apps.

2. Choose Default by File Type

• In the search field under Set a default for a file type or link type, search for .sql in the list.

3. Change the Default App

If there’s already a default app, it’ll show that (as in the screenshot above, mine was SSMS).

• Click the current default app to get a pop-up asking you to change it.
• Select Visual Studio Code from the list.

If VS Code is not listed (OR you wish to select another app)

• Click More apps > Look for another app on this PC.
• Browse to the VS Code executable, typically located at:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe

• Azure Data Studio’s’s path may be:

C:\Program Files\Azure Data Studio\azuredatastudio.exe

4. Confirm the Change

• Once selected, .sql files will now open in Visual Studio Code by default.

You can revert to it anytime using the same steps.