Mark double-clicked.

Select for a standard setup, or System Installer if you need the editor available to all user profiles on the machine. Run the Executable: Double-click the downloaded .exe file.

Many modern VS Code extensions—especially those running complex language servers for Python, C++, or TypeScript—are compiled exclusively for 64-bit architectures.

64-bit applications perform better on 64-bit operating systems, reducing lag during intensive editing sessions. How to Install 1.70.3 (64-bit) on Legacy Systems

Navigating the Confusion Around "Visual Studio Code 1703 64 Bits"

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Install a legacy version of VS Code released around 2018–2020 that still natively supports the Windows 10 1703 environment. 3. Why You Should Choose the 64-Bit Installer

If you need to remove this version (e.g., to upgrade to a newer build):

Running an outdated operating system like Windows 10 1703 exposes your machine to severe security vulnerabilities. If possible, update Windows to the latest version via Windows Update to ensure full compatibility with modern development tools. Conclusion

He clicked Download .

Download the installer for that specific legacy version.

The progress bar zipped across the screen. The file landed in his downloads folder: VSCodeSetup-x64-1.7.3.exe . It was startlingly small. The legacy Visual Studio installer he had been fighting all night was nearly 4 gigabytes. This file was barely 30 megabytes.

The "1703" in your search refers to version 1.70.3 or the Windows 10 build number.