Troubleshooting the Sample Browser Visual Studio Extension: Common Issues and FixesThe Sample Browser Visual Studio Extension helps developers quickly explore, install, and run code samples directly inside Visual Studio. While it can significantly speed up learning and prototyping, users occasionally encounter issues that interrupt workflow. This article walks through the most common problems, diagnostic steps, and practical fixes — from installation failures to running samples and integrating with projects.
Table of contents
- Installation problems
- Extension not appearing in Visual Studio
- Samples fail to download or load
- Sample projects won’t build or restore packages
- Runtime errors when running samples
- Performance and UI glitches
- Conflicts with other extensions or VS settings
- Tips for reporting bugs and collecting logs
- Preventive best practices
1. Installation problems
Symptoms
- Extension fails to install from the Visual Studio Marketplace or VSIX file.
- Installer reports compatibility or version errors.
Causes
- Visual Studio version incompatibility.
- Corrupted VSIX file or interrupted download.
- Administrator privileges required.
- Visual Studio installer component problems.
Fixes
- Check compatibility: Ensure your Visual Studio edition and version match the extension’s supported versions. Update Visual Studio to the latest supported release.
- Install from the Marketplace inside Visual Studio: Use Extensions > Manage Extensions > Online to search and install; this often handles prerequisites.
- Use the VSIX manually: Download the VSIX, right-click and open with Visual Studio or run via the Extensions installer.
- Run as Administrator: Launch Visual Studio with admin rights when installing if permission errors appear.
- Repair Visual Studio: If the installer fails due to VS corruption, run the Visual Studio Installer and choose Repair.
2. Extension not appearing in Visual Studio
Symptoms
- After installation, there’s no Sample Browser menu, tool window, or commands.
Causes
- Extension failed to load due to disabled state.
- VS experimental instance or profile mismatch.
- Extension installed for a different user or VS instance.
Fixes
- Restart Visual Studio: Simple restarts often finalize extension activation.
- Check Extensions > Installed: Confirm the Sample Browser is listed and enabled. If disabled, enable it and restart.
- Reset window layout: View > Reset Window Layout may surface hidden tool windows.
- Check ActivityLog.xml: Launch Visual Studio with the /log flag to generate ActivityLog.xml and inspect for extension load errors.
- Verify profile/instance: Ensure you’re using the same Visual Studio instance/profile where the extension was installed.
3. Samples fail to download or load
Symptoms
- Clicking a sample yields “failed to load,” network errors, or blank content.
Causes
- Network connectivity or proxy blocking downloads.
- Outdated or removed sample repositories.
- Incorrect extension configuration pointing to unavailable sources.
Fixes
- Check network/proxy settings: Ensure Visual Studio can access the internet. Configure proxy settings in Tools > Options > Environment > Web Browser and Proxy.
- Test external access: Open the repository URL (if visible) in a browser to confirm availability.
- Update the extension: Install the latest extension update; maintainers often fix broken links or source endpoints.
- Switch sources: If the extension supports multiple sample feeds, try an alternate feed in the extension’s settings.
4. Sample projects won’t build or restore packages
Symptoms
- NuGet package restore fails.
- Build errors due to missing SDKs, target frameworks, or incompatible package versions.
Causes
- Missing SDKs or workloads in Visual Studio.
- NuGet configuration (sources, credentials) preventing restore.
- Samples target a newer or different .NET/SDK version.
Fixes
- Install required workloads: Use the Visual Studio Installer to add workloads (e.g., .NET desktop, ASP.NET, mobile) required by the sample.
- Check target framework: Open the sample’s .csproj and confirm the TargetFramework. Install matching SDKs or retarget to an installed framework version.
- Clear and restore NuGet caches:
nuget locals all -clear dotnet restore - Check NuGet sources and credentials: Tools > Options > NuGet Package Manager > Package Sources. Ensure official nuget.org and any corporate feeds are enabled.
- Use Package Manager Console: Run Update-Package -reinstall for projects with binding or package reference issues.
5. Runtime errors when running samples
Symptoms
- Exceptions or crashes when launching sample apps.
- Missing configuration files or environment variables.
Causes
- Local environment differences (database, API keys, secrets).
- Platform-specific requirements (Android SDK, iOS tooling).
- Hard-coded paths or debug-only configurations in samples.
Fixes
- Read README and sample notes: Many samples include setup steps (create databases, add API keys).
- Set environment variables: Use Debug > Project Properties > Debug to add required environment variables.
- Install platform tooling: For mobile samples, ensure Android SDK, emulators, or iOS tools are installed and configured.
- Use breakpoints and exception settings: Enable “Break when thrown” for CLR exceptions to inspect root causes.
6. Performance and UI glitches
Symptoms
- Sample Browser UI is slow, unresponsive, or flickers.
- Long delays when browsing large sample lists.
Causes
- Large sample catalogs or slow network responses.
- Visual Studio’s high memory usage or extensions competing for resources.
Fixes
- Disable non-essential extensions: Extensions > Manage Extensions — disable those not in use to free resources.
- Increase Visual Studio performance: Tools > Options > Environment > General — adjust settings like hardware acceleration, and under Text Editor, reduce code lens or other heavy features.
- Limit sample feed size: If the extension allows filtering or local caching, reduce the number of loaded samples or enable caching.
7. Conflicts with other extensions or VS settings
Symptoms
- Unexpected behavior only when specific extensions are enabled.
- Commands or menu items missing or overridden.
Causes
- Command/shortcut collisions, tool window registration conflicts.
- Extensions altering project system behavior.
Fixes
- Isolate by disabling extensions: Disable other extensions and restart VS to identify the conflicting one.
- Run in Safe Mode: Start Visual Studio with /SafeMode to load only default environment and see if the problem persists.
- Report conflicts to maintainers: Provide details about which extensions cause conflicts and reproduce steps.
8. Tips for reporting bugs and collecting logs
What to collect
- Visual Studio version and edition (Help > About).
- Extension version (Extensions > Installed).
- ActivityLog.xml (launch VS with devenv.exe /log).
- Output window logs (View > Output) and any stack traces.
- Repro steps and sample names/IDs.
How to report
- Use the extension’s GitHub issues page or support link from the Marketplace. Include the collected logs and exact reproduction steps.
- If contacting Microsoft DevSupport or internal IT, attach zipped logs and a short description of environment and steps.
9. Preventive best practices
- Keep Visual Studio and extensions updated.
- Install only necessary workloads and extensions to reduce conflicts.
- Use consistent development environments (Dev Containers or Docker) for samples requiring services.
- Read sample documentation before running; many require initial configuration.
- Maintain a local cache or fork of important samples if you rely on them for work.
If you want, I can:
- Walk through a specific error message you’re seeing (paste the error).
- Produce step-by-step commands to collect ActivityLog.xml and NuGet logs.
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