Fixing the “OOM” Error in Visual Studio Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of encountering the frustrating “OOM” error in Visual Studio Code? You’re not alone! Many developers have struggled with this issue, which can bring your coding workflow to a grinding halt. But fear not, dear reader, for we’ve got a comprehensive guide to help you fix this pesky problem once and for all.

What is the “OOM” Error?

The “OOM” error, also known as the “Out of Memory” error, occurs when Visual Studio Code runs out of memory while trying to execute a task. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

• Insufficient system memory
• Large project files or complex codebases
• Buggy extensions or plugins
• Corrupted VS Code configurations

The error message usually looks something like this:

Erro (reason: 'oom', code: '-536870904')

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 1 – Increase System Memory

One of the most straightforward ways to resolve the “OOM” error is to increase your system’s memory. This is especially crucial if you’re working with large projects or complex codebases. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check your system’s available memory by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “systeminfo” in the Run dialog, and pressing Enter.
2. Close any unnecessary applications or background processes to free up memory.
3. Consider upgrading your system’s RAM if you’re running low (at least 8 GB is recommended).

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 2 – Disable Resource-Intensive Extensions

Sometimes, a buggy or resource-intensive extension can cause the “OOM” error. To troubleshoot this:

1. Open Visual Studio Code and navigate to the Extensions panel by clicking the Extensions icon in the left sidebar or pressing Ctrl + Shift + X.
2. Disable all extensions one by one, restarting VS Code after each disable.
3. Check if the “OOM” error persists after disabling each extension. If it does, move on to the next step.
4. If the error disappears after disabling a specific extension, try uninstalling and reinstalling that extension or searching for an alternative.

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 3 – Clear VS Code Cache and Data

Corrupted cache and data can also cause the “OOM” error. To clear them:

1. Close Visual Studio Code.
2. Press the Windows key + R, type “%USERPROFILE%\.vscode”, and press Enter to open the VS Code configuration folder.
3. Delete the following folders and files:
• .vscode
• Code Cache
• GPUCache
• Storage
4. Restart Visual Studio Code.

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 4 – Update VS Code and Extensions

Outdated Visual Studio Code or extensions can also lead to the “OOM” error. To update:

1. Open Visual Studio Code and navigate to the Extensions panel.
2. Click the “…” icon at the top-right corner of the Extensions panel and select “Check for Extensions Updates.”
3. Update all available extensions.
4. Check if a new version of Visual Studio Code is available by clicking the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the VS Code window and selecting “Check for Updates.”
5. Update Visual Studio Code if an update is available.

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 5 – Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause memory issues in Visual Studio Code. To disable it:

1. Open Visual Studio Code and navigate to the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P.
2. Type “GPU: Disable” in the Command Palette and select the corresponding option.
3. Restart Visual Studio Code.

Fixing the “OOM” Error: Method 6 – Check for System Updates

System updates can often resolve memory-related issues that cause the “OOM” error. To check for updates:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click “Update & Security.”
3. Click “Check for updates.”
4. Install any available updates.

Troubleshooting the “OOM” Error: Advanced Methods

If the above methods don’t resolve the “OOM” error, it’s time to dive deeper into advanced troubleshooting techniques:

Method 7: Checking System Event Logs

To check system event logs:

1. Press the Windows key + R, type “eventvwr”, and press Enter to open the Event Viewer.
2. Navigate to the “Windows Logs” section and filter the logs by “System” and “Error” levels.
3. Look for any error messages related to memory or Visual Studio Code.

Method 8: Running VS Code in Safe Mode

To run Visual Studio Code in safe mode:

1. Close Visual Studio Code.
2. Press the Windows key + R, type “code –safe-mode”, and press Enter to open VS Code in safe mode.
3. Check if the “OOM” error persists in safe mode. If it does, the issue is likely with VS Code itself.

Method 9: Checking for System File Corruption

To check for system file corruption:

1. Press the Windows key + S, type “sfc /scannow”, and press Enter to run the System File Checker tool.
2. Wait for the tool to complete its scan and fix any corrupted system files.

Conclusion

The “OOM” error in Visual Studio Code can be frustrating, but with these comprehensive methods, you should be able to fix it and get back to coding in no time. Remember to try each method step-by-step, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the VS Code community or a professional developer for further assistance.

Method	Description
Method 1	Increase system memory
Method 2	Disable resource-intensive extensions
Method 3	Clear VS Code cache and data
Method 4	Update VS Code and extensions
Method 5	Disable hardware acceleration
Method 6	Check for system updates
Method 7	Check system event logs
Method 8	Run VS Code in safe mode
Method 9	Check for system file corruption

By following these methods, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the “OOM” error and enjoying a smoother coding experience in Visual Studio Code.

Here are 5 Questions and Answers about “how to fix Visual Studio Code error (reason: ‘oom’, code: ‘-536870904’)”:

Frequently Asked Question

Stuck with the frustrating “oom” error in Visual Studio Code? Worry not! We’ve got the solutions to get you back to coding in no time.