URL Launcher

Open Windows .url Internet Shortcut files from VS Code's Explorer in the integrated browser, or choose your system's default browser.

Quick start

Create a file named Project Website.url:

[InternetShortcut]
URL=https://example.com

Double-click the file in Explorer. URL Launcher reads the shortcut and opens the website in VS Code's integrated browser.

Only http: and https: URLs are accepted. Invalid shortcuts display an explanation without opening a website.

Choose a browser

In Settings, search for URL Launcher: Browser Target:

For example, to use the external browser, add this to your user or workspace settings:

"urlLauncher.browserTarget": "external"

If the integrated browser command is unavailable in your VS Code version, the launcher offers Open Externally. Dismiss the prompt to leave the shortcut unopened. Browser launch failures display a warning.

Edit a shortcut

Right-click the file in Explorer and choose URL Launcher: Edit Shortcut. You can also use Reopen Editor With... > Text Editor.

The shortcut editor remains open after launching the website. Close it and reopen the shortcut to launch it again.

Requirements and limits

• VS Code Desktop 1.85.0 or later. Opening inside VS Code additionally requires a version with the integrated browser command available.
• This extension handles .url files; it does not handle Windows .lnk shortcuts.
• It launches the URL stored in the file. Website access, authentication and rendering depend on the chosen browser and the website.
• Development-host testing has been performed on Windows. Other platforms and remote workspaces have not been verified.

Install from a VSIX

If you received a package file, run Extensions: Install from VSIX... from the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and select vscode-url-launcher-0.2.1.vsix. Reload VS Code if prompted.

Alternatively:

code --install-extension ./vscode-url-launcher-0.2.1.vsix

Manually shared VSIX files require manual installation of future versions.

Privacy

URL Launcher reads the shortcut you open and passes its HTTP(S) URL to your chosen browser. It does not implement telemetry or a separate network service. Opening a website makes the normal browser requests to that website and its resources.

Licence

MIT, copyright 2026 Jim Deane.