Why can't I view and edit c_cpp_properties.json in vscode?

Question

https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/cpp/config-msvc

I'm trying to use VS Code to compile and run c++ using these instructions. While completing this step

Start typing "C/C++" and then choose Edit Configurations from the list of suggestions. VS Code creates a file called c_cpp_properties.json in the .vscode subfolder and populates it with some default settings.

I can't get the c_cpp_properties.json file to open and I get the error:

Failed to create "c:\Windows\System32\projects\helloworld\.vscode": EPERM: operation not permitted, mkdir 'c:\Windows\System32\projects\helloworld\.vscode'

And why the project is in System folder? Move that folder to desktop. — Biswapriyo, May 19 '19 at 03:59

score 9 · Answer 1 · edited Jul 01 '19 at 16:14

9

Generally, c_cpp_properties.json should be found by

Pressing Control+Shift+P
Searching for c/c++ edit configuration.

edited Jul 01 '19 at 16:14

montonero

598
3
10

answered Jul 01 '19 at 14:47

Amin

91
3

3

note: doing this the first time will actually create a local `c_cpp_properties.json` under your workspace's vscode folder, namely `.vscode/c_cpp_properties.json` – jxramos Oct 09 '19 at 21:49
note: The C/C++ plugin from microsoft must be installed to find "c/c++ edit configurations" – SiGa Jun 28 '22 at 11:13

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 19 '19 at 05:30

1

You probably have no permissions. Your options include running VSCode as admin or changing folder permissions. But why do you store projects in system32 in the first place? The best solution would be to move it to some other place, where user has write access without admin rights, like Documents.

answered May 19 '19 at 05:30

p0358

36
2

Thanks I just assumed that it had to be in system32. Moving it to the desktop solved the issue. – Ryan Marr May 20 '19 at 00:04

Why can't I view and edit c_cpp_properties.json in vscode?

2 Answers2