Kilo-Org_kilo/packages/kilo-docs/pages/getting-started/installing.md

title, description

title	description
Installation	How to install Kilo Code on your system

Installation

Get started with Kilo Code by installing it on your preferred platform. Choose your development environment below:

Choose Your Platform

{% tabs %} {% tab label="VS Code" %}

VS Code Extension

{% partial file="install-vscode.md" /%}

{% /tab %} {% tab label="JetBrains" %}

JetBrains IDEs

{% partial file="install-jetbrains.md" /%}

{% /tab %} {% tab label="CLI" %}

Command Line Interface

{% partial file="install-cli.md" /%}

{% /tab %} {% tab label="Slack" %}

Slack Integration

{% partial file="install-slack.md" /%}

{% /tab %} {% tab label="Other IDEs" %}

{% partial file="install-other-ides.md" /%}

{% /tab %} {% /tabs %}

Pre-Release Extension

{% callout type="info" %} We're rebuilding Kilo Code from the ground up on the new Kilo CLI. The pre-release extension is available for users who want to try the latest architecture and provide feedback, and don't mind some missing features and rough edges. {% /callout %}

The pre-release extension is a complete rebuild featuring:

• A new Solid.js-based UI
• Deep integration with the Kilo CLI backend
• Improved session management and model switching

Current Status

This is an early pre-release. Core features like chat, markdown rendering, authentication, and model/mode switching are working. Some features from the stable extension are still being implemented.

For the full feature status, see the feature parity tracking document.

Installing the Pre-Release

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
3. Search for "Kilo Code"
4. Click the dropdown arrow next to Install and select Install Pre-Release Version

Switching Back to Stable

If you need to return to the stable version:

1. Open Extensions in VS Code
2. Find Kilo Code
3. Click the dropdown and select Switch to Release Version

Feedback and Issues

Report issues or provide feedback in the Kilo-Org/kilo repository.

Manual Installations

Open VSX Registry

Open VSX Registry is an open-source alternative to the VS Code Marketplace for VS Code-compatible editors that cannot access the official marketplace due to licensing restrictions.

For VS Code-compatible editors like VSCodium, Gitpod, Eclipse Theia, and Windsurf, you can browse and install directly from the Kilo Code page on Open VSX Registry.

1. Open your editor
2. Access the Extensions view (Side Bar icon or Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
3. Your editor should be pre-configured to use Open VSX Registry
4. Search for "Kilo Code"
5. Select "Kilo Code" and click Install
6. Reload the editor if prompted

{% callout type="note" %} If your editor isn't automatically configured for Open VSX Registry, you may need to set it as your extension marketplace in settings. Consult your specific editor's documentation for instructions. {% /callout %}

Via VSIX

If you prefer to download and install the VSIX file directly:

1. Download the VSIX file:

   • Find official releases on the Kilo Code GitHub Releases page
   • Download the .vsix file from the latest release

2. Install in VS Code:

   • Open VS Code
   • Access Extensions view
   • Click the "..." menu in the Extensions view
   • Select "Install from VSIX..."
   • Browse to and select your downloaded .vsix file

{% image src="/docs/img/installing-vsix.png" alt="Installing Kilo Code using VS Code's Install from VSIX dialog" width="600px" caption="Installing Kilo Code using VS Code's "Install from VSIX" dialog" /%}

Troubleshooting

Extension Not Visible

• Restart VS Code
• Verify Kilo Code is listed and enabled in Extensions
• Try disabling and re-enabling the extension in Extensions
• Check Output panel for errors (View → Output, select "Kilo Code")

Installation Problems

• Ensure stable internet connection
• Verify VS Code version 1.84.0 or later
• If VS Code Marketplace is inaccessible, try the Open VSX Registry method

Windows Users

• Ensure that PowerShell is added to your PATH:
  1. Open Edit system environment variables → Environment Variables
  2. Under System variables, select Path → Edit → New
  3. Add: C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\
  4. Click OK and restart VS Code

Next Steps

After installation, check out these resources to get started:

• Quickstart Guide - Get up and running in minutes
• Setting Up Authentication - Configure your AI provider
• Your First Task - Learn the basics of working with Kilo Code

Getting Support

If you encounter issues not covered here:

• Join our Discord community for real-time support
• Submit issues on GitHub
• Visit our Reddit community