Software⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-05-31

How to Fix: Visual Studio Code "Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed"

Error while fetching extensions in Visual Studio Code due to NordVPN usage.

Quick Answer: Try disabling NordVPN or updating VSCode and its extensions to resolve the issue.

The error 'Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed' in Visual Studio Code (VSCode) can be caused by several factors, including a corrupted extension cache, an issue with the VSCode installation, or a problem with the NordVPN VPN connection.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • Corrupted extension cache due to NordVPN VPN connection.
  • Issue with VSCode installation or corrupted extensions.
  • NordVPN VPN connection issues causing XHR failure.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Method 1: Clearing Extension Cache

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Palette in VSCode by pressing `Ctrl + Shift + P` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd + Shift + P` (Mac).
  2. Step 2: Type 'Extension: Clear Cache' and select it from the dropdown list.

Method 2: Disabling NordVPN VPN Connection

  1. Step 1: Open the NordVPN application and disable the VPN connection.
  2. Step 2: Restart VSCode and try fetching extensions again.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 'Error while fetching extensions. XHR failed' issue in VSCode. If the problem persists, try reinstalling NordVPN or seeking further assistance from a technical support specialist.

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