Failed to Find vscode-ripgrep: Install Ripgrep Manually and Set todo-tree.ripgrep

VS Code Todo Tree ripgrep path error — updated on June 9, 2026 with a practical diagnostic flow, quick table, and safe fixes.

What does this error mean?

The Todo Tree extension scans your workspace using ripgrep. If VS Code or the extension cannot locate the bundled ripgrep binary, install ripgrep manually and point Todo Tree to the real rg executable path in settings. Newer extension builds may use todo-tree.ripgrep.ripgrep instead of the older todo-tree.ripgrep key.

Quick diagnostic table

Check	What to do	Priority
VS Code internal path changed	Extensions that assume the old bundled ripgrep location can fail after a VS Code update.	First
Broken extension install	A corrupted or partial extension install may not include the expected dependency path.	High
Wrong setting name	Some error messages mention older settings even when the newer setting key is different.	High
rg not on PATH	Manual ripgrep installs work only when the executable path is correct.	Medium
Workspace override	A workspace .vscode/settings.json file can override your user setting.	Medium

Fast fix checklist

Update Todo Tree and VS Code, then reload the VS Code window.
Open Settings JSON and search for old Todo Tree ripgrep entries.
Remove broken todo-tree.ripgrep entries and reload once to let the extension auto-detect ripgrep.
Install ripgrep manually using your OS package manager or a trusted release package.
Find the full path to rg or rg.exe using where rg on Windows or which rg on macOS/Linux.
Set the Todo Tree ripgrep executable path in User settings, not only Workspace settings.
If your Todo Tree version supports it, use todo-tree.ripgrep.ripgrep with the absolute rg path.
Restart VS Code and run Todo Tree: Refresh from the Command Palette.
If it still fails, disable conflicting workspace settings and test in an empty folder.
Report the extension version, VS Code version, OS and setting key if you open an issue.

Example setting

Use this only as a format example. Replace the path with the actual ripgrep path on your computer.

{
  "todo-tree.ripgrep.ripgrep": "C:\\Tools\\ripgrep\\rg.exe"
}

Expert tip

Use an absolute path. Relative paths and environment variables can behave differently depending on how VS Code was launched, especially on Windows and macOS.

Detailed fix guide

If the quick checklist did not solve failed to find vscode-ripgrep please install ripgrep manually and set ‘todo-tree.ripgrep, work through the fixes slowly and test after each major change. Avoid changing several settings at once because you will not know which one actually fixed the issue.

Start with the simplest checks: restart the affected app or game, test a stable connection, and confirm whether other users are reporting the same symptom. If the issue is service-side, aggressive local changes will not help and may create extra problems.

Next, focus on authentication and permission. Many failed-status messages are not caused by broken hardware; they happen because the app cannot verify your session, cannot access a required background component, or cannot pass a security check.

Finally, document what you changed. If you need support, screenshots of the exact message, device model, app version, operating system version and steps already tried will help support teams avoid repeating generic advice.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake	Why it hurts	Better action
Reinstalling immediately	It wastes time and may not touch the real cause.	Repair, update or reset cache first.
Using unofficial tools	They can add security risk or violate service rules.	Use official settings and vendor support.
Changing many settings together	You cannot identify the real fix.	Change one setting, test, then continue.

Frequently asked questions

What is vscode-ripgrep?

It is the ripgrep binary/package used by VS Code search and by extensions that depend on fast workspace scanning.

Should I use todo-tree.ripgrep or todo-tree.ripgrep.ripgrep?

Use the setting supported by your installed Todo Tree version. If the newer key exists, prefer todo-tree.ripgrep.ripgrep.

Why does Todo Tree show no TODO items after this error?

The extension cannot scan your project until ripgrep is found and executed successfully.

Related internal fixes

Use these internal links to move readers to the most relevant troubleshooting page.

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Final recommendation

For failed to find vscode-ripgrep please install ripgrep manually and set ‘todo-tree.ripgrep, use the safest fix path first: verify the service or account, reset the local app state, then change advanced settings only when the basic checks fail.

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