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I prefer to keep code snippets on the device unless I have a clear reason to sync them. A snippet can be as simple as a reusable loop or template, but it is still code I chose to save. In Visual Studio Code, keeping snippets local is a matter of checking which Settings Sync categories are enabled—and dealing separately with any copies already stored in the cloud.
Does Visual Studio Code sync snippets?
It can. Visual Studio Code lists user snippets as a selectable category in Settings Sync. After you sign in, the service synchronizes the categories you select in the background. Microsoft describes the behavior this way: “After you sign in, Settings Sync automatically merges your local and cloud data and continues to synchronize changes in the background.” That is the product’s documented behavior, not an independent security assessment. Visual Studio Code Settings Sync documentation, updated September 30, 2026.
So signing in does not mean every snippet must sync regardless of your configuration. The important check is whether snippets are among the categories selected for synchronization on your account.
How do I keep snippets local in VS Code?
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Open the Settings Sync controls in VS Code and review the selected data categories. Check whether user snippets are included.
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If you want local-only snippets, turn off Settings Sync using its documented control. This stops the sync feature; it does not, by itself, establish that previously synchronized data has been removed from the cloud.
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If you also want to remove existing synced data, use the documented option to clear cloud data on all devices. Treat this as a separate step from turning sync off.
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Before changing how you work, check VS Code’s local backup folder. The editor stores timestamped JSON backups there. Microsoft says local backups are deleted after 30 days; it also retains the latest 20 remote versions per category. Those are VS Code retention details, not general rules for cloud storage. If you need a copy beyond the local retention period, make a separate backup—for example, to an offline backup drive—and consider encryption separately if the snippets are sensitive. Visual Studio Code Settings Sync documentation, updated September 30, 2026.
Does turning off Settings Sync make VS Code offline?
No. Settings Sync is only one of VS Code’s online features. Microsoft also identifies online services for updates, extension discovery and installation, and Natural Language Search. Extensions can make their own network requests as well. Turning off Settings Sync therefore does not make the editor wholly offline; review the separate online-service settings and the behavior of extensions you use. Visual Studio Code telemetry and online services documentation, updated September 30, 2026.
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What about Copilot chat session history?
Copilot session history is separate from code snippets and has its own sync control. VS Code documents an option to keep session data local rather than sync it. Synced sessions are private by default unless explicitly shared, but they remain stored in the GitHub account until deleted. If your goal is to keep saved material off remote services, review this control separately and delete any stored sessions you no longer want. Visual Studio Code session history documentation, updated September 30, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Local-snippet privacy checklist
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Review Settings Sync categories and confirm whether snippets are selected.
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Turn off Settings Sync if you want snippets to remain local going forward.
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Use the all-device cloud-data clearing option if you also want existing synced data removed.
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Check the local JSON backup folder and make a separate copy if you need longer retention.
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Review online-service settings and extension network behavior if you need to limit VS Code’s other online activity.
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Check Copilot session-history sync and delete stored sessions separately if applicable.
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