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Installing WPILib

WPILib is the core software suite for FRC. It installs a custom version of VSCode, Java compilers, and tools like AdvantageScope, Shuffleboard, and PathWeaver.

Do Not Use Standard VSCode!

WPILib installs a separate version of VS Code (e.g., 2026 WPILib VS Code). Do not use an existing installation of VSCode on your machine, and do not use the VSCode Settings Sync feature, as it will break your FRC environment.

1. Downloading the Installer

Go to the WPILib GitHub Releases Page and download the correct installer for your OS (it will be an .iso, .dmg, or .tar.gz).

2. Extracting & Running

  1. Right-click the .iso file and select Mount.
    • If "Mount" isn't an option, use 7-Zip to "Extract to..."
  2. Run WPILibInstaller.exe.
  3. Click Start.
  4. Select Everything (Installs tools, Java, C++, and VSCode).
  5. Choose Install for all Users (requires Admin rights).
  6. Click Download for this computer only when prompted for VSCode.
  1. Double-click the downloaded .dmg file.
  2. Double-click the WPILibInstaller application.
    • If macOS warns you about it being from the internet, click Open.
  3. Select Everything and let the installer run.
  4. Drag the newly installed WPILib VS Code application to your dock.
  5. Eject the .dmg from your desktop.

Ubuntu treats executables as shared libraries, so you must run it from the terminal:

tar -xf WPILib_Linux-<version>.tar.gz
cd WPILib_Linux-<version>/
./WPILibInstaller

Ubuntu 23.10+ Fix: Newer Ubuntu versions block sandboxed apps. To make VSCode run, install the AppArmor profiles: 

sudo cp ~/wpilib/2026/frccode/AppArmor/* /etc/apparmor.d/
sudo systemctl reload apparmor.service

3. C++ Simulation (Optional)

If your team programs in C++ and uses Physics Simulation, you need native compilers installed on your machine:

  • Windows: Install Visual Studio 2022 (Check "Desktop Development with C++").
  • macOS: Install Xcode 14+ from the App Store.
  • Linux: Run sudo apt install build-essential.