vscode-go automatically install go tools without asking

[bokunodev]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
A clear and concise description of what the problem is. Ex. I'm always frustrated when [...]

I'm always frustrated when vscode-go extension always automatically install staticcheck and other tools.
i remember it used to show a prompt on the bottom right corner, it didn't do it anymore.

Describe the solution you'd like
A clear and concise description of what you want to happen.

i want my editor to stop automatically installing anything

Describe alternatives you've considered
A clear and concise description of any alternative solutions or features you've considered.

provide a setting to disable this behaviour reliably.

Additional context
Add any other context or screenshots about the feature request here.

    "go.toolsManagement.checkForUpdates": "off",
    "go.lintOnSave": "off",
    "gopls": {
        "ui.diagnostic.staticcheck": false,

bug.mp4

[h9jiang]

Hi bokunodev

Thanks for raising this. The current tool management need some improvement. I'm working with the tool team member to figure out what is the right way to surface this.

The problem specifically in this case is, vscode-go have a default value for "lintTool" which is "staticcheck". At least one of the linter will be come required. If you did not set any, staticcheck will be installed. If you set it to something else, then other linter you specified will be installed.

I think what we want in the desired way is, allow people to opt out linting functionality. (I dont need any linter) Or just let gopls analysis to handle the linting. (I will be surprised to see if people install vscode-go but decide to not use gopls)

On the other hand, we can't simply get rid of the "lintTool" config, so maybe adding "gopls" (as default linter) or no default value for "lintTool".

I have a CL open for review, so I will make sure to make sure the tool installation will be covered in the same effort.

cc @adonovan

[h9jiang]

With CL merged (no additional change needed), I think this is now correct. Staticcheck will no longer considered as a required tool unless you set "go.lintTool: staticcheck".

Once I release the next insider version, I will comment again. I hope you would try it out once released and confirm it's no longer an issue. I will provide more detail of installing the new version.

Screen.Recording.2025-10-21.at.9.37.17.PM.mov

[gopherbot]

Change https://go.dev/cl/713940 mentions this issue: CHANGELOG.md: include tool management refactoring entry

[h9jiang]

Hi @bokunodev

I just released the v0.51.0, a prerelease version of the extension. Could you try to install that version and verify the problem you reported is now fixed.

To switch versions:

• Go to vscode extension market place and find the go extension.
• Click Gear Icon
• Click Switch to Pre-release versions
• Verify the version is v0.51.0.

Thank you

[bokunodev]

i just updated the extension today and it works as expected now, thanks 👍