Microsoft/vscode

Default view for markdown files doesn't work the first time vscode is started

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#244,597 opened on Mar 25, 2025

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 (1 comment) (2 reactions) (1 assignee)TypeScript (10,221 forks)batch import
bughelp wantedmarkdown-extverification-found

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Description

Does this issue occur when all extensions are disabled?: Yes/No

  • VS Code Version: 1.98.2
  • OS Version: Win10 22H2

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. In the settings, add Item: *.md, Value: vscode.markdown.preview.editor under Workbench: Editor Associations
  2. Close vscode
  3. With no vscode instances running, open .md file from explorer
  4. Text editor view is opened instead of the preview
  5. Verify that the setting is registered by checking Ctrl + P > View: Reopen editor with..., Markdown Preview is listed as Default
  6. Open another .md file, this second one is now opened in preview mode

Contributor guide

Research direction
Investigate how editor associations are applied on VS Code startup. The issue suggests that the setting is not applied on the first open of a .md file, but works for subsequent opens. Check the initialization order of editor associations and the contribution point 'vscode.markdown.preview.editor'. Look for any caching or lazy loading that might cause the setting to not be applied immediately.
Tech stack
typescript
Domain
desktopdeveloper experience
Issue type
Bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
Active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
Clear
Prerequisites
Git
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
75