configuring-access-to-the-codeql-cli.md

title	Managing the CodeQL CLI in the VS Code extension
shortTitle	CodeQL CLI access
versions	fpt ghec ghes * * *
intro	The {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql %} for {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} extension uses the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} to compile and run queries.
allowTitleToDifferFromFilename	true
redirect_from	/code-security/codeql-for-vs-code/using-the-advanced-functionality-of-the-codeql-for-vs-code-extension/configuring-access-to-the-codeql-cli /code-security/how-tos/scan-code-for-vulnerabilities/scan-from-vs-code/configuring-access-to-the-codeql-cli
contentType	how-tos
category	Customize vulnerability detection with CodeQL

The {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql %} extension automatically installs a compatible version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %}. This instance of the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} is not accessible from the terminal.

If you already have the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} installed and added to your PATH, the extension will use that version.

Installing version updates

The extension checks for updates to the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} automatically and prompts you to accept the updated version.

You can check for updates manually with the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql %}: Check for CLI Updates command from the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_command_palette_shortname %}.

Using a different {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} installation

To override the default behavior and use a specific version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %}, you can specify the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} Executable Path in the extension settings. See AUTOTITLE.

Troubleshooting

You can check the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql %} Extension log for error messages or to see the location of the {% data variables.product.prodname_codeql_cli %} being used. See AUTOTITLE.