VS Code Error: Request Failed 413

Alex Johnson

-Nov 13, 2025

VS Code Error: Request Failed - Troubleshooting the 413 Error

Are you encountering a frustrating issue in VS Code where you're met with the message "Sorry, your request failed. Please try again. Request id: ... Reason: Request Failed: 413 Request Entity Too Large"? This error can be a real productivity killer, especially when you're just trying to send a simple message like "hello." Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common problem, and we'll dive deep into what causes it, how to troubleshoot it, and potential solutions to get you back on track with your coding endeavors. Understanding the root cause is crucial to resolving the problem. This error often surfaces when the server you're interacting with (in this case, likely an extension or service VS Code is using) has limitations on the size of data it can accept in a single request. While it seems counterintuitive to see this error when sending a short message, various factors can contribute to the data size, including headers, metadata, and the way the request is being formulated.

The '413 Request Entity Too Large' Error Explained

The "413 Request Entity Too Large" error is an HTTP status code. It's the server's way of saying, "Hey, the information you're trying to send me is too big for me to handle." In the context of VS Code, this might occur when you're interacting with extensions, the built-in language server, or features that rely on network requests. Think of it like trying to mail a package that's oversized for the mailbox. The mail carrier (the server) can't accept it. The request ID provided in the error message, such as bc0dc831-f975-4bbb-81d4-d5b02dc6b024, is a unique identifier to help trace the specific request that failed. This is especially useful for developers trying to diagnose and fix the issue. When the error arises even with a basic message like "hello," it suggests the problem isn't necessarily the message content itself but rather something about the request's overall structure or the context in which it's sent. This is why digging deeper into the extension versions, VS Code versions and operating system is a good idea. Knowing this information can provide clues to possible conflicts or other issues.

Investigating the Problem

When a "413 Request Entity Too Large" error pops up in VS Code, the first step is to gather information. The provided details in the bug report are super helpful. Here's a breakdown of what to examine:

Extension Version: The bug report mentions Extension version: 0.29.1. Extensions are a major cause of such errors. Check if there is an update or if the extension has known issues related to request sizes.
VS Code Version: Knowing the VS Code version (Code 1.102.1) is essential for compatibility issues. Sometimes, certain VS Code updates might introduce compatibility issues that surface this error.
Operating System: The OS version (Windows_NT x64 10.0.26200) gives context to potential system-level issues. It is necessary to rule out or identify if the OS plays a part in the error.
System Info: The system information provides valuable insights into the hardware and software configuration. Look into this section.
Network: An unstable network connection could also cause request failures.

Troubleshooting Steps and Potential Solutions

Let's put on our detective hats and figure out what we can do to fix this "413 Request Entity Too Large" error in VS Code:

Extension Updates: The easiest fix is often the best. Check if the problematic extension has an update available. The developers might have addressed the issue in a newer version. Go to the Extensions view in VS Code and look for updates.
Extension Conflicts: Sometimes, extensions don't play nicely with each other. Try disabling other extensions, especially those that might be making network requests or interacting with the same services as the extension causing the issue. If the error disappears after disabling an extension, you've found a conflict. You can then re-enable them one by one to pinpoint the exact culprit.
VS Code Updates: Make sure you're running the latest stable version of VS Code. Updates often contain bug fixes and improvements. Sometimes an update can solve an underlying issue causing the 413 error. Keep VS Code updated!
Network Issues: A spotty internet connection can cause request failures. Make sure your internet is stable. Try restarting your router or switching to a different network to see if it fixes the problem.
Proxy Settings: If you're behind a proxy server, make sure your VS Code settings are configured correctly. Incorrect proxy settings can cause requests to fail. Check your VS Code settings (File > Preferences > Settings) and search for "proxy" to configure them.
File Size Limits (Less Common): Although the error occurs with a simple "hello," it's worth checking if any file size limits are set that could be inadvertently affecting the requests. This is less likely if the error happens with small messages. Check the settings or any relevant configurations in the extensions you use.
Contact Extension Developers: If the problem persists, reach out to the extension's developers. Provide them with the error details, the extension version, your VS Code version, and any other relevant information. They might be able to offer a specific solution or release a bug fix.
Check Logs: VS Code has logs that can help to understand the error. Open the Output panel (View > Output) and check if the extension has specific logs.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic steps don't fix the "413 Request Entity Too Large" error, you might need to dive deeper. Here are a few advanced troubleshooting techniques:

Network Sniffing: Use a network sniffer like Wireshark to examine the network traffic between VS Code and the server. This can reveal the exact request and response details, including the size of the request and any headers. This is advanced, but can provide essential clues.
Developer Tools: Use the browser's developer tools (if applicable) to inspect the network requests made by the extension. This can help you understand the request's structure and identify potential issues.
Reproduce the Issue: Try to recreate the error in a controlled environment. If you can consistently reproduce the error, it's easier to diagnose and fix. Test with different files or different scenarios to see if anything changes.

Understanding the Root Cause

To really understand this "413 Request Entity Too Large" error, you need to think about what is happening behind the scenes. When VS Code communicates with an extension or service, it's making network requests. These requests carry data, like the code you've written, the context for the analysis, or the instructions for the service. The server receiving the request has limits on the amount of data it can handle in a single go. If the request exceeds these limits, you get the 413 error.

The size of a request isn't just about the words you type. It also includes headers (information about the request itself), metadata (information about the data), and the way the request is formatted. Certain extensions, especially those involving AI, code analysis, or code completion, can generate larger requests. Other reasons for a larger request size can be a large amount of settings or configurations, large code bases with too much code, or too many files open.

Prevention Tips

Preventing the "413 Request Entity Too Large" error involves understanding the factors that contribute to the request size and being mindful of your coding practices and tool usage:

Keep Code Lean: Avoid excessive code. The smaller your code base, the smaller the requests. Break down larger files into smaller, manageable chunks.
Optimize Settings: Review your VS Code settings and extension configurations. Disable or adjust settings that might increase the request size unnecessarily. This is also important with settings that might be redundant.
Choose Extensions Wisely: Be selective about the extensions you install. Consider the impact each extension has on request sizes. Be mindful of resource-intensive extensions.
Stay Updated: Keep your extensions and VS Code updated to ensure you have the latest fixes and improvements.
Understand Your Tools: Learn how your extensions and services work. The more you know, the better you can manage your request sizes.

Conclusion

The "413 Request Entity Too Large" error in VS Code can be a nuisance, but it's usually fixable. By following these troubleshooting steps, understanding the underlying causes, and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the chances of this error disrupting your coding workflow. Remember to gather as much information as possible, systematically test solutions, and reach out to developers when needed. Happy coding!"

For additional support and more in-depth information on HTTP status codes, you can check out the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN). This resource provides a comprehensive explanation of HTTP status codes.