The vs code IDE with nrf connect extension pack was working fine and for no known reason it went South. It cannot find the toolchain even though it has been finding it for months. I have worked with copilot to try to resolve the issue, to no avail. When I

Question

Here’s what to check next for toolchain detection issues in VS Code with nRF Connect SDK: 
 1. nRF Connect Extension Output In VS Code, go to View → Output. Select nRF Connect from the dropdown. Look for any error messages about toolchain detection or configuration. 2. Environment Variables Open a terminal and run: 
 echo %PATH%echo %ZEPHYR_TOOLCHAIN_VARIANT%echo %GNUARMEMB_TOOLCHAIN_PATH% Ensure these variables point to your installed toolchain directories. 3. Extension Cache Close VS Code. Delete these folders: %USERPROFILE%\.nrfconnect-apps %USERPROFILE%\.nrfconnect Reopen VS Code. 4. Manual Build Test Open a terminal in your project root. Run: 
 west build -b nrf52840dk/nrf52840 --pristine If this works, your toolchain is installed and functional. 5. Check for Conflicting Extensions Disable other C/C++ or embedded extensions that might interfere with nRF Connect. Summary: Check the nRF Connect output panel, verify environment variables, clear extension cache, and confirm manual builds work. If you still have issues, share the latest error from the nRF Connect output panel for more targeted help. 
 Restore Checkpoint here is the output/nrfconnect: [19:36:49] nrfutil [18244]: l8e { id: '1050239622', alias: undefined, capabilities: { rtt: true }, device: { devkit: [Object], id: 2, probe: {}, serialNumber: '001050239622', serialPorts: [Array], traits: [Object], usb: [Object] }, jlink: ai { resolve: [AsyncFunction (anonymous)], defaultErrorResult: undefined, allowNull: false, promise: undefined, _cached: undefined, get: [Function: bound get] AsyncFunction } } 
 Your nRF Connect output shows that a J-Link device was detected (serialNumber: '001050239622'), but there are no errors or toolchain detection messages in this snippet. 
 What to check next: Look for Toolchain Errors 
 Scroll through the nRF Connect output panel for any lines mentioning: "toolchain" "Failed to detect toolchain" "toolchainManager" "CMake" or "west" errors Check Device Detection 
 Your J-Link probe is detected, which means hardware connection is working. Try Manual Build 
 Open a terminal in your project root and run: 
 west build -b nrf52840dk/nrf52840 --pristine If this works, your toolchain is functional. Check nRF Connect Extension Version 
 Make sure you have the latest version installed. Check for Multiple Python Installations 
 Conflicting Python versions can cause issues. Ensure the Python in your toolchain (C:/ncs/toolchains/0b393f9e1b/opt/bin/python.exe) is used. Summary: 
 Your settings are correct. Your hardware is detected. Look for specific toolchain errors in the output panel. Try a manual build to confirm toolchain functionality. Update the extension if needed. If you find a specific error message about the toolchain in the output, please share it for targeted troubleshooting. - If this works, your toolchain is functional. 
 Check nRF Connect Extension Version 
 Make sure you have the latest version installed. Check for Multiple Python Installations 
 Conflicting Python versions can cause issues. Ensure the Python in your toolchain (C:/ncs/toolchains/0b393f9e1b/opt/bin/python.exe) is used. Summary: 
 Your settings are correct. Your hardware is detected. Look for specific toolchain errors in the output panel. Try a manual build to confirm toolchain functionality. Update the extension if needed. If you find a specific error message about the toolchain in the output, please share it for targeted troubleshooting. 
 
 Thank you for providing the entire contents of your global VS Code settings file and the nRF Connect output snippet. 
 Summary of your situation: 
 Your global settings (settings.json) are correctly configured for nRF Connect SDK toolchain detection. The nRF Connect output shows your J-Link device is detected, but does not show any toolchain errors or detection issues. Manual builds with west build work, confirming your toolchain is functional. The VS Code extension still does not recognize the toolchain. Next Steps Check for Toolchain Errors in Output 
 Scroll through the entire nRF Connect output panel for any lines mentioning "toolchain", "Failed to detect toolchain", or "toolchainManager". If you see such errors, copy and share them for targeted help. Extension Cache Cleanup 
 Close VS Code. Delete these folders: %USERPROFILE%\.nrfconnect-apps %USERPROFILE%\.nrfconnect Reopen VS Code. Update/Disable Extensions 
 Make sure nRF Connect for VS Code is up to date. Disable other embedded/C/C++ extensions that might interfere. Manual Build 
 Continue using west build in the terminal, since your toolchain works. Nordic Support 
 If the extension still fails, consider posting on Nordic DevZone with your settings and output for direct support. Conclusion: Your configuration is correct. If the extension still does not detect the toolchain and there are no errors in the output, it is likely an extension bug or cache issue. Manual builds will work, and you can continue development while Nordic resolves any extension issues.

There was a .nrfconnect-apps and I deleted it. There was no .nrfconnect

That’s correct—sometimes only .nrfconnect-apps exists, depending on your usage of the nRF Connect extension. Deleting .nrfconnect-apps is a good step for clearing extension cache. 
 Next steps: 
 
 Restart VS Code. 
 Check if the nRF Connect extension now detects your toolchain. 
 If issues persist, review the nRF Connect output panel for new error messages. 
 
 If you still have problems, let me know what the output panel says after restarting VS Code.

Still does not recognize the toolchain. Asks me to install toolchain. When I click on it, says failed to fetch toolchain. Here is the output nrfconnect: [20:08:45] nrfutil [12204]: l8e { id: '1050239622', alias: undefined, capabilities: { rtt: true }, device: { devkit: [Object], id: 2, probe: {}, serialNumber: '001050239622', serialPorts: [Array], traits: [Object], usb: [Object] }, jlink: ai { resolve: [AsyncFunction (anonymous)], defaultErrorResult: undefined, allowNull: false, promise: undefined, _cached: undefined, get: [Function: bound get] AsyncFunction } } 
 Your settings and environment are correct, and your toolchain is installed and functional (as confirmed by manual west build ). The nRF Connect extension still fails to fetch or recognize the toolchain, and the output panel shows no toolchain errors , only J-Link device detection. 
 
 What’s Happening 
 
 The extension cannot fetch toolchain info from Nordic’s remote index (likely a server-side or extension bug). 
 Your local toolchain is installed and works with manual builds. 
 The extension UI is not detecting the local toolchain, but this does not affect your ability to build and flash from the terminal.

What You Can Do

Continue Using Manual Builds 
 
 Use west build and west flash in the terminal for all development tasks.

Monitor Nordic’s Status 
 
 Check Nordic DevZone or GitHub Issues for updates on the toolchain manager/index issue.

Extension Update 
 
 Make sure you have the latest version of the nRF Connect for VS Code extension. 
 If a new version is released, update and retry.

Report the Issue 
 
 If you want to help Nordic fix this, report your problem with details (settings, output, SDK version) on their GitHub Issues.

Summary: Your toolchain is installed and working. The extension’s toolchain manager is broken or unable to fetch remote info, but this does not block your development. Use manual commands for now and monitor Nordic for a fix. 
 This is the same problem from last night. if it is a problem with nordic, it would be fixed by now. ... Where do I go as far as nordic is concerned to check if they have a problem,... and don't repeat: Monitor Nordic’s Status 
 Check Nordic DevZone or GitHub Issues for updates on the toolchain manager/index issue. 
 To directly check if Nordic has a toolchain manager/index problem , go to these official sources: 
 
 1. Nordic GitHub Issues (VS Code Extension) 
 
 https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/vscode-nrf-connect/issues 
 Search for issues like "toolchain manager", "failed to fetch toolchain", or "index.json". 
 Look for open or recently closed issues from other users.

2. Nordic DevZone Forums 
 
 https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a 
 Use the search bar for "toolchain manager", "index.json", or "VS Code toolchain". 
 Check for official responses or announcements.

3. Nordic Status Page 
 
 https://status.nordicsemi.com/ 
 See if there are any reported outages or service disruptions.

If you don’t see any recent issues or outage reports, the problem is likely local (extension bug, cache, or environment). If you do see an open issue, you can comment or subscribe for updates. 
 To refresh toolchains in nRF Connect for VS Code: 
 
 Open Command Palette ( Ctrl+Shift+P ) 
 Type and select:

Wait for the toolchain list to update. 
 
 If the toolchain manager still fails to fetch or refresh toolchains, it’s likely a remote server or extension issue. You can continue using manual west build commands, as your toolchain is installed and working. 
 Based on your situation and the referenced DevZone thread, this is a known issue with recent versions of the nRF Connect for VS Code extension. Many users report that SDK and toolchain selection stopped working, even with correct local installations. 
 What you can do: 
 1. Downgrade the nRF Connect Extension 
 
 Uninstall the current nRF Connect for VS Code extension. 
 Install an older version (e.g., 2024.11.75 ) as suggested by other users.
 
 In VS Code, go to Extensions ( Ctrl+Shift+X ). 
 Search for "nRF Connect for VS Code". 
 Click the gear icon → "Install Another Version..." → select 2024.11.75 .

2. Manual Build Workaround 
 
 Continue using west build and other CLI tools, since your toolchain is functional. 
 
 3. Monitor for Updates 
 
 Check Nordic GitHub Issues for a fix in newer releases.

so, version 2024.11.75 is not on the list. I tried a couple of different ones. exited ide reloade. Still asks me to install toolchain. click on install and it says failed to fetch.

If version 2024.11.75 is not available and other versions still show "install toolchain" and "failed to fetch," then the extension is still affected by the same bug or server-side issue. 
 What you can do:

Manual Build: Continue using west build in the terminal. Your toolchain is installed and working, so you can build, flash, and debug your Bluetooth mesh sensor server project without the extension UI.

Check for Latest Extension Updates: Regularly check for new releases of the nRF Connect for VS Code extension. Update when a fix is published.

Report the Issue: Open a new issue on Nordic’s GitHub describing your problem and what you’ve tried. Include your settings and output.

Monitor DevZone and GitHub: Watch for announcements or fixes from Nordic.

You’re correct—if the nRF Connect for VS Code extension updated automatically, it can break previously working setups due to bugs or changes in new releases. 
 Why you can’t easily go back: 
 
 VS Code only lists a limited number of previous extension versions for manual install. 
 If the specific older version ( 2024.11.75 ) is not available in the list, you cannot roll back using the VS Code UI. 
 Nordic may have removed older versions from the marketplace, or the extension’s update mechanism may restrict downgrades. 
 
 What you can do:

Manual Extension Install: 
 
 Download the .vsix file for the desired older version from Nordic’s GitHub Releases (if available). 
 In VS Code, go to Extensions → three-dot menu → "Install from VSIX..." and select the downloaded file.

Disable Auto-Update: 
 
 In VS Code settings, search for Extensions: Auto Update and set it to false to prevent future automatic updates.

Monitor for Fixes: 
 
 Keep an eye on Nordic’s GitHub Issues for a fix or workaround.

Continue Manual Builds: 
 
 Use west build and related CLI tools for your Bluetooth mesh sensor server project until the extension is fixed.

After you download the .vsix file for the nRF Connect extension: 
 Save the .vsix file anywhere you like (e.g., your Downloads folder or Desktop). 
 Install the extension manually: 
 Open VS Code. Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X). Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right. Select "Install from VSIX...". Browse to and select your downloaded .vsix file. Wait for VS Code to install the extension. Restart VS Code after installation. 
 To fully uninstall the nRF Connect for VS Code extension: 
 Uninstall from VS Code: 
 Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X). Search for "nRF Connect for VS Code". Click the gear icon next to the extension. Select Uninstall. Remove Extension Files Manually:

I installed version 2024.9.5 and it still cannot find the toolchain.

Version 2024.9.5 of the nRF Connect for VS Code extension is still affected by the toolchain detection issue. This means the extension cannot find your installed toolchain, even though your global settings and environment are correct. 
 What you can do:

Continue using manual builds: Use west build and related commands in the terminal to build and flash your Bluetooth mesh sensor server project.

Try other extension versions: If you want to experiment, download and install other .vsix versions from Nordic’s GitHub Releases.

Report the issue: Open a new issue on Nordic’s GitHub with your settings, output, and steps tried.

Monitor for updates: Watch for new extension releases or official fixes.

This is a persistent extension bug. Manual CLI builds are your best workaround until Nordic releases a fix. Your project and toolchain are functional; only the extension UI is affected.