What is the real standard development setup for nRF Connect? VSConnect? Shell? Windows still first-tier?

[cellular_iot]

I have been developing software, embedded systems, and hardware for over 30 years, and I must admit: working with nRF Connect + VSCode on Windows (both native and via WSL with USB passthrough) has been the most frustrating setup I’ve encountered — by a wide margin.

Daily hassles include instability, disappearing settings, toolchain/versioning issues, and a very fragile workflow compared to what I’ve been used to with other vendors. I’ve tried hard to stick to the "preferred" setup (VSCode + nRF Connect on Windows), but it simply feels unreliable for professional use.

My question to the community:

• What is your standard, stable setup for daily development with nRF Connect SDK?

• Is Windows still considered a first-tier supported platform (as it has been for decades across most embedded vendors), or are Linux or macOS now the recommended platforms for serious development?

• For those who switched: was the developer experience on Linux/macOS significantly better?

I would really appreciate hearing what other experienced developers are using successfully in their day-to-day work.

Thanks!

[Priyanka]

Hi,

Yes, we do support Windows + VSCode nRF extension for development, but there have been many developers who are using Linux and Mac for further development as they feel more comfortable with those.

-Priyanka

[cellular_iot]

I just came across the official documentation for nRF Connect SDK 3.0.2. It states that:

• Windows 10 is Tier 1: tested automatically and regularly.

• Windows 11 is only Tier 3: “The toolchain management tools are supported by design, but are not built or tested after each change. Therefore, the application may or may not work.”

I fully understand and agree with Nordic’s rationale of focusing on long-term supported operating systems. However, Windows 10 has already reached end of life, and Microsoft’s official support is ending within the next weeks. On top of that, new laptops with Windows 10 preinstalled are no longer available.

From a developer’s perspective, this makes Windows 11 the de-facto standard. It should become Tier 1 supported as soon as possible, so that we can rely on proper testing and stability going forward.

Is there a roadmap or timeline for upgrading Windows 11 to Tier 1 support?

[Priyanka]

cellular_iot said:

From a developer’s perspective, this makes Windows 11 the de-facto standard. It should become Tier 1 supported as soon as possible, so that we can rely on proper testing and stability going forward.

Yes, I understand that ans will report your suggestion internally.

cellular_iot said:

Is there a roadmap or timeline for upgrading Windows 11 to Tier 1 support?

For roadmaps and timelines, please contact the Regional Sales Managers as they have better knowledge and insights regarding the same.

-Priyanka