Show "Debug options not enabled" while upgrade nRF Connect for VS Code Extenstion Pack

[ToothlessYY]

Hi I have updated th nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack to the newest version. But when I want to enter Debug in VSCODE, the error comes out. Before upgrade, the debug is ok.

Here are the version number of installed nRF Connect VS Code:

nRF Connect for VS Code  v2025.9.798 

nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack  v2025.4.4 

nRF DeviceTree  v2025.8.140 

nRF Kconfig  v2025.9.123

nRF Terminal  v2025.8.103

 

How can I fix it?

[SwRa]

Hello,

This means that  that your build configuration is not set up with the necessary debug options. Please refer https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/nrf-connect-vscode/page/get_started/quick_debug.html#how-to-debug-an-application  and follow the steps mentioned to enable debugging.

Best Regards,

Swathy

[ToothlessYY]

Hi SwRa, thanks for you reply. I try toe change the Optimization level in Build Configuration, set it to debugging level, but still has the same error

[SwRa]

Hello,

Did you try doing pistine build after editing the buid coniguration.? After changing the optimization level, make sure you perform a pristine build (delete the build folder and rebuild). Sometimes, outputs are not regenerated unless you do a clean build, which can cause the debug options not to be applied properly. 

Refer: https://academy.nordicsemi.com/courses/nrf-connect-sdk-intermediate/lessons/lesson-2-debugging/topic/debugging-in-vs-code/ 

Regards,

Swathy

[pcspets]

Do you perhaps have a multi-target application? In my case, seems that mcuboot doesn't inherit all build options and this message is displayed every time I try to start mcuboot debug session.

[SwRa]

Hello,

Yes, in multi-image (multi-domain) builds—such as when using MCUboot, TFM, and your application—each image/domain can have its own optimization and debug settings. By default, setting the optimization level to "debug" in your main build configuration only applies to the main domain (usually your application). This has been documented here: How to work with sysbuild domains 

So, to fix your issue:

1. Go to the Build Configurations in VS Code.
2. Edit the build configuration for the MCUboot domain.
3. Set its optimization level to Optimize for debugging.
4. Rebuild the project.

Regards,

Swathy