Copilot Chat Agent Mode: Missing Embeddings

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Copilot Chat Agent Mode: Missing Embeddings

Hey everyone! I'm having a bit of a snag with the Agent feature in VS Code's Copilot Chat. I can use the "Ask" and "Plan" features without any issues, but the Agent mode just isn't working. I've done some digging and it seems like the problem might be missing embeddings. If you're encountering the same issue, then you're not alone. Let's dive deeper into this frustrating situation. It's like trying to get your code to write itself, but the instructions are MIA!

The Problem: 404 Errors and Missing Files

The core of the problem seems to be that the VS Code extension is failing to fetch some crucial files. Specifically, it's trying to grab remote embeddings caches from the following URLs, but getting a dreaded 404 error (file not found): https://embeddings.vscode-cdn.net/text-3-small/v1.107/tools/latest.txt and https://embeddings.vscode-cdn.net/text-3-small/v1.107/tools/core.json. These files are essential for the Agent mode to function correctly. Without them, the Agent can't do its thing, and you're left scratching your head, wondering why it's not working. This is like trying to build a house without the blueprints or the building materials ā€“ you're just not going to get very far. The logs are pretty clear about this, and the error messages are a dead giveaway that something's missing in action. These missing files are the secret sauce that powers the Agent's ability to understand your requests and provide intelligent responses. When the recipe is incomplete, the dish falls flat.

Technical Details: Versions and System Specs

For those of you who like to get into the nitty-gritty, here are some technical details that might be helpful. I'm using VS Code Insiders version 1.107.0-insider (Universal), with extension version 0.34.2025120302. My OS is Darwin arm64 25.2.0, so I'm on a Mac. This information can be useful for troubleshooting because it helps narrow down potential compatibility issues. It's like giving the mechanic the make and model of your car when you describe a problem ā€“ it helps them figure out what's wrong. You can also see the system information that includes my CPU (Apple M2 Ultra), GPU status, and memory. The details provided are important because they can help pinpoint whether the problem is specific to a certain version of VS Code or the Copilot extension, or if there might be something else going on with my system. I have included my system information, logs and request IDs in the description in case this information is useful for the engineers at Microsoft to review.

Debugging and Logs: A Deep Dive

I've included detailed logs from VS Code in the original report. These logs are basically a record of everything the extension is doing, including any errors it encounters. When something isn't working right, the logs are where the answers are. In the logs, you can see a bunch of "Trace" and "Debug" messages, along with the telltale "error" messages related to the missing embeddings. The logs are the detectives of the coding world. They are the ones that lead you to what is missing and point you in the right direction. Reading through the logs carefully is like following a trail of breadcrumbs. It's a way to understand what's happening behind the scenes and figure out the root cause of the problem. They provide valuable clues about what went wrong, and they often point directly to the solution.

Potential Causes and Solutions

So, what could be causing these missing embeddings, and what can we do about it? Here are a few thoughts:

  • Network Issues: It's always possible that there's a problem with your internet connection. If VS Code can't reach the embedding server, you'll see these errors. Check your internet connection and try again.
  • Server-Side Problems: The files might be temporarily unavailable on the server-side. This is less likely, but possible. Keep an eye on the official Copilot and VS Code channels for any announcements about outages.
  • Extension Bugs: There might be a bug in the extension itself that's causing it to look for the files in the wrong place or with the wrong names. This is where bug reports like mine come in handy. Engineers can use this information to resolve issues.
  • Cache Issues: Maybe there's a problem with the local cache of the embeddings. Try clearing your VS Code cache and restarting the application. Try to restart your VS Code editor. Sometimes a fresh start is all you need.
  • Extension Updates: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Copilot extension installed. Updates often fix bugs and improve performance.

What to Do Next

If you're facing this issue, here's what I suggest:

  1. Check Your Internet: Make sure your internet connection is stable. A weak or intermittent connection can cause all sorts of problems. A stable internet connection is the foundation upon which all online applications are built.
  2. Restart VS Code: Sometimes, a simple restart is enough to fix temporary glitches. Restarting VS Code is like turning it off and on again. It refreshes everything and can resolve a lot of minor issues.
  3. Update the Extension: Ensure you're running the latest version of the Copilot extension. Updates frequently include bug fixes and performance improvements. Keeping your extensions updated is like keeping your software in top condition. It ensures you have the latest features and security patches.
  4. Check the VS Code and Copilot Channels: Keep an eye on the official VS Code and Copilot channels for any announcements or known issues. The VS Code and Copilot channels are your go-to sources for updates, announcements, and troubleshooting tips. It's where you'll find the most up-to-date information on any known issues or planned maintenance.
  5. Report the Bug: If the problem persists, report the bug with as much detail as possible, including your VS Code and extension versions, OS, and any error messages you see. Reporting bugs helps developers identify and fix problems more quickly. Providing detailed information increases the chance of a successful resolution.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this helps those facing the same issue. Let's get the Agent mode working, so we can all experience the benefits! Stay tuned for updates, and let's keep the conversation going! Together, we can find a solution and get back to coding with the help of the Copilot Agent. Your feedback is valuable, and by sharing our experiences, we can make the coding experience better for everyone. It's through collaboration that we improve.