VSCode in WSL: how to sudo a root file so I can edit it

Question

WSL v.1 -- VSCode v1.40.1 (using \'Remote - WSL\' extension 40.3)

How to open a root-owned file for edit using sudo and VSCode? (without running as root)

Answer 1

SSH in as root through VS Code

Don't know if this is the best approach but it worked for me. Note that this should only be used on files that only root has access to in the first place. I think saved files will be owned by root. Use this to quickly change some settings but not to write code that can done by regular user.

1. Install ssh-server on WSL

sudo apt install ssh

2. Allow remote login as root.

Edit or add PermitRootLogin yes inside /etc/ssh/sshd_config

3. Restart ssh server

sudo service ssh stop
sudo service ssh start

4. Connect to WSL in VS Code

Ctrl + Shift + P -> Remote SSH: Add new ssh host -> root@127.0.0.1 accept all fingerprints and stuff and you're in as root. You should be able to do anything now.