[Python] How to open .ipynb files as proper Jupyter notebooks in Visual Studio 2022?

How to open .ipynb files as proper Jupyter notebooks in Visual Studio 2022?

Environment

• Visual Studio 2022 Professional v17.13.6
• Windows 11
• Python 3.9 (32-bit)

Issue


I'm trying to work with Jupyter notebooks (.ipynb files) within Visual Studio 2022, but the files are being displayed as plain text rather than in the expected interactive notebook interface with code and markdown cells.

What I've tried

1. 
   Verified workloads are installed:
   
   • "Python development" workload is installed and checked
   • "Data science and analytical applications" workload is installed and checked
   • "Python native development tools" component is installed
2. 
   Verified Python is working:
   
   • I can successfully open the "Python 3.9 (32-bit) Interactive" window
   • Python scripts (.py files) open and run correctly
3. 
   Attempted different approaches:
   
   • Right-clicked on .ipynb files and selected "Open With..." but found no "Python Notebook Editor" option
   • Tried opening with "Source Code (Text) Editor with Encoding" but still displays as plain text
   • Attempted to create a new notebook via "File > New > File..." > Python, but only saw options for:
     • Empty Module
     • Python Class
     • Empty Module (.pyw)
     • Python Class (.pyw)
     • No notebook options present

Research


Documentation suggests Visual Studio 2022 should support Jupyter notebooks, and I've read there was previously an extension for this functionality, but it doesn't appear in the extensions marketplace anymore.

Questions


Given the popularity of Python and the widespread use of Jupyter notebooks, I'm surprised this functionality doesn't appear to be natively supported in Visual Studio 2022.

1. Does Visual Studio 2022 still support Jupyter notebooks natively? If so, what components or extensions are required?
2. Is there an official Microsoft extension or recommended approach for working with .ipynb files in Visual Studio 2022?
3. Are there any known issues with notebook support in the latest versions?

I'd prefer to avoid installing a completely separate environment (VS Code, Anaconda) if possible, as I need to work with these notebooks alongside other Visual Studio projects.

I've reached out to Microsoft Support without success and would appreciate any guidance from the community. Thank you.

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