I'm using MicroPython extension, and have successfully flashed the MicroPython firmware (Operating System) to the ESP8266 target device using the NodeMCU flasher tool through a serial COM port.
After creating a new project by selecting the project folder I'm told auto detection of COM ports isn't available for Windows version of Visual Studio Code. I'm prompted to manually enter the COM port I've connected the target MicroPython device to, and VSC then says:
Port not exist, please connect device and try again!
I've tried all 4 USB ports, reinstalled the driver software, rebooted the computer, power cycled the target device and made sure the target device is in program flash mode (to allow application to be written to it) each time I attempt to connect VSC to it!