Auto update isn't working in VSCode: Could not create temporary directory: Permission denied

Try to type the following commands in a terminal:

cd ~/Library/Caches

sudo chown -R <username>:staff *

The above solution works, but it is like using a sledge hammer to kill a house fly.

  1. Go to Caches cd ~/Library/Caches.
  2. Check ownership of folders. ls -la
  3. You will probably see drwxr--r-- 2 root staff 64 Nov 15 09:37 com.microsoft.VSCode.ShipIt
  4. Run sudo chown <username>:staff com.microsoft.VSCode.ShipIt

This allows you to only update that folder owner and won't touch the other folders. You can break over item unexpectedly.