1. Set mergeConfigurations to true in c_cpp_properties.json with a configurationProvider set (e.g. "configurationProvider": "ms-vscode.cmake-tools"). 2. Change one of the mergeable properties in c_cpp_properties.json like a define in defines. 3. Check the logging or run C/C++: Log Diagnostics. Bug: The new define/etc. (mergeable property) is not auto-updated until the configuration provider requests a new configuration.