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Installing the GitHub Copilot Extension in VS Code

Installing the GitHub Copilot Extension in VS Code

To start using GitHub Copilot, you first need to install its extension inside Visual Studio Code (VS Code). The setup process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Open Visual Studio Code

Launch VS Code on your machine. If you do not already have it installed, you can download it for free from https://code.visualstudio.com/. Make sure you are running a relatively recent version (1.102.1 or later), as Copilot requires modern VS Code APIs.

Step 2: Open the Extensions Marketplace

In the left-hand sidebar of VS Code, you will see the Extensions icon:

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Click on it to open the Extensions Marketplace. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

  • Mac: Cmd + Shift + X

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + X

This will bring up a searchable list of all available VS Code extensions.

Step 3: Search for “GitHub Copilot”

In the Extensions search bar, type “GitHub Copilot”. The official extension is published by GitHub and will typically be the first result. It will display the familiar Copilot icon (a small cartoon “pilot” face wearing a headset) and should have hundreds of thousands of downloads.

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Step 4: Install the Extension

Click the Install button on the GitHub Copilot extension entry. VS Code will download and enable the extension automatically. Once installed, you will see a Reload Required or Enable prompt if you had VS Code open for a long time; click it if prompted.

Step 5: Sign In to GitHub

After installation, you must authenticate with your GitHub account.

  1. You will see a screen in VS Code asking you to sign in.

  2. Click Sign In; your default browser will open to GitHub’s login page.

  3. Authorize the GitHub Copilot application to access your account.

  4. When successful, return to VS Code, and you will see a message that Copilot is ready to use.

Note: If you are part of an organization, make sure Copilot access is enabled for your account in GitHub settings.

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Step 6: Customize Copilot Settings

VS Code allows you to control when and how Copilot provides suggestions:

  • Open Preferences > Settings (Cmd + , or Ctrl + ,)

  • Search for “Copilot”

  • You can enable/disable it for specific languages, control whether it auto-triggers suggestions, or require manual activation.