How to Set Up GitHub Copilot in VS Code (Dec 2025)

1) Check prerequisites

• VS Code installed (latest)
• GitHub account
• Network access (Copilot is cloud-based)

2) Install the extensions

1. Open VS Code → Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X).
2. Search and install:
   • GitHub Copilot (code completions)
   • GitHub Copilot Chat (chat sidebar/inline chat)

3) Sign in and activate

1. After install, click “Sign in to GitHub” when prompted.
2. Complete browser auth; return to VS Code.
3. If you don’t have a subscription, start the 30-day trial or enroll in the plan that fits (Individual $10/mo, Business $19/user/mo, Enterprise $39/user/mo). Verified students/OSS maintainers can activate Individual free.

4) Verify Copilot is working

Create a new file and type a descriptive comment; look for gray ghost text. Press Tab to accept, Esc to dismiss.

5) Key settings to tune

Open Settings (Ctrl+, / Cmd+,) and search “Copilot”:

// Enable/disable by language
"github.copilot.enable": {
  "*": true,
  "markdown": false,
  "plaintext": false
},

// Inline suggestions
"editor.inlineSuggest.enabled": true,

// Copilot Chat
"github.copilot.chat.enabled": true

Use the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P) → search “Copilot” to open chat or toggle inline suggestions.

6) Using Copilot in VS Code

• Inline completions: Type code or a comment; accept with Tab. Cycle alternatives with Alt+] / Option+] and Alt+[ / Option+[ (default keybindings).
• Copilot Chat: Open the chat view from the Activity Bar or Ctrl+Shift+P → “GitHub Copilot Chat.” Ask questions, generate tests, or request explanations.
• Explain/fix selection: Select code → right-click → Copilot → “Explain this” or “Fix this.”

7) Common troubleshooting

• No suggestions: confirm you’re signed in, inline suggestions are enabled, and the file type is recognized.
• Missing icon: ensure both Copilot extensions are installed; reload VS Code (Developer: Reload Window).
• Access denied: confirm your trial/subscription or student/OSS eligibility is active.

8) Plan overview (Dec 2025)

• Individual: $10/month or $100/year; 30-day trial; free for verified students and eligible OSS maintainers.
• Business: $19/user/month; adds org policy controls, SSO/SAML, seat management.
• Enterprise: $39/user/month; includes GitHub.com PR/issue integrations, advanced governance, and enterprise support.

Sources (December 2025)

• GitHub Copilot plans: https://github.com/features/copilot/plans
• VS Code Copilot setup: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/overview
• GitHub Docs quickstart: https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/get-started/quickstart

Want alternatives? See Cursor, Windsurf, and more in our directory.