Built on GitHub’s native /mcp integration, Copilot can search issues, analyze labels and activity, and summarize scope so you can move from backlog to implementation without context hunting.
Copilot CLI
Less // TODO: more done
Run a GitHub-native agent in your terminal that works directly with your issues and pull requests, executes across a /fleet of parallelized subagents, and carries you from /plan to merged code.
curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash
Read the documentation. Included in Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions.
Get Copilot CLI
Read the documentation. Available with Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise.
Use any /model, parallelize with /fleet
Use /model to switch, then /fleet to execute in parallel or run multiple models at once.
/resume where you left off
Return to long-running work and keep moving. Memory and compaction keep sessions from collapsing under their own history.
CLI to /IDE, and back again
Start in the CLI with a /plan, then open the work in VS Code to refine code directly.
Go from /plan to pull request
Compare plans and run /fleet across your preferred models to execute with parallelized subagents. Refine in your /IDE and ship your pull request on GitHub.
Work with your issues via native GitHub /mcp support
/plan with a team of agents. Execute with autopilot.
Shift+Tab into plan mode to outline the work, use /model to compare approaches, and then Shift+Tab into autopilot mode when you want Copilot to carry the task forward without step-by-step approval.
Shape behavior with /agent and /skills
Use AGENTS.md and Agent Skills to define custom instructions and tool access, so behavior stays consistent across models, sessions, and delegated work.
/delegate work, review the /diff
Create a branch, implement a change, and open a pull request with a single command. Stay in control while /fleet coordinates subagents in the background.
GitHub native via /mcp
GitHub’s native /mcp server lets you work with issues, branches, and pull requests, not just edit files.
Works inside your existing guardrails
Branch protections, required checks, and organization policies work. Copilot Business or Enterprise settings apply automatically.
Get early access to experimental capabilities
/experimental show offers access to preview features as we build them. Use /changelog to see the latest updates.
Build on the same agentic runtime with the Copilot SDK
If your application has logic, it can have an agent. Install Copilot CLI (npm install -g @github/copilot) to get started.
Move from issue to commit without leaving your shell
Install Copilot CLI with npm install -g @github/copilot and run /plan on your next task.
Resources on GitHub Copilot CLI
Frequently asked questions
Getting Started, Pricing & Access
Who can access GitHub Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI is included as a core feature of all GitHub Copilot plans (Free, Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise).
How much does it cost to use Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI access is included as part of your Copilot subscription. Each interaction with the agent draws on your respective plan’s premium request allowance. For additional information on billing, please refer to our documentation.
How do I install and set up Copilot CLI?
There are multiple ways to install and set up Copilot CLI. Install via npm with npm install -g @github/copilot, then authenticate using your existing GitHub credentials. The CLI automatically inherits your organization's Copilot policies and governance settings. Please see the installation guide to read options for Homebrew, WinGet, and more.
I have a Copilot Business or Enterprise license. Will I have access to Copilot CLI?
Yes. Copilot CLI works with your existing Copilot Business or Enterprise subscription — no additional billing or setup required. However, your organization's admin needs to enable Copilot CLI.
What operating systems are supported?
Copilot CLI supports macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Capabilities & Functionality
Can I use Copilot CLI with any code editor?
Copilot CLI operates independently in your terminal and can modify files that any editor can then display, making it useful regardless of your editor choice — especially for editors that don't have official Copilot extensions.
Will Copilot CLI integrate directly into VS Code?
Yes, you can interact with Copilot CLI in the VS Code integrated terminal and in the VS Code chat panel. Please see our docs page for more information.
Can I extend Copilot CLI with custom tools?
Yes, Copilot CLI supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integrations, skills, and plugins, allowing you to add custom capabilities and contextual richness tailored to your unique development environment.
Which models can I access with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI supports models from multiple foundation model providers, such as Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. You can switch models per task or use multiple models for the same task when needed.
What types of development tasks work best with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI excels at legacy codebase navigation, new repository creation, cross-platform development setup, and multi-step implementations, and any scenario requiring autonomous task execution with terminal-native workflows.
Does Copilot CLI support subagents or multi-agent workflows?
Yes. Copilot CLI supports subagents and multi‑agent workflows. With /fleet, you can run the same task across multiple subagents in parallel and converge on one decision‑ready result, with full control over what’s applied.
How does chat history and session persistence work?
Copilot CLI maintains session persistence within and across sessions, allowing you to build on previous conversations and maintain context throughout your development workflow.
Security & Governance
How does Copilot CLI handle security and compliance?
Copilot CLI automatically inherits your organization's existing Copilot governance policies. It's built on GitHub's trusted platform infrastructure with the same security standards and compliance that protect millions of developers.
How does file modification and command execution work?
Every file change and command execution requires your explicit approval before being applied. You maintain complete visibility and control over all autonomous actions.
Getting Started, Pricing & Access
Who can access GitHub Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI is included as a core feature of all GitHub Copilot plans (Free, Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise).
How much does it cost to use Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI access is included as part of your Copilot subscription. Each interaction with the agent draws on your respective plan’s premium request allowance. For additional information on billing, please refer to our documentation.
How do I install and set up Copilot CLI?
There are multiple ways to install and set up Copilot CLI. Install via npm with npm install -g @github/copilot, then authenticate using your existing GitHub credentials. The CLI automatically inherits your organization's Copilot policies and governance settings. Please see the installation guide to read options for Homebrew, WinGet, and more.
I have a Copilot Business or Enterprise license. Will I have access to Copilot CLI?
Yes. Copilot CLI works with your existing Copilot Business or Enterprise subscription — no additional billing or setup required. However, your organization's admin needs to enable Copilot CLI.
What operating systems are supported?
Copilot CLI supports macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Capabilities & Functionality
Can I use Copilot CLI with any code editor?
Copilot CLI operates independently in your terminal and can modify files that any editor can then display, making it useful regardless of your editor choice — especially for editors that don't have official Copilot extensions.
Will Copilot CLI integrate directly into VS Code?
Yes, you can interact with Copilot CLI in the VS Code integrated terminal and in the VS Code chat panel. Please see our docs page for more information.
Can I extend Copilot CLI with custom tools?
Yes, Copilot CLI supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integrations, skills, and plugins, allowing you to add custom capabilities and contextual richness tailored to your unique development environment.
Which models can I access with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI supports models from multiple foundation model providers, such as Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. You can switch models per task or use multiple models for the same task when needed.
What types of development tasks work best with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI excels at legacy codebase navigation, new repository creation, cross-platform development setup, and multi-step implementations, and any scenario requiring autonomous task execution with terminal-native workflows.
Does Copilot CLI support subagents or multi-agent workflows?
Yes. Copilot CLI supports subagents and multi‑agent workflows. With /fleet, you can run the same task across multiple subagents in parallel and converge on one decision‑ready result, with full control over what’s applied.
How does chat history and session persistence work?
Copilot CLI maintains session persistence within and across sessions, allowing you to build on previous conversations and maintain context throughout your development workflow.
Security & Governance
How does Copilot CLI handle security and compliance?
Copilot CLI automatically inherits your organization's existing Copilot governance policies. It's built on GitHub's trusted platform infrastructure with the same security standards and compliance that protect millions of developers.
How does file modification and command execution work?
Every file change and command execution requires your explicit approval before being applied. You maintain complete visibility and control over all autonomous actions.