About the GitHub MCP server

The GitHub MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by GitHub. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance.

For a full introduction to the GitHub MCP server and an overview of MCP, seeAbout Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• A GitHub account.
• Visual Studio Code.
• If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP with Copilot.

Setting up the GitHub MCP server in Visual Studio Code

The GitHub MCP server in Visual Studio Code can be configured remotely or locally. The remote GitHub MCP server is hosted by GitHub and is the recommended option for most users. The local GitHub MCP server is hosted on your machine and is recommended for users who want to customize their setup or have specific security requirements.

The steps below describe remote configuration through the MCP marketplace in Visual Studio Code's extension panel. The MCP marketplace is powered by the GitHub MCP Registry. SeeMCP Registry.

For information on manually configuring the remote or local GitHub MCP server, see theGitHub MCP server documentation.

1. In Visual Studio Code, open the extensions panel by clicking the extensions icon in the sidebar or pressingCtrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) /Command+Shift+X (Mac).
2. In the extensions search bar, click the filter icon and selectMCP Server from the dropdown.
3. If it is your first time using the MCP Servers Marketplace, follow the prompts on screen to enable the Marketplace.
4. In the search bar, typegithub and select the GitHub MCP server from the search results.
5. On the GitHub MCP server configuration page, clickInstall.
6. To check that the GitHub MCP server is configured correctly, open the command palette by pressingCtrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) /Command+Shift+P (Mac).
7. Type and selectMCP: List Servers. You should seegithub listed as a configured server.

About the GitHub MCP server

The GitHub MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by GitHub. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance.

For a full introduction to the GitHub MCP server and an overview of MCP, seeAbout Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• Access to Copilot. SeeWhat is GitHub Copilot?.
• Visual Studio version 17.14 or later. For more information on installing Visual Studio, see theVisual Studio downloads page.
• Sign in to GitHub from Visual Studio.
• If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP with Copilot.

Setting up the GitHub MCP server in Visual Studio

The instructions below guide you through setting up the GitHub MCP server in Visual Studio. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.

The remote GitHub MCP server uses one-click OAuth authentication by default, but you can also manually configure it to use a personal access token (PAT) for authentication. If you use OAuth, the MCP server can only access the scopes you approve during sign-in. In organization-owned contexts, access may also be limited by admin policies that control which scopes and apps are permitted. If you use a PAT, the MCP server will have access to the scopes granted by the PAT, which is also subject to any PAT restrictions configured by the organization.

For information on setting up the GitHub MCP server locally, see theGitHub MCP server documentation.

Remote MCP server configuration with OAuth

You do not need to create a PAT or install any additional software to use the remote GitHub MCP server with OAuth. You can set it up directly in Visual Studio.

1. In the Visual Studio menu bar, clickView, then clickGitHub Copilot Chat.

2. At the bottom of the chat panel, selectAgent from the mode dropdown.

3. In the Copilot Chat window, click the tools icon, then click the plus icon in the tool picker window.

4. In the "Configure MCP server" pop-up window, fill out the fields.

   1. For "Server ID", typegithub.
   2. For "Type", select "HTTP/SSE" from the dropdown.
   3. For "URL", typehttps://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/.

5. ClickSave. The configuration in themcp.json file should look like this:

   JSON

   {"servers":{"github":{"url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"}}}

6. In themcp.json file, clickAuth from the CodeLens above the server to authenticate to the server. A pop-up will come up allowing you to authenticate with your GitHub account.

Remote MCP server configuration with PAT

To configure the remote GitHub MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, seeManaging your personal access tokens.

1. In the Visual Studio menu bar, clickView, then clickGitHub Copilot Chat.

2. At the bottom of the chat panel, selectAgent from the mode dropdown.

3. In the Copilot Chat window, click the tools icon, then click the plus icon in the tool picker window.

4. In the "Configure MCP server" pop-up window, fill out the fields.

   1. For "Server ID", typegithub.
   2. For "Type", select "HTTP/SSE" from the dropdown.
   3. For "URL", typehttps://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/.
   4. Add a new header under "Headers", called "Authorization" and set to the valueBearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT, replacing "YOUR_GITHUB_PAT" with your PAT.

5. ClickSave. The configuration in themcp.json file should look like this:

   JSON

   {"servers":{"github":{"url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/","requestInit":{"headers":{"Authorization":"Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"}}}}}

For more information on configuring MCP servers in Visual Studio, seeUse MCP servers in Visual Studio (Preview) in the Visual Studio documentation.

About the GitHub MCP server

The GitHub MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by GitHub. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance.

For a full introduction to the GitHub MCP server and an overview of MCP, seeAbout Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• Access to Copilot. SeeWhat is GitHub Copilot?.

• A compatible JetBrains IDE. GitHub Copilot is compatible with the following IDEs:

  • IntelliJ IDEA (Ultimate, Community, Educational)
  • Android Studio
  • AppCode
  • CLion
  • Code With Me Guest
  • DataGrip
  • DataSpell
  • GoLand
  • JetBrains Client
  • MPS
  • PhpStorm
  • PyCharm (Professional, Community, Educational)
  • Rider
  • RubyMine
  • RustRover
  • WebStorm
  • Writerside

  See theJetBrains IDEs tool finder to download.

• Latest version of the GitHub Copilot extension. See theGitHub Copilot plugin in the JetBrains Marketplace. For installation instructions, seeInstalling the GitHub Copilot extension in your environment.

• Sign in to GitHub in your JetBrains IDE. For authentication instructions, seeInstalling the GitHub Copilot extension in your environment.

• If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP with Copilot.

Setting up the GitHub MCP server in JetBrains IDEs

The instructions below guide you through setting up the GitHub MCP server in JetBrains IDEs. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.

The remote GitHub MCP server uses one-click OAuth authentication by default, but you can also manually configure it to use a personal access token (PAT) for authentication. If you use OAuth, the MCP server can only access the scopes you approve during sign-in. In organization-owned contexts, access may also be limited by admin policies that control which scopes and apps are permitted. If you use a PAT, the MCP server will have access to the scopes granted by the PAT, which is also subject to any PAT restrictions configured by the organization.

For information on setting up the GitHub MCP server locally, see theGitHub MCP server documentation.

Remote MCP server configuration with OAuth

You do not need to create a PAT or install any additional software to use the remote GitHub MCP server with OAuth. You can set it up directly in JetBrains IDEs.

1. In the lower right corner, click.

2. From the menu, select "Open Chat", make sure you are in Agent mode, then click the tools icon (called "Configure your MCP server") at the bottom of the chat window.

3. ClickAdd MCP Tools.

4. In themcp.json file, add the following configuration:

   JSON

   {"servers":{"github":{"type":"http","url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"}}}

5. In the "GitHub Copilot" popup that says the "MCP server definition wants to authenticate to GitHub, clickAllow.

6. If you have not yet authorized the GitHub Copilot plugin, in the browser popup, clickContinue next to your personal account.

Remote MCP server configuration with PAT

To configure the remote GitHub MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, seeManaging your personal access tokens.

1. In the lower right corner, click.
2. From the menu, select "Open Chat", make sure you are in Agent mode, then click the tools icon (called "Configure your MCP server") at the bottom of the chat window.
3. ClickAdd MCP Tools.
4. In themcp.json file, add the following configuration, replacingYOUR_GITHUB_PAT with the PAT you created:

  {    "servers": {        "github": {            "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",            "requestInit": {                "headers": {                    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"                }            }        }    }  }

{"servers":{"github":{"url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/","requestInit":{"headers":{"Authorization":"Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"}}}}}

About the GitHub MCP server

The GitHub MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by GitHub. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance.

For a full introduction to the GitHub MCP server and an overview of MCP, seeAbout Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• Access to Copilot. SeeWhat is GitHub Copilot?.
• GitHub Copilot for Xcode extension. SeeInstalling the GitHub Copilot extension in your environment.
• If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP with Copilot.

Setting up the GitHub MCP server in Xcode

The instructions below guide you through setting up the GitHub MCP server in Xcode. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.

The remote GitHub MCP server uses one-click OAuth authentication by default, but you can also manually configure it to use a personal access token (PAT) for authentication. If you use OAuth, the MCP server can only access the scopes you approve during sign-in. In organization-owned contexts, access may also be limited by admin policies that control which scopes and apps are permitted. If you use a PAT, the MCP server will have access to the scopes granted by the PAT, which is also subject to any PAT restrictions configured by the organization.

For information on setting up the GitHub MCP server locally, see theGitHub MCP server documentation.

Remote MCP server configuration with OAuth

You do not need to create a PAT or install any additional software to use the remote GitHub MCP server with OAuth. You can set it up directly in Xcode.

1. Open the GitHub Copilot for Xcode extension and go to "Settings".

   • Alternatively, in an active Xcode workspace, you can find the settings by clickingEditor in the menu bar, selectingGitHub Copilot, then clickingOpen GitHub Copilot for Xcode Settings.

2. Select theMCP tab, then clickEdit Config.

3. Add the following configuration:

   JSON

   {"servers":{"github":{"type":"http","url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"}}}

4. In the "GitHub Copilot" popup that says the "MCP Server Definition wants to authenticate to GitHub", clickContinue.

5. If you have not yet authorized the GitHub Copilot plugin, in the browser popup, clickContinue next to your personal account.

Remote MCP server configuration with PAT

To configure the remote GitHub MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, seeManaging your personal access tokens.

1. Open the GitHub Copilot for Xcode extension and go to "Settings".
   • Alternatively, in an active Xcode workspace, you can find the settings by clickingEditor in the menu bar, selectingGitHub Copilot, then clickingOpen GitHub Copilot for Xcode Settings.
2. Select theMCP tab, then clickEdit Config.
3. Add the following configuration, replacingYOUR_GITHUB_PAT with the PAT you created:

  {    "servers": {        "github": {            "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",            "requestInit": {                "headers": {                    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"                }            }        }    }  }

{"servers":{"github":{"url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/","requestInit":{"headers":{"Authorization":"Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"}}}}}

About the GitHub MCP server

The GitHub MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by GitHub. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance.

For a full introduction to the GitHub MCP server and an overview of MCP, seeAbout Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• Access to Copilot. SeeWhat is GitHub Copilot?.
• Compatible version of Eclipse. To use the GitHub Copilot extension, you must have Eclipse version 2024-09 or above. See theEclipse download page.
• If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a Copilot Business or Copilot Enterprise plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP with Copilot.
• Latest version of the GitHub Copilot extension. Download this from theEclipse Marketplace. For more information, seeInstalling the GitHub Copilot extension in your environment.
• Sign in to GitHub from Eclipse.

Setting up the GitHub MCP server in Eclipse

The instructions below guide you through setting up the GitHub MCP server in Eclipse. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.

The remote GitHub MCP server uses one-click OAuth authentication by default, but you can also manually configure it to use a personal access token (PAT) for authentication. If you use OAuth, the MCP server can only access the scopes you approve during sign-in. In organization-owned contexts, access may also be limited by admin policies that control which scopes and apps are permitted. If you use a PAT, the MCP server will have access to the scopes granted by the PAT, which is also subject to any PAT restrictions configured by the organization.

For information on setting up the GitHub MCP server locally, see theGitHub MCP server repository.

Remote MCP server configuration with OAuth

You do not need to create a PAT or install any additional software to use the remote GitHub MCP server with OAuth. You can set it up directly in Eclipse.

1. Click the Copilot icon () in the status bar at the bottom of Eclipse.

2. From the menu, selectOpen Chat and, in the chat window, click the "Configure Tools..." icon.

   • Alternatively, you can selectEdit preferences, then in the left pane, expand GitHub Copilot and clickMCP.

3. Add the following configuration under "Server Configurations":

   JSON

   {"servers":{"github":{"type":"http","url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"}}}

4. ClickApply.

5. In the "GitHub Copilot" popup that says the "MCP Server Definition wants to authenticate to GitHub", clickOK.

6. If you have not yet authorized the GitHub Copilot plugin, in the browser popup, clickContinue next to your personal account.

Remote MCP server configuration with PAT

To configure the remote GitHub MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, seeManaging your personal access tokens.

1. Click the Copilot icon () in the status bar at the bottom of Eclipse.
2. From the menu, selectOpen Chat and, in the chat window, click the "Configure Tools..." icon.
   • Alternatively, you can selectEdit preferences, then in the left pane, expand GitHub Copilot and clickMCP.
3. Add the following configuration under "Server Configurations", replacingYOUR_GITHUB_PAT with the PAT you created:

  {    "servers": {        "github": {            "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",            "requestInit": {                "headers": {                    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"                }            }        }    }  }

{"servers":{"github":{"url":"https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/","requestInit":{"headers":{"Authorization":"Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"}}}}}