How to Use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

First, sign up for GitHub Copilot

5 min. read

Updated onSeptember 3, 2024

updated onSeptember 3, 2024

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If you are looking for a way to speed up your coding process in a Visual Studio environment, GitHub Copilot, an artificial intelligent pair programmer, can help!

In this guide, we will explain the step-by-step instructions to install the extension and how to utilize the tool’s artificial intelligence in the Integrated Development Environment.

Is GitHub Copilot free in Visual Studio?

If you are a student, teacher, or maintainer of a popular open-source code project, then you caninstall GitHub Copilot for free. However, if you don’t fall into these categories, you can get a one-time 30-day free trial of the tool.

How do I use GitHub Copilot with Visual Studio?

Before proceeding with any steps to get GitHub Copilot and use it on Visual Studio, go through the following preliminary checks:

1. Download the GitHub Copilot extension

2. Add the GitHub account to your Visual Studio

During the installation process, you might be prompted to sign in to a Microsoft account linked with your GitHub if you haven’t already. If not, follow these steps to add your GitHub account to Visual Studio:

3. Setting up GitHub Copilot for use

Exploring Features of GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

The seamless integration of GitHub Copilot within Visual Studio can help you perform repetitive tasks faster and more efficiently. You can add theGitHub Copilot for Businessusing the same steps. To know more, read this guide.

Using the tool not only accelerates the development of the code but also nurtures learning by offering educational insights. You can also add its extension toVisual Studio Code,Azure Data Studio,JetBrains suite of IDEs,Vim,andNeovim.

Another AI-powered virtual assistant by Microsoft isMicrosoft 365 Copilot; you can add it to Outlook,Word, Excel, and other 365 apps on your Windows, Mac, or mobile OS to get suggestions for various repetitive tasks. You can also check out thisGitHub Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot comparisonif you’re unsure which tool to use.

If you need something different, you can always try usingBlackbox AIas an alternative to Copilot.

Download GitHub Copilot, use it, and tell us your experience and what you think about the tool in the comments section below.

How to Use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio#

How do I use GitHub Copilot with Visual Studio?#

1. Download the GitHub Copilot extension#

2. Add the GitHub account to your Visual Studio#

3. Setting up GitHub Copilot for use#

Exploring Features of GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio#