Ask Copilot CLI to explore the project structure, install dependencies, and explain how everything works — all through simple conversation in your terminal.
Public preview
Your terminal’s new sidekick
GitHub Copilot CLI reads, writes, and runs code where you work. Code faster, smarter, together.
![A terminal window displaying GitHub Copilot CLI. The screen features a pixel art character with glasses and the message 'Welcome to GitHub COPILOT'. It shows CLI Version 0.0.1 and commit ID 36b03a6fa. Instructions explain that Copilot can write, test, and debug code from the terminal. The user is logged in as MonaLisa and connected to GitHub MCP Server. The command line path is '~/GitHubRepos/sweagentd/runtime [/_main]' with a prompt for input. Footer instructions include 'Ctrl+c Exit · Ctrl+r Collapse all'.](http://images.ctfassets.net/8aevphvgewt8/5oSoYr8RQkN6yYWqSObKGQ/f08bda1d8589ab89d9adf55a732beb13/HeaderImage.webp?w=960&fm=webp&q=90)
Less setup, more shipping
Included with Copilot Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise — keeping setup simple and costs predictable so you can focus on shipping.
Agent-powered, GitHub-native
Execute coding tasks with an agent that knows your repositories, issues, and pull requests — all natively in your terminal.
Collaboration with full control
Copilot CLI inherits your policies and enforces explicit approvals — so you stay in control with full transparency.
Built for every development workflow
From rapid prototyping to legacy code navigation, Copilot CLI adapts to your unique development needs with autonomous task execution.
Get started in any codebase instantly
Leverage GitHub context and extend with your own tools
Bring context from your issues and pull requests directly to your environment, eliminating context switching. Plus, extend Copilot CLI's capabilities and context through custom MCP servers.
Build, edit, debug, and refactor code locally
Copilot CLI edits files, runs commands, and helps you iterate fast without ever leaving your local environment.
Get started in seconds
Setup is a breeze. Install Copilot CLI and run your first command.
Resources on GitHub Copilot CLI
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started, Pricing & Access
Who can access GitHub Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI is available to all developers with an active GitHub Copilot paid subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise plans). No separate billing or API keys required.
How much does it cost to use Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI access is included as part of your Copilot paid 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?
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.
I am under a Copilot Business / Enterprise plan. Will I have access to the CLI?
Yes. Copilot CLI works with your existing Copilot Business or Enterprise subscription — no additional billing or setup required. However, since this is currently in public preview, your organization admin needs to enable preview features for your account. Contact your GitHub admin to request access to Copilot CLI preview features. Once approved, install via instructions above.
What operating systems are supported?
Copilot CLI supports macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL).
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.
Can I extend Copilot CLI with custom tools?
Yes, Copilot CLI supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integrations, allowing you to add custom capabilities and contextual richness tailored to your unique development environment.
What types of development tasks work best with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI excels at legacy codebase navigation, 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?
Subagents are not available in the current Public Preview release, but they are part of our planned roadmap for future releases.
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.
Will Copilot CLI integrate directly into VS Code?
Direct integration into VS Code is not available in the current Public Preview release, but it is being considered in our roadmap for future releases.
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 available to all developers with an active GitHub Copilot paid subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise plans). No separate billing or API keys required.
How much does it cost to use Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI access is included as part of your Copilot paid 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?
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.
I am under a Copilot Business / Enterprise plan. Will I have access to the CLI?
Yes. Copilot CLI works with your existing Copilot Business or Enterprise subscription — no additional billing or setup required. However, since this is currently in public preview, your organization admin needs to enable preview features for your account. Contact your GitHub admin to request access to Copilot CLI preview features. Once approved, install via instructions above.
What operating systems are supported?
Copilot CLI supports macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL).
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.
Can I extend Copilot CLI with custom tools?
Yes, Copilot CLI supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integrations, allowing you to add custom capabilities and contextual richness tailored to your unique development environment.
What types of development tasks work best with Copilot CLI?
Copilot CLI excels at legacy codebase navigation, 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?
Subagents are not available in the current Public Preview release, but they are part of our planned roadmap for future releases.
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.
Will Copilot CLI integrate directly into VS Code?
Direct integration into VS Code is not available in the current Public Preview release, but it is being considered in our roadmap for future releases.
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.