github-copilot-cli

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Expert knowledge of GitHub Copilot CLI - installation, configuration, usage, MCP servers, skills, custom agents, and troubleshooting. Use when asking about copilot cli, installing copilot, gh copilot, copilot commands, MCP setup, or copilot extensibility.

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NPX Install

npx skill4agent add rysweet/amplihack github-copilot-cli

Tags

Translated version includes tags in frontmatter

GitHub Copilot CLI Expert

Comprehensive knowledge of GitHub Copilot CLI installation, configuration, usage, and extensibility.

Purpose

This skill provides expert guidance on:
  1. Installing and updating GitHub Copilot CLI
  2. Authentication and configuration
  3. Core usage patterns and slash commands
  4. Extensibility (MCP servers, skills, custom agents)
  5. Troubleshooting common issues

When I Activate

Automatically when you mention:
  • "copilot cli", "github copilot cli", "gh copilot"
  • "install copilot", "update copilot"
  • "copilot commands", "copilot slash commands"
  • "copilot mcp", "add mcp server"
  • "copilot skills", "create copilot skill"
  • "copilot custom agent"

Quick Reference

Installation (All Platforms)

Always fetch latest version - use these commands:
PlatformCommand
Windows (WinGet)
winget install GitHub.Copilot
macOS/Linux (Homebrew)
brew install copilot-cli
All (npm, Node.js 22+)
npm install -g @github/copilot
macOS/Linux (Script)
curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash
Prerelease versions: Add
@prerelease
or use
GitHub.Copilot.Prerelease

Authentication

bash
copilot                    # Launch and follow /login prompt
# OR use PAT with "Copilot Requests" permission:
export GH_TOKEN=your_token

Essential Slash Commands

CommandPurpose
/help
Show all commands and shortcuts
/model
Select AI model (Claude Sonnet 4.5, GPT-5, etc.)
/agent
Browse and select available agents
/skills
Manage skills
/mcp
Manage MCP server configuration
/delegate [prompt]
Hand off to Copilot coding agent (creates PR)
/compact
Reduce context window usage
/context
Show token usage visualization

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
@
Mention files to include in context
!
Execute shell command directly
Esc
Cancel current operation
Ctrl+C
Cancel / clear / exit
Ctrl+L
Clear screen
Ctrl+O
Expand/collapse timeline

Extensibility Overview

  1. MCP Servers - Extend Copilot with external tools
  2. Skills - Task-specific instructions and scripts
  3. Custom Agents - Specialized agent profiles
  4. Custom Instructions - Repository-wide guidance

Navigation Guide

When to Read Supporting Files

reference.md - Read when you need:
  • Complete slash command reference with all options
  • Detailed MCP server configuration and JSON schema
  • Full permissions system documentation
  • Advanced configuration options
  • Environment variables reference
examples.md - Read when you need:
  • Step-by-step installation walkthroughs
  • Working MCP server configurations
  • Skill creation examples
  • Custom agent examples
  • Real-world usage scenarios

Core Concepts

MCP Servers (Model Context Protocol)

Copilot CLI includes GitHub MCP server by default. Add custom MCP servers:
bash
/mcp add             # Interactive configuration
/mcp show            # List configured servers
/mcp edit <name>     # Modify existing server
Config stored in:
~/.copilot/mcp-config.json

Skills

Skills enhance Copilot's task performance with instructions and scripts.
Locations:
  • Project:
    .github/skills/
    or
    .claude/skills/
  • Personal:
    ~/.copilot/skills/
    or
    ~/.claude/skills/
Structure:
.github/skills/my-skill/
└── SKILL.md    # Instructions with YAML frontmatter

Custom Agents

Specialized agent profiles stored as Markdown files.
Locations:
  • User:
    ~/.copilot/agents/
  • Repository:
    .github/agents/
  • Organization:
    .github-private/agents/

Custom Instructions

Repository-specific guidance for Copilot:
  • .github/copilot-instructions.md
    - Repository-wide
  • .github/instructions/**/*.instructions.md
    - Path-specific
  • AGENTS.md
    - Agent behavior instructions

Troubleshooting Quick Tips

IssueSolution
Not installed
brew install copilot-cli
or
npm i -g @github/copilot
Not authenticatedRun
/login
in Copilot CLI
Policy disabledCheck org/enterprise Copilot settings
MCP server not loadingVerify
~/.copilot/mcp-config.json
syntax
Skill not activatingRestart Copilot CLI, check SKILL.md YAML

Version: 1.0.0 | Status: Public Preview Note: GitHub Copilot CLI is in public preview and subject to change.