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How to Install MCP Servers in VS Code (GitHub Copilot)
How to add MCP servers to VS Code for GitHub Copilot agent mode — the .vscode/mcp.json file, the servers key, and enabling tools in Copilot Chat.
Configuring VS Code (GitHub Copilot)
Workspace path
.vscode/mcp.json in your project root{
"servers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/dir"]
}
}
}Step-by-step Installation Guide
- 1
Create the MCP config
Run "MCP: Add Server" from the Command Palette, or create .vscode/mcp.json in your project. Note that VS Code nests servers under a "servers" key — not "mcpServers" like other clients.
- 2
Add the server definition
Add a named entry with a "command" and "args". For secrets, use VS Code "inputs" so the value is prompted for and stored securely instead of hard-coded in the file.
- 3
Enable it in Copilot agent mode
Open Copilot Chat and switch to Agent mode, then start the server from the MCP prompt. The tools become available for Copilot to call during agent tasks.
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