Why does VS Code use "servers" instead of "mcpServers"?

VS Code adopted its own schema and nests MCP servers under a "servers" key, with support for a separate "inputs" array for prompted secrets. If you copy a config from Claude or Cursor, rename "mcpServers" to "servers".

Do I need Copilot agent mode to use MCP in VS Code?

Yes — MCP tools are invoked from Copilot Chat in Agent mode. Make sure you have Copilot enabled and select Agent mode before expecting the server tools to be called.

Why does VS Code use "servers" instead of "mcpServers"?

VS Code adopted its own schema and nests MCP servers under a "servers" key, with support for a separate "inputs" array for prompted secrets. If you copy a config from Claude or Cursor, rename "mcpServers" to "servers".

Do I need Copilot agent mode to use MCP in VS Code?

Yes — MCP tools are invoked from Copilot Chat in Agent mode. Make sure you have Copilot enabled and select Agent mode before expecting the server tools to be called.

IDE Extension

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)

Config file: .vscode/mcp.json

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Create a .vscode/mcp.json in your project (or run "MCP: Add Server" from the Command Palette) and add the server under a "servers" key. MCP tools are used from GitHub Copilot Chat in Agent mode.

Install MCP servers in other clients

Step-by-step Installation Guide

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Create a .vscode/mcp.json in your project (or run "MCP: Add Server" from the Command Palette) and add the server under a "servers" key. MCP tools are used from GitHub Copilot Chat in Agent mode.