Ever wished your code could almost write itself? Meet GitHub Copilot — your AI-powered coding assistant! It helps by suggesting code snippets, completing functions, and even generating entire blocks of code based on what you’re working on.

💡Note: — For more information about billing please refer to https://docs.github.com/en/billing/managing-billing-for-github-copilot/about-billing-for-github-copilot

In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up and use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio, step by step, without any technical jargon.

Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot Extension

First things first, you need to install the Copilot extension in Visual Studio (not VS Code).

Here’s how:

1. Open Visual Studio and go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
2. Search for “GitHub Copilot” in the Marketplace.
3. Click Download and install it.
4. Restart Visual Studio after installation (recommended).

✅ Done! Now let’s activate it.

Step 2: Sign in to GitHub

Since GitHub Copilot requires a GitHub account, you need to sign in.

1. Click on “Sign in with GitHub” when prompted.
2. Allow necessary permissions for Copilot to access your code.

💡 Note: If you don’t have a Copilot subscription, you might need to start a free trial or subscribe.

Step 3: Start Coding with Copilot

Now, the fun part! 🎉 Copilot works as soon as you start typing.

How to Use Copilot:

• Write a comment like // Create a function to add two numbers → Copilot will suggest the function.
• Start typing a function name, and it will autocomplete it for you.
• Press Tab to accept a suggestion or Esc to ignore it.

// Function to calculate square of a number
int Square(int number) {
return ....... //Here Copilot might suggest this automatically as you type
}

Step 4: Customize Copilot Settings

Want Copilot to behave differently? You can tweak its settings!

1. Go to Tools > Options > GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio.
2. Choose when you want suggestions (e.g., inline, only in comments, etc.).
3. Turn Copilot on/off for specific file types.

🔧 Pro Tip: If Copilot gives too many suggestions, you can disable it temporarily using Alt +  (Windows) or Option +  (Mac).

Step 5: Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are some handy shortcuts:

Final Thoughts

GitHub Copilot is like having an AI coding buddy — it helps speed up development, reduces typos, and even teaches you new coding tricks! Give it a try in Visual Studio, and you’ll be surprised at how much easier coding becomes.

💬 Have you tried GitHub Copilot yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!