---
title: VS Code MCP Server Configuration
description: Configuration guide for GitHub MCP server integration with VS Code Copilot
author: Microsoft
ms.date: 2026-04-01
ms.topic: reference
keywords:
  - mcp
  - github copilot
  - vscode
  - configuration
estimated_reading_time: 3
---

> **Note:** MCP servers are not enabled by default. The available server configurations are stored in `mcp.json.sample`. To enable them, either rename `mcp.json.sample` to `mcp.json`, or create a new `mcp.json` and copy across only the servers you need.

## Overview

This workspace uses the GitHub MCP server for enhanced Copilot capabilities.

## Configuration

The MCP server configuration is provided in `.vscode/mcp.json.sample`.

> **Note:** If you want to use the recommended GitHub MCP server setup, run `npx @modelcontextprotocol/server-github` and update your `.vscode/mcp.json` accordingly. See the [GitHub MCP Server Documentation](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server) for details.

### Authentication

#### Option 1: OAuth (Recommended)

* Uses VS Code's built-in GitHub authentication
* No manual token management required
* Managed via: VS Code → Accounts menu → Manage Trusted MCP Servers

#### Option 2: Personal Access Token

* Required for GitHub Enterprise Server
* Set environment variable: `GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN`
* Generate at: <https://github.com/settings/personal-access-tokens/new>

### Enterprise Configuration

For GitHub Enterprise Server:

1. Update `.vscode/mcp.json` with your enterprise URL:

   ```json
   {
     "servers": {
       "github": {
         "url": "https://your-github-enterprise.com/mcp"
       }
     }
   }
   ```

2. Set your PAT as an environment variable:

   ```powershell
   # PowerShell
   $env:GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN = "your_token_here"
   ```

   ```bash
   # Bash/Linux/macOS
   export GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN="your_token_here"
   ```

### Required Token Scopes

If using PAT authentication, your token needs:

* `repo` - Full control of private repositories
* `read:org` - Read org and team membership
* `user` - Read user profile data

### Usage

Once configured, the MCP server provides:

* Repository operations (file management, search)
* Branch management
* Issue management
* Pull request workflows
* Code search capabilities

### Security Notes

* Never commit tokens to version control
* Use OAuth when possible for automatic credential management
* Rotate PATs regularly
* Use fine-grained tokens with minimal required permissions

### Troubleshooting

**Server not connecting:**

* Check VS Code version (1.101+ recommended for OAuth)
* Verify GitHub authentication via Accounts menu
* For PAT: Verify `GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN` is set

**Permission errors:**

* Ensure token has required scopes
* Check token hasn't expired
* Verify repository access permissions

### References

* [VS Code MCP Extension Guide](https://code.visualstudio.com/api/extension-guides/ai/mcp)
* [GitHub MCP Server Documentation](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server)
* [GitHub Personal Access Tokens](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/creating-a-personal-access-token)

---

*🤖 Crafted with precision by ✨Copilot following brilliant human instruction, then carefully refined by our team of discerning human reviewers.*
