---
name: github-copilot-cli
version: 1.0.0
description: 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.
source_urls:
  - https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/about-copilot-cli
  - https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-cli
  - https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/use-copilot-cli
  - https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/about-agent-skills
---

# 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:

| Platform               | Command                                            |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| 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

| Command              | Purpose                                          |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| `/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

| Shortcut | Action                              |
| -------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `@`      | 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

| Issue                  | Solution                                                 |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Not installed          | `brew install copilot-cli` or `npm i -g @github/copilot` |
| Not authenticated      | Run `/login` in Copilot CLI                              |
| Policy disabled        | Check org/enterprise Copilot settings                    |
| MCP server not loading | Verify `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` syntax               |
| Skill not activating   | Restart 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.