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docs/content/copilot/github-copilot-chat/using-github-copilot-chat.md
2023-08-21 14:32:42 +00:00

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---
title: Using GitHub Copilot Chat
intro: 'You can start using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} by installing the extension in your preferred environment.'
product: '{% data reusables.gated-features.copilot-chat %}'
topics:
- Copilot
defaultTool: vscode
versions:
feature: copilot
shortTitle: Using Copilot Chat
---
{% vscode %}
## About {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} and {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-procedural-intro %}
## Prerequisites
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-subscription-prerequisite %}
- To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, you must have the latest version of {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} installed. For more information, see the [{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} download page](https://code.visualstudio.com/).
- To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, you must be signed into {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} with the same {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} ID that has been granted access to the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} limited public beta.
{% data reusables.copilot.enabling-copilot-chat-beta %}
## Installing the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} extension
To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, you must first install the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} extension for {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, open the **Extensions** view by clicking the **Extensions** icon in the activity bar on the left side of the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} window.
![Screenshot of the extensions icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vsc-extensions-icon.png)
1. In the "Search Extensions in Marketplace" search box, search for the `{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}` extension, then click **Install**.
![Screenshot of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} extension in the Extensions Marketplace.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vscode-extension-search.png)
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} window, click **Reload required** to update {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
1. If you are prompted to sign in by a toast notification in the bottom right corner of {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, click **Sign in to {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %}** and sign in with the same {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} ID that has been granted access to the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} limited public beta.
1. Follow the prompts in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} and on {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} in your browser to complete the sign in and authentication process.
1. To confirm that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} has been successfully installed, in the activity bar on the left side of the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} window, click the **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}** icon to open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} chat window.
![Screenshot of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vsc-copilot-chat-icon.png)
{% note %}
**Note:** If you experience authentication issues after installing the extension, see "[Troubleshooting authentication issues with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}](/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/troubleshooting-authentication-issues-with-github-copilot-chat)."
{% endnote %}
## Asking your first question
{% data reusables.copilot.copilot-chat-exclusively-code-questions %}
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} activity bar, click the **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}** icon to open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} chat window.
![Screenshot of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vsc-copilot-chat-icon.png)
1. At the bottom of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} window, in the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} a question or type `/` for topics** text box, type a coding related question, then press **Enter**. For example, type "How do I write a function that returns the sum of two numbers?".
1. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} will process your question and provide an answer, with code suggestions when appropriate, in the chat window.
If your question is outside the scope of {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, it will tell you and may suggest an alternative question to ask.
1. Optionally, if {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} suggests a follow-up question above the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} a question or type `/` for topics** text box, click the follow-up question to ask it.
## Using code suggestions from {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}
When {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} provides code suggestions, you have a few options for how to use them.
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} window, to show the options for a code suggestion, hover over the suggestion.
![Screenshot of code suggestion options in the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} window.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vsc-code-suggestion-options.png)
1. Choose one of the options for using the code suggestion.
- To copy the code suggestion to your clipboard, click the **Copy** icon.
- To insert the code suggestion into your code at the current location of your cursor, click the **Insert at Cursor** icon.
- To view additional options, click the **...** icon.
- To create a new file and insert the suggestion into it, click **Insert Into New File**.
- To run the code suggestion in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} terminal, click **Run in Terminal**.
## Asking {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} questions about your code
{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} can provide answers and support with a wide range of coding related topics.
1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, open the file you want {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} to help you with.
1. Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} a question about the file you have open. For example:
- To generate a description of the file's purpose, ask a question like, `What does this file do?`.
- To generate a unit test for the file, type a request like, `Write a unit test for this file`. Alternatively, highlight the code you want to generate a unit test for, then ask a question like, `Write a unit test for this code`.
- To generate a fix for a bug in the file, type a request like, `Fix this bug`.
## Sharing feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}
To share feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, you can use the **share feedback** button in the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} window.
1. Scroll to the top of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} window.
1. Click the **share feedback** button.
1. In your browser, in the **vscode-copilot-release** repository, create a new issue or open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} community discussion.
- To open an issue to report a bug, next to **Bug report for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}**, click **Get started**.
- To open an issue to request a feature, next to **Feature request for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}**, click **Get started**.
- To report a security vulnerability, next to **Report a security vulnerability**, click **View policy**.
- To ask a question in a discussion, next to **Questions**, click **Open**.
## Further reading
- [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-copilot-pre-release-terms)
- "[AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot)"{% ifversion ghec %}
- "[AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/privacy-policies/github-copilot-for-business-privacy-statement)"{% endif %}
- "[{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)"
{% endvscode %}
{% visualstudio %}
## About {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} and {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-procedural-intro %}
## Prerequisites
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-subscription-prerequisite %}
- To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} with {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, you must be running {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} 2022 version 17.6 or higher. For more information, see the [Visual Studio IDE](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/) documentation.
- To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} with {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, you must be signed into {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} with the same {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} ID that has been granted access to the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} limited public beta.
{% data reusables.copilot.enabling-copilot-chat-beta %}
## Installing the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} extension
To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} with {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, you must install the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} extension.
{% data reusables.copilot.vs-extensions %}
1. In the "Manage Extensions" window, click **Visual Studio Marketplace**, search for "{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}", then click **Download**.
{% data reusables.copilot.vs-exit-and-relaunch %}
{% note %}
**Note:** If you experience authentication issues after installing the extension, see "[Troubleshooting authentication issues with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}](/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/troubleshooting-authentication-issues-with-github-copilot-chat)."
{% endnote %}
## Asking your first question
{% data reusables.copilot.copilot-chat-exclusively-code-questions %}
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} menu bar, to launch {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, click **View**, then click **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}**.
1. At the bottom of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window, in the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}** text box, type a coding related question, then press **Enter**. For example, type "How do I write a function that returns the sum of two numbers?".
{% note %}
**Note:** If your question is outside the scope of {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, it will tell you and may suggest an alternative question to ask.
{% endnote %}
1. If {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} offers a code suggestion that you want to use, click the **Copy** icon to copy the code suggestion to your clipboard.
1. Optionally, if {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} suggests a follow-up question under your last answer, click the follow-up question to ask it.
## Asking {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} questions about your code
{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} can provide answers and support with a wide range of coding related topics.
1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, open the file you want {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} to help you with.
1. Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} a question about the file you have open. For example:
- To generate a description of the file's purpose, ask a question like, `What does this file do?`.
- To generate a unit test for the file, type a request like, `Write a unit test for this file`. Alternatively, highlight the code you want to generate a unit test for, then ask a question like, `Write a unit test for this code`.
- To generate a fix for a bug in the file, type a request like, `Fix this bug`.
## Sharing feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}
To share feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}, you can use the **Send feedback** button in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}. For more information on providing feedback for {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, see the [Visual Studio Feedback](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/ide/how-to-report-a-problem-with-visual-studio?view=vs-2022) documentation.
1. In the top right corner of the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} window, click the **Send feedback** button.
![Screenshot of the share feedback button in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}.](/assets/images/help/copilot/vs-share-feedback-button.png)
1. Choose the option that best describes your feedback.
- To report a bug, click **Report a problem**.
- To request a feature, click **Suggest a feature**.
## Further reading
- [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-copilot-pre-release-terms)
- [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot){% ifversion ghec %}
- [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/privacy-policies/github-copilot-for-business-privacy-statement){% endif %}
- [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)
{% endvisualstudio %}