Experimenting with MCP using GitHub Copilot

Overview

This article describes how to install the "Copilot MCP" extension in VS Code and use GitHub Copilot with MCP to fetch information from GitHub for testing purposes.
Note: Since the official GitHub Copilot implementation also seems to support MCP, this extension might become unnecessary once the feature is released.

Test Environment

• Windows 10 Pro
• VS Code

Preparation

Please ensure the following in advance:

• Install node.js
  • The npm and npx commands must be available
• Create a GitHub account

Installing the MCP Server

Install the GitHub MCP server via npm.
Note: If you have already installed the MCP server for use with other MCP-compatible tools like Cursor, this step is not required.

Run the following command in your terminal:

npm install @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

Generating a GitHub Personal Access Token

Access https://github.co.jp/ and sign in.

Navigate to [Settings] -> [Developer Settings]
-> Personal access token -> Tokens (classic) -> Generate new token -> Generate new token

• In the Note field, enter an identifier for the token.
• No checkboxes need to be selected.
• Click the [Generate token] button.

If your settings are correct, a token will be generated. Make sure to record the token as it will be used later.
Note: The token cannot be viewed again after this. However, you can generate a new one if needed.

Installing the "Copilot MCP" Extension

Install the "Copilot MCP" extension in VS Code.
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items/?itemName=AutomataLabs.copilot-mcp

Configuring MCP

After installing the extension, an icon resembling a server will appear in the VS Code activity bar.

Extension Icon

Click on that icon.

Upon clicking, the "MCP Server Manager" window will open.

MCP Server Manager

Click the [+ Add Server] button to reveal the configuration fields.

Add Server

Fill in the following:

• Server Name: Enter any preferred name.
• Server Type: Remains as Process (Local).
• Start Command: npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

Click the [+ Add Variable] button to add the following field:

• KEY: GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN
• value: The token generated from GitHub

After completing all the inputs, click the [Add Server] button.
If the connection to the MCP server is successful, you will see the following message:

Connection Success

If the connection fails (or is not recognized), nothing will be displayed.
Note: Even with the correct configuration, recognition can sometimes be intermittent.

Testing in COPILOT Chat

In the chat input, prefix your message with @mcp to use MCP.

Example of MCP Usage

For example, try asking:
@mcp Tell me the most popular repositories

You will receive a response similar to the following:

MCP Response

This indicates that MCP successfully provided an answer!