{"id":104480,"date":"2026-03-24T17:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/?p=104480"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T06:03:18","slug":"how-to-install-and-use-github-copilot-cli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/how-to-install-and-use-github-copilot-cli\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install and Use GitHub Copilot CLI [Complete Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong> is becoming popular among users of command-line tools such as <strong>Bash, PowerShell, <\/strong>and<strong> Git<\/strong>. Nevertheless, a significant portion continues to use command-based searching or trial-and-error until something works. This usually interrupts the working process and retards daily development activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you frequently forget command syntax, change tabs to find the correct Git or shell command, or encounter errors, there is a simpler approach: using <strong>GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong>. After using GitHub Copilot CLI, your command-line workflow can become significantly simpler and faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Quick Answer:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin, install the <strong>GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong> on your system and link it with your<strong> GitHub account<\/strong>. Then begin passing prompts in natural language in the terminal, and it will propose and execute the appropriate commands for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-1200x636.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-1200x636.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-768x407.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-1536x814.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-2048x1085.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-is-GitHub-Copilot-CLI-150x80.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GitHub Copilot <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/command-line-interface-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CLI<\/a><\/strong> is an <strong>AI-based coding assistant<\/strong> integrated into command-line shells (such as <strong>Bash <\/strong>or<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PowerShell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">PowerShell<\/a><\/strong>), enabling you to communicate in simple, natural language rather than complex instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only does it translate your instructions into the correct commands, but it also lets you create and debug code and even comprehend it all through the command line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It analyzes your <em>existing files, folders, and<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/git-flow-and-version-control-best-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em> <\/em><strong><em>Git<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em> setup<\/em> to provide appropriate recommendations, provide clear explanations, and help you complete your tasks more quickly and with fewer mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/code-interpreter-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio-code\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> <em>Code Interpreter with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real Use Cases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some real-world use cases of GitHub Copilot CLI in daily workflows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Create Commands<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Type simple English, and Copilot will convert it into a terminal command that you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fix Errors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In case of an error, Copilot recommends the correct command to resolve it quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Save Time<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/automation-with-command-prompt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Automate<\/strong><\/a> repetitive tasks and avoid re-entering the same command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Write Scripts<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Write and develop<a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/what-are-shell-scripts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <strong>shell scripts<\/strong><\/a> more quickly without learning complicated syntax<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understand Commands<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Get simple explanations for difficult commands so you can learn easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Check out our free 5-day AI\/ML program and discover how it\u2019s applied in various fields:<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/mlp\/AI-ML-Email-Course?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=hyperlink&amp;utm_campaign=How+to+Install+and+Use+GitHub+Copilot+CLI+%5BComplete+Guide%5D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> AI\/ML Email Course<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prerequisites for Using GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the most important prerequisites for using GitHub Copilot CLI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>a. GitHub Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Needed to sign in and use Copilot CLI. A free plan also works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>b.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/steps-to-install-nodejs-on-windows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> Node.js Installed<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Required to run Copilot CLI. Version <strong>22 or above<\/strong> is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>c. Git Installed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Needed because Copilot CLI works with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Git\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Git<\/a><\/strong> commands and repositories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>d. Terminal Access<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You need a command-line environment such as Bash, PowerShell, or Zsh to run the Copilot CLI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/guide-on-ai-agents-mcps-and-github-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/guide-on-ai-agents-mcps-and-github-copilot\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> <em>A Beginner\u2019s Guide to AI Agents, MCPs &amp; GitHub Copilot<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Install GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open your terminal and run:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>npm install -g @github\/copilot<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Launch Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Type:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>copilot<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This starts Copilot CLI in your terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Log in to GitHub<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Go &amp; run:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\/login<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It connects your account to the GitHub MCP <strong>(Model Context Protocol)<\/strong> server, allowing Copilot CLI to access GitHub resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Start Using Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Type your tasks to write code, debug, fix errors, and understand code directly in the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Use GitHub Copilot CLI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Launching and Exploring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After installing and logging in, start Copilot CLI in your terminal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.1 Launch the CLI:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>copilot<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.2 See all commands and options:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>copilot help<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trust your project folder when prompted so Copilot can read files safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Writing Tasks and Using Files<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can type tasks you want Copilot CLI to do. It helps you write code, debug, fix errors, or explain your code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.1 Using @ to include a file:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The @ symbol tells Copilot CLI to include a specific file in your task. It reads the file contents as context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example prompts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explain @src\/components\/Header.js<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fix the bug in @src\/components\/Footer.js<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a dark mode toggle to @src\/components\/ThemeSwitcher.js<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you type the file path, matching files will appear below. Use the arrow keys to select one and press Tab to complete the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Note:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you are in the project folder (cd \/path\/to\/project) before launching Copilot CLI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Special Commands and Shortcuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot CLI supports commands and switches to manage sessions or run normal terminal tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.1 Login (first-time use):<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\/login<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Connects your GitHub account to Copilot CLI and MCP server.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.2 Show usage stats:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\/usage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Displays session details: requests, duration, lines edited, and token usage.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.3 View session context:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\/context<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Displays tokens currently used for your project context.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.4 Compact Mode:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\/compact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Compresses your conversation history to free up context and optimize performance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stop a task or action:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Press Esc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kickstart your AI journey today and take your skills to the next level with <strong>HCL GUVI\u2019s Intel &amp; IITM Pravartak Certified<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/mlp\/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=hyperlink&amp;utm_campaign=How+to+Install+and+Use+GitHub+Copilot+CLI+%5BComplete+Guide%5D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> AI\/ML Course<\/strong><\/a>. This course, built in partnership with Intel, guides you through Python, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and MLOps with live online sessions, over 20 hands-on projects, personalized doubt-solving, and placement assistance from 1000+ hiring partners. Transform your learning into real-world impact now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>GitHub Copilot CLI is a smart assistant that helps you work in your terminal in real time. It allows you to work with tasks, find context-sensitive recommendations, and organize your workflow in the most effective way, making the coding process more convenient and productive for all who use it. Its easy-to-use commands and file support give developers the power to work more quickly and with greater confidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1774343449220\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Do I need prior coding experience to use Copilot CLI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Copilot CLI works best if you know basic coding, but it can also help beginners by suggesting code, explaining files, and fixing errors.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1774343474747\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can Copilot CLI work on any project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It works on most projects, but it\u2019s more effective when used in folders with proper code structure and readable files.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1774343486196\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is a GitHub Copilot subscription required?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A subscription improves access, but the free plan still allows you to try Copilot CLI with limited features and tasks.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GitHub Copilot CLI is becoming popular among users of command-line tools such as Bash, PowerShell, and Git. Nevertheless, a significant portion continues to use command-based searching or trial-and-error until something works. This usually interrupts the working process and retards daily development activities. If you frequently forget command syntax, change tabs to find the correct Git [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":106726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[933],"tags":[],"views":"856","authorinfo":{"name":"Abhishek Pati","url":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/author\/abhishek-pati\/"},"thumbnailURL":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Feature-Image-1-3-300x116.jpg","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Feature-Image-1-3-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104480"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104480"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104480\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106729,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104480\/revisions\/106729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.guvi.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}