# GitHub Copilot CLI Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Brings the power of Copilot coding agent directly to your terminal Category: Developer Tools · Paid · [Official website](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask copilot-cli` ## Quick take Use Copilot CLI when your team already sits on Copilot seats and lives in GitHub Issues and pull requests. You get `/plan`, `/fleet`, GitHub-native MCP, `/delegate` PRs, and GPT-5.6 Sol/Terra/Luna via `/model`, billed in AI Credits (Pro is $10/month with 1,500 credits; Pro+ $39 with 7,000; Max $100 with 20,000). Remove `github/gh-copilot` on day one; that suggest/explain path died on 25 October 2025. Watch Sol plus `/fleet` credit burn, confirm Business/Enterprise admins enabled the CLI and models, and keep Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Warp AI, Amazon Q CLI, or Muse Code in the bake-off if GitHub coupling is not your constraint. Best for: Developers living in GitHub Issues and pull requests, Teams that already pay for Copilot seats, Terminal-first Mac workflows that still hand off to VS Code, Engineers who need parallel subagents and multi-model comparison, Orgs that require Copilot policy inheritance on agent tools ## What is GitHub Copilot CLI? GitHub Copilot CLI is GitHub's standalone agentic coding agent for the terminal. It replaces the older `gh copilot suggest` / `gh copilot explain` extension. The current product installs as `@github/copilot` (npm), via `curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash`, or with Homebrew (`brew install --cask copilot-cli`). You run a GitHub-native agent in your shell that plans work, edits repositories, opens pull requests, talks to issues through native GitHub MCP, and can fan out parallel subagents with `/fleet`. This is a breaking mental-model change from 2024-mid-2025 docs. The `github/gh-copilot` GitHub CLI extension, commands like `gh copilot suggest` and `gh copilot explain`, was deprecated on 25 October 2025. If that extension is still installed, remove it with `gh extension remove github/gh-copilot` and migrate to the standalone Copilot CLI. The new tool is an agentic runtime: `/plan` to outline work, Shift+Tab to move between plan and autopilot modes, `/model` to pick models, `/delegate` to push implementation toward a PR, `/resume` to continue long sessions, plus skills, AGENTS.md guidance, and MCP (including GitHub-native issue/PR context). Models matter because CLI interactions draw AI Credits. On 9 July 2026 GitHub announced OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna in Copilot, including Copilot CLI's model picker. Sol is the high-reasoning tier for large codebases and long agent runs; Terra is the balanced default; Luna is the lightweight, cost-efficient option. Anthropic and Google models are also available in Copilot's broader catalog (subject to plan and admin policy). Copilot Business/Enterprise admins may need to enable GPT-5.6 policies. Sol availability skews to Pro+/Max/Business/Enterprise; Terra and Luna reach Pro and above (plus higher tiers). Access is included with Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise. Usage is not "unlimited agent loops": each agent interaction consumes GitHub AI Credits from your plan allowance (1 AI credit = $0.01 USD). Individual paid examples as of August 2026 docs: Pro $10/month with 1,500 total monthly AI credits (1,000 base + 500 flex); Pro+ $39/month with 7,000; Max $100/month with 20,000. Free/Student plans include limited AI-credit allowances with auto model selection constraints. Code completions remain outside AI-credit billing on paid plans; Copilot CLI agent work does consume credits. Exceeding the included pool means upgrading, setting an additional-usage budget, or waiting for the monthly UTC reset. On a Mac, Copilot CLI fits terminal-first workflows alongside Ghostty, iTerm2, Warp, or Terminal.app. It can start a `/plan` in the CLI and continue in VS Code, or stay entirely in the shell for issue-to-commit loops. Native GitHub MCP means the agent can search issues, reason about labels/activity, and `/delegate` a branch + PR without bolting on a third-party GitHub integration first. Organization guardrails still apply: branch protections, required checks, and Copilot Business/Enterprise policies follow the agent. File edits and command execution are approval-gated, you remain responsible for reviewing `/diff` output. Competitive set in August 2026: Anthropic Claude Code (terminal/IDE agent on Claude models), OpenAI Codex CLI / Codex-in-ChatGPT, Cursor (AI editor), Warp AI (terminal-bound), Amazon Q CLI (AWS-weighted), and Meta Muse Code (newer terminal agent narrative). Copilot CLI's differentiator is GitHub-native MCP, billing through existing Copilot seats/credits, and deep issue/PR/delegate loops for teams already standardized on GitHub. Who it is for: developers who live in git + GitHub Issues/PRs and want an agent that does not abandon the terminal; teams that already pay for Copilot and want CLI parity with IDE agents; engineers who need `/fleet` parallelism or multi-model comparison on one task. Who should be careful: anyone still following tutorials that only mention `gh copilot suggest` (obsolete); orgs whose admins disabled Copilot CLI; users who expect offline operation; people who only need occasional one-liner shell help (the old suggest/explain niche), the new CLI is a heavier agentic product with credit burn to match. Install prerequisites include an active Copilot subscription (or entitled Free access) and, for npm, Node.js 22+. First launch uses `/login` (or a fine-grained PAT with Copilot Requests via `COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN` / `GH_TOKEN` / `GITHUB_TOKEN`). Keep Copilot CLI updated (docs cite minimum versions for accurate usage/billing UI; prefer latest stable). Use `/changelog` and `/experimental show` to track preview capabilities. Practically, start with a small `/plan` on a scratch branch, pick Terra or Luna while learning cost dynamics, enable AGENTS.md with build/test commands, and only then try Sol or `/fleet` on expensive refactors. Treat autopilot as a power mode after you trust the approval UX. Migrate muscle memory: aliases pointing at `gh copilot suggest` should be deleted; teach the team the slash-command vocabulary instead. As of 2026-08-09 the product to document is the agentic CLI on `@github/copilot`: bundled with Copilot plans, metered by AI Credits, with GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna in the picker. Retire suggest/explain language from runbooks and onboarding. The github/gh-copilot extension was deprecated on 25 October 2025. ## Features - **Agentic planning with /plan and Shift+Tab modes.** Outline multi-step work with `/plan`, then Shift+Tab between plan mode and autopilot when you want Copilot to carry tasks forward without step-by-step approval. Plans can move from CLI into VS Code for refinement. - **/fleet parallel subagents.** Run the same task across parallelized subagents and converge on a decision-ready result. Useful for comparing approaches or accelerating exploration while you retain control over what gets applied. - **/model picker including GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna.** Switch models per task. GPT-5.6 Sol targets high-reasoning/long agent work; Terra is the balanced default; Luna optimizes for speed/cost. Anthropic and Google models are also part of Copilot's multi-provider catalog subject to plan/policy. - **GitHub-native MCP, issues, and /delegate PRs.** Built-in GitHub MCP support lets the agent work with issues, branches, and pull requests. `/delegate` can create a branch, implement, and open a PR; `/diff` keeps review in the loop. `/remote` supports steering work from GitHub.com or mobile. - **Session continuity with /resume, skills, and AGENTS.md.** Long-running work can `/resume` with memory/compaction so history does not collapse. AGENTS.md and Agent Skills shape instructions and tool access across models and delegated jobs. - **Approval-gated edits under existing GitHub guardrails.** File changes and command execution require explicit approval. Branch protections, required checks, and Business/Enterprise Copilot policies still apply, CLI does not bypass org governance. - **Flexible install channels.** Install via `npm install -g @github/copilot`, the gh.io install script, Homebrew cask `copilot-cli`, WinGet on Windows, or direct GitHub releases, then authenticate with `/login` or a fine-grained PAT. ## How to Install GitHub Copilot CLI on Mac Install the standalone Copilot CLI (not the deprecated gh extension). You need an active Copilot plan (Free/Pro/Pro+/Max/Business/Enterprise as entitled). npm installs require Node.js 22+. 1. **Remove the deprecated gh-copilot extension if present.** Run `gh extension remove github/gh-copilot`. The old `gh copilot suggest` / `gh copilot explain` extension was deprecated 25 October 2025 and is not the current product. 2. **Install Copilot CLI.** Pick one: `npm install -g @github/copilot`, or `curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash`, or `brew install --cask copilot-cli`. (WinGet is available on Windows: `winget install GitHub.Copilot`.) 3. **Authenticate.** Launch Copilot CLI and run `/login`, or export a fine-grained PAT with Copilot Requests using `COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN`, `GH_TOKEN`, or `GITHUB_TOKEN` (precedence in that order). 4. **Verify plan access and org policy.** Confirm your user has Copilot entitlements. For Business/Enterprise, ensure an admin enabled Copilot CLI (and GPT-5.6 models if required). 5. **Add project guidance and try a small /plan.** Create or update AGENTS.md with build/test commands, open a scratch branch, run a small `/plan`, and practice approvals before enabling autopilot or `/fleet`. ## Pros - True agentic CLI with /plan, /fleet, /delegate, /resume, not just shell one-liners - GitHub-native MCP for issues/PRs and org policy inheritance - Included across Copilot Free through Enterprise seating - Multi-model picker including GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, Luna plus Anthropic/Google options - Works in any Mac terminal and can hand off to VS Code - Approval-gated edits with /diff visibility ## Cons - AI Credits burn quickly on Sol + long /fleet autopilot sessions - Business/Enterprise admins can disable CLI or models - Obsolete gh-copilot tutorials still confuse new users - Requires network access; not an offline assistant - Heavier product than the old suggest/explain helper, overkill for rare shell lookups ## Closer look: From gh-copilot to Agentic Copilot CLI Understanding the product break is essential for accurate documentation and onboarding in 2026. ## FAQ ### Is Copilot CLI still `gh copilot suggest`? No. The github/gh-copilot extension providing `gh copilot suggest` and `gh copilot explain` was deprecated 25 October 2025. The current product is the standalone agentic Copilot CLI (`@github/copilot`). ### How do I install Copilot CLI on a Mac? Use `npm install -g @github/copilot`, or `curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash`, or `brew install --cask copilot-cli`, then authenticate with `/login`. ### How do I remove the old extension? Run `gh extension remove github/gh-copilot` and update any shell aliases that called suggest/explain. ### Which plans include Copilot CLI? It is included with Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise. Interactions draw AI Credits from the plan allowance. ### How much does Pro include for AI Credits? Copilot Pro is $10/month and includes 1,500 AI credits per month (1,000 base + 500 flex) as documented for individual usage-based billing. ### What are GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna? OpenAI GPT-5.6 variants rolled out to GitHub Copilot on 9 July 2026, including Copilot CLI: Sol for high reasoning, Terra as balanced default, Luna for lightweight/cost-efficient tasks. ### Can Business/Enterprise users access it? Yes if their admin enables Copilot CLI (and relevant model policies). It inherits existing Copilot governance. ### Does Copilot CLI work offline? No. Model calls and GitHub MCP workflows require network access. ### Will it run destructive commands automatically? File modifications and command execution require your explicit approval. Always review `/diff` and proposed commands. ### How is this different from Copilot in VS Code? VS Code Copilot covers editor completions/chat/agents inside the IDE. Copilot CLI is a terminal-native agent that can also hand work to the IDE. They share Copilot entitlements and AI Credits. ### Can I use Anthropic or Google models? Copilot CLI supports models from multiple providers (including Anthropic and Google) subject to your plan and admin policies. Use `/model` to select. ### What about npm package name? The published package is `@github/copilot` on npm. That is the install target for the agentic CLI. ## Sources - [GitHub Copilot CLI](https://github.com/features/copilot/cli/) - [github/copilot-cli repository](https://github.com/github/copilot-cli) - [Installing GitHub Copilot CLI](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/set-up-copilot-cli/install-copilot-cli) - [GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna available in GitHub Copilot](https://github.blog/changelog/2026-07-09-openais-gpt-5-6-sol-terra-and-luna-are-now-available-in-github-copilot/) - [Models and pricing for GitHub Copilot](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/copilot-billing/models-and-pricing) - [Usage-based billing for individuals](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/billing/usage-based-billing-for-individuals) - [github/gh-copilot (deprecated extension)](https://github.com/github/gh-copilot) - [npm package @github/copilot](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@github/copilot) ## Related - [Cursor](https://bundl.run/apps/cursor) - [Claude Code](https://bundl.run/apps/claude-code) - [ChatGPT](https://bundl.run/apps/chatgpt) - [Claude](https://bundl.run/apps/claude) - [Codex](https://bundl.run/apps/codex) - [Windsurf](https://bundl.run/apps/windsurf) - [GitHub Copilot CLI vs Claude Code](https://bundl.run/compare/claude-code-vs-copilot-cli) - [GitHub Copilot CLI vs Codex](https://bundl.run/compare/codex-vs-copilot-cli) - [GitHub Copilot CLI vs Claude](https://bundl.run/compare/claude-vs-copilot-cli) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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Interactions draw AI Credits from the plan allowance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does Pro include for AI Credits?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Copilot Pro is $10/month and includes 1,500 AI credits per month (1,000 base + 500 flex) as documented for individual usage-based billing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "OpenAI GPT-5.6 variants rolled out to GitHub Copilot on 9 July 2026, including Copilot CLI: Sol for high reasoning, Terra as balanced default, Luna for lightweight/cost-efficient tasks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can Business/Enterprise users access it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes if their admin enables Copilot CLI (and relevant model policies). It inherits existing Copilot governance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Copilot CLI work offline?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Model calls and GitHub MCP workflows require network access." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will it run destructive commands automatically?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "File modifications and command execution require your explicit approval. Always review `/diff` and proposed commands." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is this different from Copilot in VS Code?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "VS Code Copilot covers editor completions/chat/agents inside the IDE. Copilot CLI is a terminal-native agent that can also hand work to the IDE. They share Copilot entitlements and AI Credits." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use Anthropic or Google models?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Copilot CLI supports models from multiple providers (including Anthropic and Google) subject to your plan and admin policies. Use `/model` to select." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about npm package name?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The published package is `@github/copilot` on npm. That is the install target for the agentic CLI." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/copilot-cli" } } ] } ```