How to Install MCP Servers in VS Code / GitHub Copilot
VS Code added MCP support through GitHub Copilot Chat, allowing Copilot to call tools from MCP servers during conversations. The config file lives at .vscode/mcp.json inside your workspace, making it straightforward to check into source control and share with your team. VS Code differs from other apps in two key ways: it uses a servers root key instead of mcpServers, and every server entry requires an explicit type field (stdio, http, or sse). When using HTTP transport, VS Code maps the streamable-http type to http. The getmcp CLI generates the correct format automatically, adding the type field and renaming the root key so you never have to remember the differences.
Quick Install with getmcp
The fastest way to install MCP servers in VS Code / GitHub Copilot is with the getmcp CLI:
▸MCP option not visible in Copilot Chat: Ensure VS Code is at version 1.99+. Check Help > About to verify. Update if needed.
▸Server type field is required: Unlike Claude Desktop, VS Code requires an explicit type on every server entry. The getmcp CLI adds this automatically; if editing manually, set type to stdio, http, or sse.
▸Workspace trust blocking the config: VS Code may not load .vscode/mcp.json in untrusted workspaces. Open the Trust workspace dialog or mark the folder as trusted.
▸streamable-http transport not recognized: VS Code uses http as the type value for what getmcp calls streamable-http. The CLI handles this mapping automatically.
▸Server tools not appearing in Copilot Chat: Open the Copilot Chat panel, click the tools icon, and verify the server is listed and enabled. Reload the VS Code window if the server was just added.
