How to Set Up GitHub Copilot for Your First Coding Project in 1 Hour

If you're diving into coding for the first time or working on a side project, GitHub Copilot can feel like a game-changer. But how do you actually set it up? In this guide, I'll walk you through the process, so you can get started with Copilot in about an hour. Spoiler alert: it's not as complicated as it seems, and it can significantly speed up your development process.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before we jump into the setup, here’s what you need:

1. GitHub Account: Sign up at GitHub if you don’t have one.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install from here.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of February 2026, it costs $10/month after a 30-day free trial. Note that if you’re a student or open-source contributor, you might be eligible for free access.

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Download VS Code: Go to the VS Code website and download the installer for your OS.
2. Install: Run the installer and follow the prompts. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Install the GitHub Copilot Extension

1. Open VS Code: Launch the application once installed.
2. Access Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the sidebar (or press Ctrl+Shift+X).
3. Search for GitHub Copilot: In the search bar, type “GitHub Copilot”.
4. Install: Click the "Install" button next to the GitHub Copilot extension.

Expected output: The extension should now be visible in your list of installed extensions.

Step 3: Authenticate Your GitHub Account

1. Sign In: After installation, you’ll see a prompt to sign in to GitHub. Click “Sign In”.
2. Authorize: Follow the prompts to authorize VS Code to access your GitHub account. This might involve going to your browser to complete the authentication process.

Expected output: You should see a confirmation message in VS Code once you're authenticated.

Step 4: Create Your First Coding Project

1. Create a New File: Go to File > New File or press Ctrl+N.
2. Choose a Language: Start typing in your preferred programming language (e.g., JavaScript, Python). Copilot will begin suggesting code snippets based on your input.

Expected output: When you start typing, Copilot should generate suggestions for you to choose from.

Step 5: Use GitHub Copilot Effectively

1. Accept Suggestions: When Copilot suggests a line of code, you can accept it by pressing Tab.
2. Request More Suggestions: If you want a different suggestion, you can hit Ctrl+Enter to see more options.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• No Suggestions Appearing: Make sure you’re in a file with the correct language extension (e.g., .js, .py).
• Authentication Issues: If you can’t authenticate, double-check your GitHub credentials and ensure your subscription is active.

What’s Next: Leveling Up Your Coding Skills

Once you’ve set up GitHub Copilot and created your first project, consider exploring:

• Advanced Features: Dive into Copilot’s settings to customize its behavior.
• Building Real Projects: Start a small project, like a personal website or a simple app, to practice your skills.
• Learning Resources: Check out our Built This Week podcast for episodes on coding tips and tools.

Conclusion: Start Here

Setting up GitHub Copilot is straightforward and can significantly enhance your coding experience, especially as a beginner. With just an hour of your time, you can have it up and running, ready to assist you in your coding journey.

So, grab your laptop, follow the steps above, and start coding with GitHub Copilot today!