How to Set Up GitHub Copilot in Under 15 Minutes

If you're a solo founder or indie hacker, you know that time is precious. You want to code efficiently and effectively, and that’s where GitHub Copilot comes in. But setting it up can feel daunting if you haven't done it before. Fear not! In this guide, I’ll walk you through getting GitHub Copilot up and running in under 15 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

1. GitHub Account: You need an account to use Copilot.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): This is where you'll integrate Copilot.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of March 2026, the pricing is $10/month or $100/year for individuals.
4. Basic Coding Knowledge: Familiarity with JavaScript, Python, or any other supported language is recommended.

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Go to the Visual Studio Code website.
2. Download and install it for your operating system.
3. Open VS Code after installation.

Expected Output: You should see a clean VS Code interface ready for coding.

Step 2: Install the GitHub Copilot Extension

1. In VS Code, go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side.
2. Search for "GitHub Copilot".
3. Click on "Install".

Expected Output: The Copilot extension will show as installed in your Extensions list.

Step 3: Sign In to GitHub

1. After installation, a pop-up will prompt you to sign in to GitHub.
2. Click "Sign in" and follow the authentication steps in your browser.

Expected Output: You should see a confirmation message that you're signed in.

Step 4: Enable GitHub Copilot

1. Once signed in, return to VS Code.
2. Open a new file and start typing a comment or function definition.
3. Copilot should suggest code completions automatically.

Expected Output: You’ll see suggestions pop up as you type.

Step 5: Customize Your Settings

1. Go to the settings by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom left corner.
2. Search for "Copilot" to find various settings.
3. Adjust settings like "Enable/Disable Inline Suggestions" and "Show Suggestions on Trigger Characters".

Expected Output: You will have personalized Copilot behavior based on your coding style.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Not Suggesting Code: Ensure you’re signed in and have the extension enabled.
• Slow Performance: Check your internet connection. Copilot requires a stable connection to fetch suggestions.
• Suggestions Not Relevant: Be specific in your comments for better results; vague comments yield vague suggestions.

What's Next: Making the Most of GitHub Copilot

After setting up, start experimenting with different coding tasks. Use Copilot to generate boilerplate code, write functions, or even suggest comments. The more you interact with it, the better it understands your coding style.

Final Thoughts: Is GitHub Copilot Worth It?

For $10/month, GitHub Copilot can significantly boost your productivity, especially if you're working solo. However, it’s not perfect—sometimes its suggestions can be off-base, and it might not always understand context. But in our experience, the benefits far outweigh the limitations, particularly for indie hackers looking to ship quickly.

What We Actually Use

We use GitHub Copilot for rapid prototyping and generating boilerplate code. However, we also keep a close eye on the suggestions and make sure to review them for accuracy.