How to Use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

What Copilot helps with

Explain code blocks in context.
Generate or refine unit tests.
Suggest small edits in the editor.
Help debug exceptions and patterns.

Draft commit messages and summaries.
Answer questions about the code you have open.
Assist with multi-file changes in chat.
Support more guided work through agent mode.

Getting started

Microsoft Learn says Visual Studio 2022 version 17.8 or later is the right starting point, and newer builds include the unified Copilot experience with chat and related capabilities.

Open Visual Studio 2022 17.8+.
Sign in with a GitHub account that has Copilot access.
Open the Copilot chat window.
Use inline chat when you want to change the file you already have open.

// Typical workflow
1. Open project
2. Ask a focused question
3. Let Copilot suggest a change
4. Review and test the output

Choose the right mode

How I used it in .NET delivery work

I ask Copilot to explain legacy code before I touch it.
I used inline chat for small file-level changes.
I used the chat window when the question was broader than one file.
I used agent mode when I wanted a guided multi-step change.

// Example prompt style
Explain this controller, suggest test cases, and refactor it to reduce duplicate logic.

Practical Copilot prompts

Explain this method and identify risks.
Generate unit tests for this service.
Refactor this code without changing behavior.
Help me understand this exception and suggest a fix.

Delivery rules I kept

Never merge Copilot output without reading it first.
Keep architecture calls with humans, not the tool.
Use Copilot for speed, but keep tests and checks in place.
Ask for the exact file or feature you want changed, not a vague goal.

Why this matters

Copilot is most useful when it fits the way you already work in Visual Studio. That means faster explanation, better test coverage, quicker refactoring, and less time spent on repetitive editing.