IntegrationDeveloper WorkflowVerified Last verified 2026-07-24

VS Code MCP Support (Agent Mode)

by Microsoft

VS Code supports the Model Context Protocol so its Copilot Chat agent mode can call tools from MCP servers. You define servers in a workspace `.vscode/mcp.json` (or in user settings for global availability); once added, the servers' tools appear to the agent, which requests approval before running them.

Official page

Works with

VS Code Any MCP Client GitHub Copilot

Marketplace extensions and MCP servers.

When to use it

When you want VS Code's agent to act on real systems via MCP
Bringing an MCP server you run elsewhere into VS Code

When not to

Adding write-capable servers that touch production without approvals in place

What it does

Register local or remote MCP servers in `.vscode/mcp.json`
Use server tools from Copilot Chat's agent mode
Share a workspace `mcp.json` so teammates get the same tools

How to install

Setup steps with copy-paste config. Sources are cited under each method.

Workspace mcp.json

VS Code

Requires: VS Code · Copilot Chat with agent mode · An MCP server command or endpoint

Create .vscode/mcp.json

Define the server under `servers`; VS Code discovers it for the workspace.

json

{
  "servers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"]
    }
  }
}

Use it in agent mode
Open Copilot Chat, switch to agent mode, and the server's tools become available (with per-call approval).

VS Code MCP servers — documentation · Microsoft · Documentation · accessed 2026-07-24

How to prompt it

Copy-paste prompts written to exercise this plugin, with what to expect.

Agent uses an MCP tool

You added a database MCP server to the workspace.

In agent mode, use the database tools to list the slowest queries this week and suggest indexes. Read-only.

What to expect: VS Code's agent calls the MCP server's tools (with approval) and returns findings grounded in live data.

Keep a workspace `mcp.json` in the repo so the setup travels with the project.

Tips for getting the most out of it

VS Code's config key is `servers` in `.vscode/mcp.json` — different from some other hosts' `mcpServers`.
Review and approve tool invocations, especially for servers that can write.