Refresh MCP instructions and update About MCP article (#60451)

saritai · sunbrye · web-flow · commit 69f63943f066 · 2026-04-02T14:21:56.000Z
Co-authored-by: Sunbrye Ly &lt;56200261+sunbrye@users.noreply.github.com&gt;
diff --git a/content/copilot/concepts/context/mcp.md b/content/copilot/concepts/context/mcp.md
@@ -36,21 +36,25 @@ category:
 
 The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how applications share context with large language models (LLMs). MCP provides a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools, enabling them to work together more effectively.
 
-You can use MCP to extend the capabilities of {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} by integrating it with a wide range of existing tools and services. For example, the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server allows you to use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your IDE to perform tasks on {% data variables.product.github %}. You can also use MCP to create new tools and services that work with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, allowing you to customize and enhance your experience.
+You can use MCP to extend the capabilities of {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} by integrating it with a wide range of existing tools and services. MCP works across all major {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} surfaces—whether you're working in an IDE, using {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli %}, or delegating tasks to the coding agent on {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom_the_website %}. You can also use MCP to create new tools and services that work with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}, allowing you to customize and enhance your experience.
 
-For more information on MCP, see [the official MCP documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction). For information on currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main).
+For more information on MCP, see [the official MCP documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction). For a curated list of MCP servers from partners and the community, see the [{% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry](https://github.com/mcp).
 
-To learn how to configure and use MCP servers with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp).
+To learn how to configure and use MCP servers, see:
+
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/extend-copilot-chat-with-mcp) for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your IDE
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers) for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/coding-agent/extend-coding-agent-with-mcp) for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.mcp.mcp-policy %}
 
 ## Availability
 
-There is currently broad support for local MCP servers in clients such as {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, JetBrains IDEs, XCode, and others.
-
-Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, JetBrains IDEs, Xcode, Eclipse, and Cursor providing this functionality with OAuth or PAT, and Windsurf supporting PAT only.
+MCP is supported across the following clients:
 
-To find out if your preferred editor supports remote MCP servers, check the documentation for your specific editor.
+* **IDEs**: There is broad support for local MCP servers in clients such as {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, JetBrains IDEs, Xcode, and others. Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, JetBrains IDEs, Xcode, Eclipse, Cursor, and Windsurf providing this functionality with OAuth or PAT. To find out if your preferred editor supports remote MCP servers, check the documentation for your specific editor.
+* **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}**: {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli %} supports both local and remote MCP servers. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is built in and available without additional configuration.
+* **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}**: {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} supports MCP servers configured at the repository level. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server and the Playwright MCP server are configured by default.
 
 ## About the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server
 
@@ -97,8 +101,10 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry is a curated list of MCP se
 
 ## Next steps
 
-* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers)
-* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp)
-* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server)
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/extend-copilot-chat-with-mcp)—Add MCP servers to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your IDE
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers)—Add MCP servers to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/coding-agent/extend-coding-agent-with-mcp)—Add MCP servers to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/set-up-the-github-mcp-server)—Set up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server
+* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/use-the-github-mcp-server)—Use the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server
 * [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/tutorials/enhancing-copilot-agent-mode-with-mcp)
 * [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/customization-cheat-sheet)
diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-copilot-spaces/use-copilot-spaces.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-copilot-spaces/use-copilot-spaces.md
@@ -65,8 +65,9 @@ For more detailed information on using the {% data variables.product.github %} M
 
 Note that {% data variables.copilot.copilot_spaces_short %} can only be used in agent mode in your IDE, since spaces are accessed via the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
 
-1. In your IDE, open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} and select **Agent** from the mode dropdown or select the **Agent** tab.
-   * To confirm that the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_spaces_short %} tools are enabled, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon. In the dropdown, expand the list of available tools for **MCP Server: github**, and confirm that the `get_copilot_space` and `list_copilot_spaces` tools are enabled.
+1. In your IDE, open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} and select **Agent** from the agent dropdown menu.
+   * To confirm that the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_spaces_short %} tools are enabled, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon. In the tools list, expand the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server entry and confirm that the `get_copilot_space` and `list_copilot_spaces` tools are listed and enabled.
+   * If you don't see the tools listed, check that you have completed the prerequisites above, including enabling the `copilot_spaces` toolset in your {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server configuration.
 1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, enter a prompt that references the space that you want to use as context. If you know the exact name of the space and the name of the user or organization that owns the space, you can provide that. Otherwise, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will automatically use the `list_copilot_spaces` tool to find spaces that match the name or text you provide and access the context from those spaces.
 
    For example, you could use either of these two prompts:
diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/extend-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/extend-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ category:
 
 The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how applications share context with large language models (LLMs). For an overview of MCP, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/about-mcp).
 
-For information on currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main).
+For a curated list of MCP servers from partners and the community, see the [{% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry](https://github.com/mcp).
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.mcp.mcp-policy %}
 
@@ -45,11 +45,10 @@ MCP servers can be configured manually in a configuration file, or through the {
 Only MCP servers listed in the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry can be added through the registry. Other servers can be configured manually. See [Configuring MCP servers manually](#configuring-mcp-servers-manually).
 
 1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, open the extensions panel by clicking the extensions icon in the sidebar or pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>X</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>X</kbd> (Mac).
-1. In the extensions search bar, click the filter icon and select **MCP Registry** from the dropdown.
-1. If it is your first time using the MCP Registry, follow the prompts on screen to enable the registry.
-1. In the search bar, type the name of the MCP server you want to add and select it from the search results.
-1. On the MCP server's configuration page, click **Install**.
-1. To check that the MCP server is configured correctly, open the command palette by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Mac).
+1. In the extensions search bar, type `@mcp` followed by the name of the MCP server you want to add. This opens the MCP server gallery and shows matching results.
+1. Select the MCP server from the search results. On the MCP server's details page, click **Install**.
+1. When prompted, confirm that you trust the server to start it. {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} discovers the server's tools and makes them available in chat.
+1. To verify that the MCP server is configured correctly, open the command palette by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Mac).
 1. Type and select **MCP: List Servers**. You should see the MCP server listed as a configured server.
 
 ### Configuring MCP servers manually
diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/set-up-the-github-mcp-server.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/set-up-the-github-mcp-server.md
@@ -36,17 +36,16 @@ For the latest information and updates, see the [{% data variables.product.githu
 
 The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} can be configured remotely or locally. The remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is hosted by {% data variables.product.github %} and is the recommended option for most users. The local {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is hosted on your machine and is recommended for users who want to customize their setup or have specific security requirements.
 
-The steps below describe remote configuration through the MCP marketplace in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}'s extension panel. The MCP marketplace is powered by the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry. See [MCP Registry](https://github.com/mcp).
+The steps below describe remote configuration through the MCP Registry view in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}'s extensions panel. This view is backed by the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry. See [{% data variables.product.github %} MCP Registry](https://github.com/mcp).
 
 For information on manually configuring the remote or local {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server, see the [{% data variables.product.github %} MCP server documentation](https://github.com/mcp/io.github.github/github-mcp-server?ref_product=copilot&ref_type=engagement&ref_style=text).
 
 1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, open the extensions panel by clicking the extensions icon in the sidebar or pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>X</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>X</kbd> (Mac).
-1. In the extensions search bar, click the filter icon and select **MCP Server** from the dropdown.
-1. If it is your first time using the MCP Servers Marketplace, follow the prompts on screen to enable the Marketplace.
-1. In the search bar, type `github` and select the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server from the search results.
-1. On the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server configuration page, click **Install**.
-1. To check that the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is configured correctly, open the command palette by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Mac).
-1. Type and select **MCP: List Servers**. You should see `github` listed as a configured server.
+1. In the extensions search bar, type `@mcp github` to search the MCP server gallery.
+1. Select the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server from the search results. On the details page, click **Install**.
+1. When prompted, confirm that you trust the server to start it.
+1. To verify that the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is configured correctly, open the command palette by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Windows/Linux) / <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd> (Mac).
+1. Type and select **MCP: List Servers**. You should see the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server listed as a configured server.
 
 {% endvscode %}
 
diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/use-the-github-mcp-server.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/provide-context/use-mcp/use-the-github-mcp-server.md
@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.open-chat-vs-code %}
 {% data reusables.copilot.select-agent %}
-1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the **Select tools** icon.
-    * In the **Tools** dropdown, under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the **Configure tools** icon.
+    * If you expand the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server entry, you will see a list of available tools.
 1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
     * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
 1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide
    ![Screenshot of the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/jetbrains-copilot-chat-icon.png)
 1. At the top of the chat panel, click the **Agent** tab.
 1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon.
-    * Under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+    * You will see a list of available actions from the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
 1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
     * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
 1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide
 1. To open the chat view, click **Editor** in the menu bar, then click **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}** then **Open Chat**. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} opens in a new window.
 1. At the bottom of the chat panel, select **Agent**.
 1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon.
-    * Under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+    * You will see a list of available actions from the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
 1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
     * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
 1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
diff --git a/data/reusables/copilot/select-agent.md b/data/reusables/copilot/select-agent.md
@@ -1 +1 @@
-1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, select **Agent** from the popup menu.
+1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, select **Agent** from the agent dropdown menu.

Original file line number	Diff line number	Diff line change
`@@ -1 +1 @@`
`1`		`-1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, select Agent from the popup menu.`
	`1`	`+1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, select Agent from the agent dropdown menu.`