GitHub Copilot Now a Natively Integrated Agent in JetBrains Rider 2026.2

GitHub Copilot is now a natively integrated agent within JetBrains Rider. To begin using it, users simply need to navigate to the AI chat window. If the AI assistant plugin is not already installed, an option to install it will be presented, which must be clicked to proceed.

After installing the AI assistant plugin, Rider will prompt a restart. Once the IDE has relaunched, the AI chat window will be populated, displaying a list of available agents. Users can then scroll through this list to manage their AI integrations.

Within the list of agents, GitHub Copilot will appear as enabled. For first-time use, authentication is required. When a user submits their initial prompt, they will be prompted to sign in with their GitHub account to authorize Copilot's functionality.

Upon signing in with a GitHub account, GitHub Copilot will begin processing the provided prompt. Users also have the option to enhance their prompts by adding additional context. This can be done via an attachment feature, allowing for more comprehensive input.

The attachment feature supports various types of context, including images or specific files and folders that can be linked to the prompt. Furthermore, users can select from different operating modes for Copilot, such as agent, plan, or autopilot, tailoring its behavior to their needs.

Users have the convenience of auto-approving all prompts, in addition to providing further context directly from the IDE. The system also allows for the selection of a specific model to run, offering flexibility in how Copilot processes information.

The integration also allows users to define the level of reasoning Copilot employs. Once the preferred model and reasoning level are set, users can input their prompts. Both built-in AI assistant slash commands and GitHub Copilot-specific commands, like /chronicle, are accessible.

To view all available slash commands, including those specific to GitHub Copilot such as /chronicle, users simply type '/' into their prompt. This action reveals a comprehensive list of commands that can be utilized with the selected agent.

Beyond predefined commands, users can also install and leverage custom skills. This is managed through the settings tab, where users can select a desired skill and click 'install' to add it to their toolset. This feature expands the customizability and utility of Copilot.

After installation, custom skills become visible within the list of available skills in the agent assistant. This deep integration of GitHub Copilot is exclusively available in JetBrains Rider 2026.2, streamlining the development experience without external components.

The integration requires no additional extensions or complex setup procedures. GitHub Copilot is available right out of the box with JetBrains Rider 2026.2, ensuring a straightforward and immediate enhancement to the coding environment.