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Install GitHub Copilot modernization for C++

GitHub Copilot modernization helps you modernize your C++ codebase. Follow these steps to install the feature in Visual Studio.

Prerequisites

  • Windows operating system.
  • Visual Studio 2026 version 18.7 or later.
  • One or more of the following C++ development workloads:
    • Desktop development with C++
    • Game development with C++
    • Linux, Mac, and embedded development with C++
  • These optional components must be enabled: GitHub Copilot, GitHub Copilot modernization
  • GitHub Copilot subscription (paid or free).
  • Sign in to Visual Studio with a GitHub account that has Copilot access.
  • Code written in C or C++ and in either a MSBuild-based codebase that uses .sln or .vcxproj, or a CMake-based codebase. Unreal Engine projects (.uproject) are not currently supported.

Verify your Visual Studio version

If you need to update Visual Studio, select Help > Check for Updates, or download the latest version from Visual Studio downloads.

Enable or disable the feature

GitHub Copilot modernization for C++ is enabled by default. To disable or explicitly enable the feature:

  1. In Visual Studio, select Tools > Options to open the Options dialog.
  2. Navigate to GitHub > Copilot > C/C++.
  3. Select the Enable GitHub Copilot modernization for C++ checkbox to enable the feature, or clear it to disable the feature.
  4. Restart Visual Studio for the setting change to take effect.

Verify the agent is available

After setup, verify that the modernization agent is accessible:

  1. Open a C++ solution or project in Visual Studio.
  2. Open GitHub Copilot Chat by selecting View > GitHub Copilot Chat.
  3. Type @Modernize in the chat input. If the agent responds, setup is complete.

Alternatively, right-click your solution or project in Solution Explorer. If Modernize appears in the context menu, the agent is ready.

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