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GitHub Copilot

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What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is GitHub’s AI coding assistant. It provides access to Copilot models for your GitHub account and plan. OpenClaw can use Copilot as a model provider in two different ways.

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Two ways to use Copilot in OpenClaw

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1) Built-in GitHub Copilot provider (github-copilot)

Use the native device-login flow to obtain a GitHub token, then exchange it for Copilot API tokens when OpenClaw runs. This is the default and simplest path because it does not require VS Code.

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2) Copilot Proxy plugin (copilot-proxy)

Use the Copilot Proxy VS Code extension as a local bridge. OpenClaw talks to the proxy’s /v1 endpoint and uses the model list you configure there. Choose this when you already run Copilot Proxy in VS Code or need to route through it. You must enable the plugin and keep the VS Code extension running. Use GitHub Copilot as a model provider (github-copilot). The login command runs the GitHub device flow, saves an auth profile, and updates your config to use that profile.

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CLI setup

You’ll be prompted to visit a URL and enter a one-time code. Keep the terminal open until it completes.

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Optional flags

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Set a default model

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Config snippet

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Token env var fallback chain

When no auth profile is stored, OpenClaw reads a GitHub token from environment variables in this order:
  1. COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN — preferred; set this to keep Copilot auth separate from other GitHub tools.
  2. GH_TOKEN — used by the GitHub CLI (gh); OpenClaw picks it up automatically.
  3. GITHUB_TOKEN — standard CI/GitHub Actions token; used as a last resort.
The first non-empty variable wins. Example:
If none of these are set and no auth profile exists, the Copilot provider is disabled. Run the device-login flow to store a profile permanently.

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Notes

  • Requires an interactive TTY for the device-login flow; run it directly in a terminal.
  • Copilot model availability depends on your plan; if a model is rejected, try another ID (for example github-copilot/gpt-4.1).
  • The login stores a GitHub token in the auth profile store and exchanges it for a Copilot API token when OpenClaw runs.