MCP Server + VSCode Copilot

[shahildhotre]

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Copilot Feature Area

VS Code

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I was wondering if there’s a way to automatically call an MCP tool or resource in VS Code Copilot Chat as soon as it connects to an MCP server, without manually entering a query in the chat.

[Akash1134]

Hi @shahildhotre ,

There is currently no built-in way for VS Code Copilot Chat to automatically call an MCP tool or resource immediately upon connecting to an MCP server, without user input. Copilot Chat is designed to respond to user queries and actions, not to trigger tool calls on its own when a connection is established.

If you want to automate actions when connecting to an MCP server, you would need to implement this behavior in a custom VS Code extension. The extension could listen for MCP server connection events and then programmatically invoke the desired tool or resource. Copilot Chat itself does not support this kind of automation natively.

Thanks!

[adhammenesy]

Hi,

Currently, GitHub Copilot Chat in VS Code does not support automatically sending a query to an MCP tool or resource immediately upon connecting to a server. All interactions are initiated manually through the chat interface.

Workarounds / Suggestions:

1. Use snippets or templates: Prepare common queries in advance and quickly paste them when the session starts.
2. Automate via VS Code extensions or tasks: While Copilot Chat itself doesn’t support auto-triggered queries, you could explore writing a VS Code extension or task that runs a command or opens a file containing a predefined query.
3. Submit a feature request: If automatic querying is important, consider submitting feedback to GitHub via [GitHub Feedback](https://github.com/contact) to let the team know this would improve workflow.

✅ TL;DR
Automatic queries on Copilot Chat connection aren’t supported yet; consider using snippets, VS Code tasks, or submitting a feature request.