Why GitHub Copilot Appears Deprecated in the Latest VS Code

If you recently updated Visual Studio Code and noticed that GitHub.copilot appears crossed out or marked as deprecated, you are not alone. Many developers think the extension was removed, but the real reason is simpler: GitHub changed how Copilot works inside VS Code.

In older versions, users needed two separate extensions:

• GitHub.copilot for code suggestions
• GitHub Copilot Chat for AI chat features

Now, GitHub has merged the main experience into GitHub Copilot Chat. The old standalone extension is deprecated and no longer recommended. That is why VS Code shows it with a strike-through message.

The solution is straightforward:

1. Uninstall the old GitHub.copilot extension
2. Install or enable GitHub Copilot Chat
3. Sign in with your GitHub account
4. Enable inline suggestions if needed through VS Code settings

This change helps simplify the setup process and reduces compatibility problems between multiple Copilot extensions. It also prepares VS Code for newer AI features that are being integrated directly into the editor.

If inline suggestions are not appearing after installation, use the Command Palette and run:
GitHub Copilot: Enable

For most users, switching to the new extension fully restores the Copilot experience.