Disabling GitHub Copilot in VS Code

Problem

Users often need to disable GitHub Copilot in VS Code for reasons including unwanted AI suggestions, persistent connection errors ("GitHub Copilot could not connect to server. Extension activation failed"), or performance concerns. While Copilot provides AI-powered code completions, its automatic activation and notifications can be disruptive during workflows or when lacking proper license access.

Methods to Disable Copilot

1. Quick Toggle via Status Bar/Command Palette

• Click Status Bar Icon:
  Locate the Copilot icon in VS Code's status bar (bottom-right corner). Click it and select Disable Completions.
  Note: If enabled, a checkmark appears on the icon; disabling removes it.
• Use Command Palette:
  Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) → Type:

  > GitHub Copilot: Enable/Disable Copilot Completions

  Press Enter to toggle on/off.

2. Hide UI Elements (VS Code ≥1.98)

For integrated Copilot/Chat elements:

1. Go to File > Preferences > Settings
   Search for chat.commandCenter.enabled.
2. Uncheck the setting:
   Chat: Show Command Center
3. Right-click the Copilot icon → Select Hide to remove UI elements:

TIP

This disables chat and visual disruptions but keeps completions functional.

3. Disable Completions via Settings (Global/Workspace)

To permanently disable across projects or this workspace:

1. Open settings JSON:
   Ctrl+Shift+P > Type: Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)
2. Add these configurations:

   {
     // Disable completions globally
     "github.copilot.enable": {
       "*": false
     },
     // Disable auto-suggestions
     "github.copilot.editor.enableAutoCompletions": false,
     // Hide Copilot notifications (optional)
     "github.copilot.editor.showCompletionsNotification": false
   }

   Save → Restart VS Code.

WARNING

If using VS Code post-v1.97, also disable copilot.agent.enabled and copilot.nextEditSuggestions.enabled.

4. Uninstall Copilot Extension

If using standalone extension:

1. Open Extensions sidebar (Ctrl+Shift+X)
2. Search GitHub Copilot → Click ⚙️ → Uninstall
3. Optional: Hide remnants by disabling VSC built-in AI via:

   "github.copilot.enable": false

DANGER

An outdated/errored Copilot extension triggers false notifications. Uninstall if persistent “server connection failed” appears.

5. Add Toggle Shortcut

Create a custom keyboard shortcut:

1. Ctrl+Shift+P > Type: Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON)
2. Add:

   {
     "key": "ctrl+shift+alt+o",
     "command": "github.copilot.completions.toggle"
   }

Use the shortcut to enable/disable instantly.

Recommended Approach

• For occasional use → Keyboard toggle
• For license/session errors → Uninstall Extension
• For persistent UI distractions → Hide UI + Disable Settings

Verification

After disabling:

1. Status bar Copilot icon appears crossed out.
2. Opening Command Palette displays "Enable Copilot Completions".
3. AI suggestions no longer appear during coding.

Apply these methods based on your version and workflow needs. Use workspace-specific settings to avoid affecting other projects.