GitHub Copilot for JetBrains has introduced updates that give administrators more control over default model selection and the Copilot server (MCP) used for new conversations. The update also improves diagnostics, chat navigation, and account controls, with a focus on reliability across agent sessions, customizations, and worktrees.
ENTERPRISE CONTROLS FOR STARTING MODELS AND TOOLS
Enterprise administrators can use managed settings to choose any available Copilot agent model as the default for new conversations. This provides organizations with greater control over the starting model while preserving an explicit model picker for user choice. TechStaged has also covered GitHub Copilot adds general availability for local sandboxing across CLI, app, and VS Code.
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC WORKFLOW AND INLINE REPAIR
Diagnostic intention menus now include a Fix action that opens inline chat and asks Copilot to repair the issue. The action uses agent mode when available and ask mode otherwise, helping users move from a reported problem to a proposed fix with fewer steps.
NEW MCP CONTROLS AND WORKFLOW CLARITY
A new MCP setting lets administrators disable automatic server startup for Copilot and Claude, giving more control over when configured tools become active. The release also clarifies everyday chat, account, and navigation workflows, including improvements to account controls, chat discovery, conversation navigation, message actions, and agent guidance.
USER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE BOARD
Signed-in Copilot accounts now have clearer labels, simpler status displays, better navigation for long lists, and a Switch Account action. Chat discovery and sign-in flows have been streamlined with a one-time reminder for new users, a responsive sign-in layout, clearer headings, and cancellable progress during browser authorization. Conversations are now grouped by turn with quick navigation between turns, and messages include copy/edit actions. The Copilot agent placeholder is more informative, highlighting questions, edits, context, and commands.
MIGRATION, RELIABILITY, AND COMPATIBILITY NOTES
The release focuses on reliability during language server startup, model/provider switching, MCP configuration, customization refreshes, file changes, and worktree workflows. It also notes the end of support for JetBrains IDE 2025.1, with JetBrains IDE 2025.2 or later required to use the Copilot plugin.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AND USER GUIDANCE
GitHub invites feedback through in-product options and the Copilot for JetBrains feedback repository to help refine future iterations of the plugin.
RELATED COVERAGE
- GitHub Copilot adds general availability for local sandboxing across CLI, app, and VS Code
- GitHub Copilot deprecates selected models across all experiences
- Claude Haiku 5.5 becomes generally available in GitHub Copilot, aimed at fast subagent and editing tasks
- GitHub completes staged rollout of stateless App installation tokens, with longer token format and unchanged permissions
- Developer Tools articles
SOURCES
- Archive: 2026 - GitHub Changelog: New controls and chat improvements in Copilot for JetBrains Published · Primary source
