GitHub Copilot now allows users to connect a local folder or repository, write a plain English instruction, and let the AI agent attempt a code change immediately.
Connect the project first
Before asking for changes, the agent needs access to the files. You can link a GitHub repository or point the app to a directory on your machine. This gives the tool the context required to understand your codebase.
From the home screen, select an existing project or add a new one. You may choose to work on code stored remotely or on your computer. Either way, the session gains the necessary background to operate.
Once the project is selected, you can begin writing your first request.
Ask in plain English
You do not need to master a special syntax. Describe the change you want to make.
For example: Add a most-funded sort option to the games list.
That is sufficient to begin. Copilot scans the project, identifies relevant sections, and applies the requested modification.
If the output is not quite right, add more details or ask for adjustments. Prompting is a back-and-forth process. You do not need to anticipate every detail before starting.
The best prompt is often the one that gets you moving.
Switch models as needed
The app lets you select which AI model handles the task. Different models have different strengths. Some handle complex reasoning better, while others process simpler requests more quickly.
For beginners, the default model is a suitable starting point. You do not need to understand every difference between the options to use the app.
As you work, you can switch models if a task requires deeper logic or if the initial approach fails. Treat the model selector as a tool available when a specific problem arises, rather than a setting to configure before every session.
Type or speak
Typing is not the only input method. The app includes voice input. This helps when you are thinking out loud or have a long request to describe.
Your speech converts to text in the prompt box. You can review and edit the transcribed message before sending it. This allows you to think aloud without committing to a draft immediately.
It is often easier to explain a request verbally than to type it. Voice input provides another way to get the idea into the session.
Adjust how the session runs
You can change how the work executes. From the session title, select a different agent or enable remote control.
Agents are configured for different types of work. Choose the one that fits your current task.
Remote sessions offer further flexibility. Instead of running work only on your local machine, access the session via the web. You can start a task, close your laptop, and return later from another device without losing your place.
These options are available when you need more control. They are not required for your first prompt.
Start small
Your first prompt does not need to be perfect. Begin with a small change in a project you already know. Describe the goal in plain language and see the result.
From there, refine the request, try a different model, or adjust how the session runs. Frequent use makes these choices feel more natural.
The priority is to start. Pick a project, give Copilot a task, and see where it takes you.
What it means
Developers can now bypass the intimidation of complex prompts. By connecting a project and stating a simple goal, the tool handles the technical setup. Users can iterate quickly using voice or text, switching models only when necessary, and continue work across devices without interruption.
