Working with agent sessions in the GitHub Copilot app

Run multiple isolated agent sessions simultaneously, each with its own branch, and steer them using different session modes, models, and tools.

Who can use this feature?

GitHub Copilot app is available with GitHub Copilot Business and GitHub Copilot Enterprise plans (if the organization has enabled preview features and Copilot CLI), and via waitlist for GitHub Copilot Pro and GitHub Copilot Pro+ plans.

In this article

Note

The GitHub Copilot app is in technical preview and subject to change.

  • Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise users — Download and install from the GitHub Copilot app repository if your organization or enterprise has enabled preview features and Copilot CLI.
  • Copilot Pro and Copilot Pro+ users — To request access, join the waitlist.

Starting a session

Each session in the GitHub Copilot app runs in its own isolated workspace, so you can run multiple sessions in parallel and make progress on several tasks without conflicts.

  1. In the sidebar under Sessions, click + to start a new session.
  2. Choose a repository—you can use a local folder, choose from GitHub, or clone from a URL.
  3. Choose whether the session should run in a new working tree or in your local repository.
  4. Select a session mode, model, and reasoning effort from the dropdowns above the prompt field.
  5. Describe the task in the prompt field. You can reference issues with #, add files with @, or use / for commands.

The agent starts working. Your active sessions appear in the sidebar grouped by repository—click any session to switch to it.

Choosing a session mode

The session mode controls how much autonomy the agent has. You can set the mode from the dropdown above the prompt field and change it at any time.

  • Interactive: You and the agent work together. The agent suggests changes and waits for your input before proceeding.
  • Plan: The agent creates a plan first. You review and approve the plan before the agent executes it.
  • Autopilot: The agent works fully autonomously—writing code, running tests, and iterating without waiting for input.

Choosing a model

You can select a model and reasoning effort from the dropdowns above the prompt field. Higher reasoning effort gives the agent more time to think through complex problems but may take longer. You can change both settings at any time during a session.

Using quick chats

Quick chats in the sidebar opens a conversation mode without creating a dedicated branch or worktree. Use it for brainstorming, asking questions, or exploring ideas before starting a session. Your chat history is saved and listed by conversation name.

Keyboard shortcuts

The GitHub Copilot app supports keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate sessions, switch between workspaces, and perform common actions. To see available shortcuts, open the app, go to Help, then Keyboard Shortcuts.