# C++ language server now auto-configures MSBuild builds

> Source: <https://github.blog/changelog/2026-11-10-c-language-server-now-auto-configures-msbuild-builds>
> Published: 2026-11-10 17:04:10+00:00

# C++ language server now auto-configures MSBuild builds

The Microsoft C++ Language Server for GitHub Copilot CLI now bundles its MSBuild compile commands extractor and invokes it automatically. An agent no longer needs to discover and run a separate configuration skill before it can get precise code intelligence for your project. For more information, including the installation instructions, see [the main repository page](https://github.com/microsoft/cpp-language-server).

## [What changed](#what-changed)

Previously, setting up go-to-definition, find references, and other language server features for an MSBuild-based C++ project required you to either provide your own `compile_commands.json` file or Copilot to locate and run a configuration skill before it could generate a compilation database. That extra discovery step added setup time and consumed tokens before Copilot could start working with your code.

Now:

- The compile commands extractor is bundled directly with the C++ language server, so it’s always available.
- Copilot invokes the extractor when starting the language server on project open, with no manual or agent-driven setup skill required.
- Compilation database generation for MSBuild projects is deterministic, reducing setup token usage.

## [Configure other build systems](#configure-other-build-systems)

For other build systems, you can provide your own `compile_commands.json` or use a skill to generate one:

- For CMake projects, use the generate compile commands skill introduced in [the earlier C++ language server release](https://github.blog/changelog/2026-07-02-new-c-language-server-config-skill-for-copilot-cli/) by asking Copilot CLI to “load project.”
- For custom build systems, follow the guide to [create a custom build extractor skill](https://github.com/microsoft/cpp-language-server/blob/main/docs/compile-commands.md#other-build-systems) .

## [Get started](#get-started)

Follow the [Microsoft C++ Language Server quick start](https://github.com/microsoft/cpp-language-server#-quick-start) to install the plugin and accept the EULA. If your repository contains an MSBuild-based C++ project, Copilot will automatically generate the compilation database it needs for accurate code intelligence.

An active GitHub Copilot subscription is required.

Help improve the Microsoft C++ Language Server by completing the [C++ language server survey](https://aka.ms/cpp-lsp-survey). To report a problem or suggest an improvement, [open an issue in the Microsoft C++ Language Server repository](https://github.com/microsoft/cpp-language-server/issues).