C++ language server now auto-configures MSBuild builds

Microsoft's C++ Language Server for GitHub Copilot CLI now bundles its MSBuild compile commands extractor and invokes it automatically when the language server starts on project open, eliminating the separate configuration skill agents previously had to discover and run. Microsoft says compilation database generation for MSBuild projects is now deterministic, reducing setup token usage and setup time; CMake projects still use the generate compile commands skill introduced in the earlier C++ language server release, and custom build systems can follow a guide to create a custom extractor skill. An active GitHub Copilot subscription is required.

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 .