cd /news/ai-products/new-controls-and-chat-improvements-i… · home › topics › ai-products › article
[ARTICLE · art-148879] src=github.blog ↗ pub= topic=ai-products verified=true sentiment=↑ positive

New controls and chat improvements in Copilot for JetBrains

GitHub released an update to its Copilot plugin for JetBrains IDEs that adds enterprise-managed default model selection, a Fix action in diagnostic intention menus, and an MCP setting to disable automatic server startup for Copilot and Claude. The release also ends support for JetBrains IDE 2025.1, requiring JetBrains IDE 2025.2 or later to use the plugin.

by read2 min views2 publishedOct 10, 2026
New controls and chat improvements in Copilot for JetBrains
Image: GitHub Changelog

This update brings more control over default models and MCP server in GitHub Copilot for JetBrains. It also makes diagnostics easier to address, improves chat navigation and account controls, and strengthens reliability across agent sessions, customizations, and worktrees.

## [What’s new](#whats-new)

### [Enterprise-managed default models](#enterprise-managed-default-models)

Enterprise administrators can now use managed settings to choose any available Copilot agent model as the default for new conversations. This gives organizations more control over the starting model while still preserving an explicit model picker choice.

Faster fixes from diagnostics

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 it is available and ask mode otherwise, helping you move from a reported problem to a proposed fix with fewer steps.

More control over MCP server startup

A new MCP setting lets you disable automatic server startup for Copilot and Claude, giving you more control over when configured tools become active.

User experience enhancements #

This release makes everyday chat, account, and navigation workflows clearer:

  • Account controls : Signed-in Copilot accounts now have clearer labels, a simpler status display, better navigation for long lists, and aSwitch Account action.
  • Chat discovery and sign-in : A one-time reminder helps new users findChat , while the sign-in page has a responsive layout, clearer headings, improved provider choices, a direct Copilot plans link, and cancellable progress during browser authorization.
  • Conversation navigation : Chat messages are grouped by turn, with controls for moving quickly between turns.
  • Message actions : User messages now include actions to copy or edit their content.
  • Agent guidance : The Copilot agent placeholder now highlights questions, edits, context, and commands.
  • Migration flow : After you accept a migration command,Go Back opens a Copilot home session even when you continue the local conversation.

Quality improvements #

This release improves reliability during language server startup, model and provider switching, MCP configuration, customization refreshes, file changes, and worktree workflows. It also resolves interaction and display issues in model management, tool-call details, working sets, and JetBrains IDE settings.

Deprecation #

GitHub Copilot has ended support for JetBrains IDE 2025.1. You now need JetBrains IDE 2025.2 or later to use the plugin.

Try it out #

We encourage you to try out the latest version of the GitHub Copilot plugin and share your feedback. Your input is invaluable in helping us refine and improve the product.

Share your feedback #

Your feedback drives improvements. We’d love to hear about your experience in the following channels:

── more in #ai-products 4 stories · sorted by recency
── more on @github 3 stories trending now
sponsored brought to you by zahid.host 4,200+ EU-deployed projects
reading about agents? ship yours in a single git push.

Run your AI side-project on zahid.host

EU-based hosting, git-push deploys, automatic HTTPS, no cold starts. Free tier with a custom domain — perfect for shipping the agent you just read about.

$git push zahid main
→ Live at https://your-agent.zahid.host ✓
Get free account → Pricing
from €0/mo · no card required
LIVE [news/new-controls-and-cha…] indexed:0 read:2min 2026-10-10 · —