GitHub Copilot app launches on desktop with Canvases, cloud automation and MCP support

GitHub has officially released the GitHub Copilot desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, bringing its agent-driven development experience to all major desktop platforms. Built natively on GitHub, the app acts as a central hub where developers can start Copilot sessions from issues, pull requests, or custom prompts while keeping work aligned with existing GitHub workflows.

Sessions can run in parallel across multiple repositories, with each one isolated in its own branch and worktree. Developers can review generated diffs inside the app, validate changes through the integrated terminal and browser, and open pull requests that still follow their team’s existing checks and merge requirements.

The release also adds Canvases, shared surfaces where users and the agent can work on the same plan, pull request, terminal, or browser session, making progress easier to follow and steer. Cloud automations let users schedule recurring agent tasks without keeping their machine awake, and bring-your-own-model support and MCP servers allow more advanced customization. Copilot Business and Enterprise access may require admins to enable Copilot CLI in policy settings.