> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hoista.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VS Code (GitHub Copilot)

> Add Hoista to GitHub Copilot in VS Code.

Copilot in VS Code starts Hoista's MCP server itself, over stdio, in agent mode. You need Hoista on this computer: run `hoist doctor` to check.

## Add Hoista

In VS Code, run **MCP: Open User Configuration** from the Command Palette. It opens your user `mcp.json`. Add Hoista under `servers`:

```json theme={null}
{
  "servers": {
    "hoista": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "/Users/you/.local/bin/hoist",
      "args": ["mcp", "--name", "VS Code"]
    }
  }
}
```

Use the path `command -v hoist` prints. VS Code's file uses `servers` and needs `"type": "stdio"`, so it isn't the same shape `hoist mcp config` prints for other tools. For one project only, put the same entry in `.vscode/mcp.json` in that project.

Start the server from the **Start** link VS Code shows above the entry, or run **MCP: List Servers**.

## Approve it in Hoista

When VS Code starts Hoista, Hoista opens a page in your browser with a code. Check the code matches the one VS Code shows, choose **What it may do** and allow it. If the page doesn't open, allow it in **Agents** in the desktop app, or from a terminal:

```bash theme={null}
hoist agents requests
hoist agents allow
```

Start with **View only** and widen it later in [Agent permissions](https://docs.hoista.dev/agents/permissions.md).

## Check it works

Ask Copilot: "What projects do I have on Hoista?" It should list your projects. If it doesn't, see [If it doesn't connect](#if-it-doesnt-connect).

## Hoista on a remote

VS Code talks to Hoista on this computer. While a [remote](https://docs.hoista.dev/guides/remote.md) is selected (`hoist remote use NAME`), `hoist mcp` won't start. To use the remote, add it to VS Code as an HTTP MCP server at its own address: `hoist mcp config` prints the remote's `/mcp` URL. VS Code then signs in with OAuth.

## If it doesn't connect

* Run **MCP: List Servers**, pick `hoista` and choose **Show Output** to see why it stopped.
* Check the `command` path exists, and run `hoist doctor`.
* **To remove it:** delete the entry, then revoke the agent in **Agents** or with `hoist agents revoke`.

## Related

> [card] [Agent permissions](https://docs.hoista.dev/agents/permissions.md)
>
> Change or narrow what an agent can do.

> [card] [Approvals](https://docs.hoista.dev/security/approvals.md)
>
> What Hoista asks you before an agent acts.

> [card] [Prompts](https://docs.hoista.dev/agents/prompts.md)
>
> Prompts to start with.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.