How to use GPT-5 in VS Code with GitHub Copilot

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• GitHub Copilot Pro now supports GPT-5 in VS Code.
• A 30-day trial lets you test premium models for free.
• Add your OpenAI key to bypass Copilot restriction.

GPT-5 is now available for use with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot in VS Code. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps of setting up the linkages between VS Code, Copilot, and GPT-5. This process will also work for most other supported large language models you want to use.

Also: Microsoft rolls out GPT-5 across its Copilot suite – here’s where you’ll find it

Step 1: Enable GitHub Copilot Pro

You’ll need the Pro version of GitHub Copilot to use GPT-5 at this time. The new model might be available for Copilot’s free tier someday, but not yet. There is, however, a 30-day free trial. I’ll show you how to set that up here:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

First, open VS Code. Click the little Copilot icon (1). That action will open the Copilot pane. Next, click whatever model is listed at (2). Mine is GPT-4.1. Finally, click Add Premium Models (3).

Also: I tested GPT-5’s coding skills, and it was so bad that I’m sticking with GPT-4o (for now)

This will take you to a web page where you’ll be given the opportunity to try Copilot Pro for 30 days at no cost. Click the big green button.

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Unfortunately, you’ll have to add your credit card info, although it won’t be charged for 30 days. To prevent abuse of the 30-day limit, Microsoft requires you to give your personal information and your credit card number:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Once you’ve done that, click the Activate Now button:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Step 2: Enable GPT-5

You’ll need to restart VS Code for the Pro mode to be made available. Once you do that, click the current model (in the screenshot, it’s GPT-4.1), and then scroll and choose GPT-5:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

You will then need to issue a prompt. In my Deep Research dump of my repository, I was told about some references to a product I sold a few years ago that were still in the product’s code. I told GPT-5 to remove all such references.

That process resulted in the Enable button showing up. Basically, I think you can use any prompt with GPT-5 to trigger the Enable button. Then click it:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Step 3: Bring your own key

By using the Pro account, you are given a certain number of times you can use the various models. It’s unclear how that usage limit is calculated, so I have reached out to Microsoft for clarification. I’ll update this article when I get more info.

Also: How I test an AI chatbot’s coding ability – and you can, too

If you want to bypass the possible restrictions and rate limitations, you can use your own API key as provided by your LLM service. You can learn more from Microsoft’s language models page.

With ChatGPT, you can get an OpenAI Platform Key by pointing your browser here. If you don’t already have an OpenAI account, you may need to give them some credit card information as well. Then click Create Key and follow the directions:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Once you have your key, go back to Manage Models (by clicking the current model you’re using and choosing Manage Models). Select OpenAI:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Type or paste in your key. Press Enter to confirm:

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

Congratulations, you’re now running GPT-5 in Copilot.

Have you used Copilot?

Have you tried using GPT-4.1 or GPT-5 in VS Code yet? What do you think of the Copilot Pro experience so far? Does it feel like a worthwhile upgrade? Have you explored using your API key instead of relying on Microsoft’s allocation?

Also: The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)

What kinds of tasks or prompts have you found AI particularly helpful for in your coding work? Let us know in the comments below.

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