JetBrains Copilot CLI and agentic capabilities enhancement (#61842)

Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Copilot Autofix powered by AI <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>

Author: 3 people

content/copilot/concepts/agents/about-agent-skills.md

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ contentType: concepts
 ---
 
 > [!NOTE]
-> Agent skills work with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cloud_agent %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_code-review_short %}, the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli %}, the {% data variables.copilot.github_copilot_app %}, and agent mode in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
+> Agent skills work with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cloud_agent %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_code-review_short %}, the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli %}, the {% data variables.copilot.github_copilot_app %}, and agent mode in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} and {% data variables.jetbrains.prodname_jetbrains_ides %}.
 
 ## About agent skills
 

content/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/chronicle.md

@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ This session data powers several features, available from {% data variables.copi
 
 With user-scoped queries, you can only query your own sessions—no one else can access your session data.
 
+In {% data variables.jetbrains.prodname_jetbrains_ides %}, `/chronicle` is available in interactive {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} sessions, so you can review session history and generate insights without leaving the IDE.
+
 This conceptual article explains how session data is stored and synced, and how you can use it to enhance your workflow. For a practical guide to resuming a session, asking {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} about your CLI sessions, and using the `/chronicle` slash command, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/use-copilot-cli/chronicle). For querying sessions from {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-on-github/use-copilot-agents/manage-and-track-agents).
 
 ## How session data is stored
@@ -77,6 +79,8 @@ For the full list of `/session` subcommands, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/
 
 The `/chronicle` slash command provides purpose-built subcommands for generating insights from your session history, including standup reports, personalized tips, cost analysis, and suggestions for improving your custom instructions. For the full list of subcommands and usage examples, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/use-copilot-cli/chronicle#using-the-chronicle-slash-command).
 
+If you use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} in {% data variables.jetbrains.prodname_jetbrains_ides %}, these `/chronicle` subcommands are available from the interactive CLI session you open in the IDE.
+
 ## When to use session data
 
 * **At the start of your day**: Run `/chronicle standup last 3 days` to generate a summary of recent work instead of reconstructing it manually.

content/copilot/how-tos/chat-with-copilot/chat-in-ide.md

@@ -372,6 +372,18 @@ To share feedback about {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, you can
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}
 
+## {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} agents
+
+The agent picker in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} panel lets you choose which agent drives your conversation. To switch agents, use the Agents dropdown at the bottom of the chat panel.
+
+The following agents are available:
+
+* **Agent mode** (default): Full agentic experience with autonomous task execution.
+* **Ask mode**: Get quick answers and assistance without making code changes.
+* **Plan mode**: Collaborate on planning before implementation—{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} analyzes your request and builds a structured plan for your review.
+* **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}**: Runs {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} through {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}, providing a terminal-first agentic experience with support for multiple isolation modes, live session progress, and tool call visibility. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/about-copilot-cli).
+* **Custom agents**: Use personalized agents tailored to your specific needs. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/about-custom-agents).
+
 ## Submitting prompts
 
 You can ask {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} to give you code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.

content/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/use-copilot-cli/steer-remotely.md

@@ -32,11 +32,12 @@ This article explains how to enable and use remote control. For more conceptual
 
 ## Enabling remote control for a session
 
-You can enable remote control in three ways:
+You can enable remote control in several ways:
 
 * With a slash command during an interactive session.
 * With a command-line option when you start {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}.
 * By configuring the CLI to enable remote control by default for all interactive sessions.
+* From JetBrains IDE settings before you start a session.
 
 ### Using the `/remote` slash command
 
@@ -79,6 +80,17 @@ copilot --no-remote
 > [!NOTE]
 > The command-line options `--remote` and `--no-remote` always take precedence over the `remote` setting in the settings file.
 
+### Using JetBrains IDE settings
+
+If you use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} from a JetBrains IDE, you can enable remote control from the IDE before you start a session.
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-settings %}
+{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-tools %}, then click **Chat**.
+1. Select **Enable Copilot CLI Remote**.
+1. Start an interactive {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} session from the IDE.
+
+When this setting is enabled, you can use `/remote` in the session at any time to view the current remote control status or redisplay the links and QR code for accessing the session remotely.
+
 ## Accessing a session from {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom_the_website %}
 
 When you enable remote control, the CLI displays a link to the session on {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom_the_website %}.
@@ -157,4 +169,3 @@ Remote control is disabled by default, but may be enabled in your {% data variab
 ## Further reading
 
 * [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} sessions in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/copilot-cli) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} documentation.
-* [Enable {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} remote control](https://github.com/microsoft/copilot-intellij-feedback/wiki/Enable-Copilot-CLI-Remote-Control) for JetBrains IDEs, in the `microsoft/copilot-intellij-feedback` repository.

content/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-extension.md

@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ The following procedure will guide you through installation of the {% data varia
 
    {% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-compatible-ides %}
 
-1. Install the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin for JetBrains. See [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/17718-github-copilot?ref_product=copilot&ref_type=engagement&ref_style=text) in the JetBrains Marketplace.
+1. In your JetBrains IDE, open the **Plugins** settings, search the **Marketplace** for the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, then click **Install**. For more information, see [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/17718-github-copilot?ref_product=copilot&ref_type=engagement&ref_style=text) in the JetBrains Marketplace.
 
 1. After {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} is installed, click **Restart IDE**.
 
@@ -84,7 +84,9 @@ The following procedure will guide you through installation of the {% data varia
 
    ![Screenshot of the "Sign in to {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %}" dialog. A device code is displayed above a button labeled "Copy and Open".](/assets/images/help/copilot/device-code-copy-and-open.png)
 
-1. A device activation window will open in your browser. Paste the device code, then click **Continue**.
+1. A device activation window will open in your browser. If prompted to sign in to {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %}, sign in with your {% data variables.product.github %} account, or click **Continue with Google** or **Continue with Apple**.
+
+1. Paste the device code, then click **Continue**.
 
 1. {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} will request the necessary permissions for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}. To approve these permissions, click **Authorize {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} Plugin**.
 

content/copilot/how-tos/troubleshoot-copilot/view-logs.md

@@ -65,6 +65,23 @@ If you find the log file doesn't contain enough information to resolve an issue,
 1. Keep using your IDE until you encounter the issue again, then collect the log file as described in [Collecting log files](#collecting-log-files).
 1. When you have the information you need, disable debug mode by removing `#com.github.copilot:trace` from the "Custom Debug Log Configuration" window.
 
+## Using the Agent Debug Panel
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> This feature is in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and subject to change.
+
+The Agent Debug Panel shows a chronological event log of agent interactions during a {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} session. Use the panel to debug {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_short %} and subagent workflows.
+
+1. Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your JetBrains IDE.
+1. In the agent picker, select {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}.
+1. In the top-right corner of the chat panel, click the settings icon, then click **Agent Debug Panel**.
+1. For full support across current and historical sessions, enable debug file logging.
+   1. Open **Settings**.
+   1. In the sidebar, click **Tools**, then **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**, then **Chat**.
+   1. Select **Enable Agent debug File Logging**.
+
+If you use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %} or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %}, ask your administrator to enable the Editor preview features policy before you use this feature.
+
 ## Viewing network connectivity diagnostics logs
 
 If you encounter problems connecting to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} due to network restrictions, firewalls, or your proxy setup, use the following troubleshooting steps.

content/copilot/how-tos/use-ai-models/change-the-chat-model.md

@@ -132,9 +132,13 @@ These instructions are for the JetBrains IDEs. For instructions on different cli
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.chat-model-limitations-ide %}
 
+For reasoning models that support configurable thinking effort, you can control how much reasoning the model applies to each request.
+
 1. Click the **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}** icon in the status bar.
 1. In the popup menu, click **Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}**.
-1. In the bottom right of the chat view, select an AI model of your choice from the **CURRENT-MODEL** {% octicon "chevron-down" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="chevron-down" %} dropdown menu, then click the AI model of your choice.
+1. In the bottom right of the chat view, select an AI model of your choice from the **CURRENT-MODEL** {% octicon "chevron-down" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="chevron-down" %} dropdown menu.
+1. Optionally, hover over a reasoning model that supports configurable thinking effort.
+   1. In the **Thinking Effort** submenu, select an effort level. Nonreasoning models do not display the **Thinking Effort** submenu.
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.auto-model-option %}
 

content/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/cloud-agent/use-cloud-agent-in-your-ide.md

@@ -57,7 +57,12 @@ To directly open agent sessions in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_sho
 
 ## Starting a session
 
-1. Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} in your JetBrains IDE.
+1. Enable {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cloud_agent %} in your JetBrains IDE.
+   1. Open **Settings**.
+   1. In the sidebar, click **Tools**, then **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**, then **Chat**.
+   1. Select **Enable Cloud Agent**.
+1. If you use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %} or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %}, ask your administrator to enable the Editor preview features policy.
+1. Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your JetBrains IDE.
 1. Type a prompt explaining what you want {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to do.
 
    For example, `Put backticks around file names and variables in output`
@@ -68,9 +73,13 @@ To directly open agent sessions in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_sho
 
 ## Tracking your sessions
 
-You can see a list of your running and past agent sessions for a project in JetBrains IDEs with the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} extension. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-extension?tool=jetbrains).
+You can see a list of your running and past agent sessions for a project in JetBrains IDEs with the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} extension. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-extension?tool=jetbrains).
 
-You can see all of {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s sessions by clicking the **GitHub Cloud Agent Jobs** button in the sidebar or by clicking the **Open Job List** button after delegating a task to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} from {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}.
+Cloud agent sessions appear in the unified sessions view in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} panel alongside local and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} sessions.
+
+You can open the unified sessions view by clicking the **GitHub Cloud Agent Jobs** button in the sidebar or by clicking the **Open Job List** button after delegating a task to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} from {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.
+
+You can filter sessions by agent type or status to find the session you want.
 
 For each session listed, you can see its status at a glance. Click **Open in Browser** to open the pull request in your browser, or right-click on a running job then click **Cancel Job** to cancel.
 

content/copilot/reference/chat-cheat-sheet.md

@@ -170,11 +170,16 @@ Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use
 
 Available slash commands may vary, depending on your environment and the context of your chat. To view a list of currently available slash commands, type `/` in the chat prompt box of your current environment. Below is a list of some of the most common slash commands for using {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.
 
+If you run interactive {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} sessions in JetBrains, you can also use CLI-specific slash commands from that session.
+
 | Command | Description |
 | --- | --- |
+| `/chronicle` | Review and analyze your session history. Available subcommands: `standup`, `tips`, `search`, and `improve`. For more details on these subcommands, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/use-copilot-cli/chronicle). |
+| `/compact` | Manually compress the current {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} session context to keep a long-running session manageable. |
 | `/explain` | Explain how the code in your active editor works. |
 | `/fix` | Propose a fix for problems in the selected code. |
 | `/help` | Quick reference and basics of using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}. |
+| `/remote` | ({% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} session only) Enable or manage remote control for the current session so you can access it from {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom_the_website %} or {% data variables.product.prodname_mobile %}. |
 | `/tests` | Generate unit tests for the selected code. |
 
 {% endjetbrains %}

content/copilot/reference/custom-instructions-support.md

@@ -134,6 +134,10 @@ WRITING NOTE: The following tables have been written using HTML rather than Mark
 
 ## JetBrains IDEs
 
+In JetBrains IDEs, you can manage supported customizations from the Agent Customizations editor. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} panel, click the settings icon in the top-right, then click **Customizations**.
+
+The editor lets you work with workspace customizations for the current project or personal customizations that follow you across projects. You can use it to view and edit {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_short %}, manage reusable skills and prompt files, and configure instructions. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/configure-custom-instructions-in-your-ide/add-repository-instructions-in-your-ide) and [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/cloud-agent/create-custom-agents-in-your-ide).
+
 <table>
   <thead>
     <tr>
@@ -146,6 +150,7 @@ WRITING NOTE: The following tables have been written using HTML rather than Mark
       <td>{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} </td>
       <td>
         <ul style="list-style: none; padding-left: 1.5em; margin-left: 0;">
+          {% data reusables.copilot.ci-support-personal %}
           {% data reusables.copilot.ci-support-repository %}
           {% data reusables.copilot.ci-support-path %}
         </ul>