GitHub Copilot now lets users start cloud agent sessions in one client and resume them in another. Agents can keep running on GitHub’s infrastructure after closing a laptop. A new Agent Host isolates sessions from VS Code windows for background work. Users can run agents on a separate machine via Remote SSH or dev tunnels. The editor and Agents window stay in sync with the same live session. GitHub Copilot CLI can now be installed directly through VS Code. Users can compare model results side by side in the Agents window. Agents can interact with desktop apps on macOS or Windows with user approval. Developers can build custom clients using the open Agent Host Protocol. A new Customization Marketplace centralizes agent skills and plugins. Administrators gain stronger plugin and marketplace controls. Copilot connectors bring context from services like Slack into sessions.
What changed
Cloud agent sessions stopped when the local VS Code window or laptop closed. Desktop agents ran only in the active window. Copilot CLI required separate installation. Model behavior varied across VS Code, CLI and the Copilot app. Customizations were managed in separate places. Plugin controls were less reliable for administrators.
What it unlocks
Starting a cloud agent session from one client and resuming it from another. Running agents on a separate machine while using the primary one. Switching between editor and Agents window without restarting the session. Controlling agents from a phone. Comparing model results side by side. Letting agents interact with desktop apps. Building custom clients with session continuity. Discovering and managing agent customizations in one place. Strengthening plugin and marketplace controls. Connecting external services without MCP servers.
What you need to act on it
- GitHub Copilot subscription
- VS Code or GitHub Copilot app installed
- Agent Host running for background or remote sessions
- Computer use enabled in settings for desktop app interaction
- Editor preview features allowed for Business and Enterprise administrators
- Copilot harness enabled for consistent behavior
Sources