github / github/copilot-cli

Clipboard access doesn't work in vscode -> terminal (WSL) -> screen/tmux

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#4,191 3 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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area:terminal-rendering
Dominant language
Shell
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Description

Describe the bug

When running the Copilot CLI from withing a tmux/screen in WSL2 in a terminal in VS Code, copying text to the clipboard doesn't work. When running the the CLI in the WSL2 terminal in VS Code (i.e. not in tmux/screen), copying does work well.

Affected version

No response

Steps to reproduce the behavior

No response

Expected behavior

No response

Additional context

Windows 11, VS Code 1.126.0, WSL2 (Ubuntu 24.04), built-in VS Code terminal, bash, tmux 3.4, screen 4.09.01.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by reproducing the issue in the stated VS Code 1.126.0, WSL2 Ubuntu 24.04, bash, tmux 3.4, and screen 4.09.01 environment, comparing direct terminal use with tmux and screen. Trace the CLI's clipboard path and the terminal multiplexer behavior. Done means copying works consistently in both tmux and screen, or the limitation is clearly identified and documented.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
bash, shell, ubuntu, vscode
Domain
cli, operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
42/100

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