microsoft / microsoft/vscode

GitHub Copilot Chat is not available as an Activity Bar entry. Right-clicking the Activity Bar shows Explorer, Search, Source Control, Run and Debug, Extensions, Testing, Python, and Accounts, but no Chat/Copilot entry.

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#324,966 0 comments 0 reactions 1 assignee Claimed by @benibenj View on GitHub
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TypeScript
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Description

- Copilot Chat Extension Version:
- VS Code Version:
- OS Version:
- Feature (e.g. agent/edit/ask mode):
- Selected model (e.g. GPT 4.1, Claude 3.7 Sonnet):
- Logs:

Steps to Reproduce:

1.
2.
VS Code 1.125.1 on Linux with GitHub Copilot Chat.

Problem:
GitHub Copilot Chat is not available as an Activity Bar entry. Right-clicking the Activity Bar shows Explorer, Search, Source Control, Run and Debug, Extensions, Testing, Python, and Accounts, but no Chat/Copilot entry.

Expected:
Copilot Chat should be pinnable in the Activity Bar like a normal first-class view container, or there should be a clear supported setting to enable it there.

Actual:
Copilot Chat can be opened by command, but it is not exposed in the Activity Bar menu and appears only through less discoverable panel/sidebar behaviors.

Impact:
This makes layout management confusing and significantly degrades usability, especially when trying to keep a stable working environment.

Contributor guide

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Assessment

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