How to Use GPT-5 in VS Code with GitHub Copilot Pro Unlock GPT-5, test it for free, and bypass usage limits using your own API key.

 With GPT-5 now integrated into GitHub Copilot Pro, developers can tap into the latest large language model directly within Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Here's how to enable GPT-5, start a free trial, and optionally connect your own OpenAI API key to lift Copilot limits.

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✅ Step 1: Enable GitHub Copilot Pro (Free Trial Available)

To use GPT-5 in VS Code, you’ll need Copilot Pro. Here’s how to activate it:

1. Open VS Code.

2. Click the Copilot icon in the sidebar.

3. Click on the current model (e.g., GPT-4.1).

4. Select “Add Premium Models.”

5. You’ll be redirected to GitHub. Sign up for Copilot Pro — a 30-day free trial is available.

6. You’ll need to enter your credit card (not charged unless you continue after trial).

Once activated, restart VS Code for the new model options to appear.

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✅ Step 2: Switch to GPT-5 in VS Code

After restarting:

1. Click the model dropdown again (usually GPT-4.1).

2. Scroll down and select GPT-5.

3. Issue any prompt in the Copilot chat (e.g., ask GPT-5 to refactor or search your codebase).

4. When the “Enable” button appears, click it to activate GPT-5.

That’s it — you’re now using GPT-5 via GitHub Copilot Pro.

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✅ Step 3: Optional — Bypass Usage Limits with Your OpenAI API Key

Copilot Pro may have usage caps per model. If you want more flexibility, you can connect your own OpenAI API key.

Here’s how:

1. Visit https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys.

2. Log in and click “Create API Key.”

3. Copy the key.

4. In VS Code, open the Copilot model dropdown and choose Manage Models.

5. Select OpenAI as your provider.

6. Paste your API key, press Enter to confirm.

You're now using GPT-5 through your personal OpenAI key in VS Code, sidestepping Copilot's usage limits.

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Bonus Tips:

• You can still toggle between GPT-4, GPT-4o, and GPT-5 depending on task complexity and response quality.

• Using your own API key gives access to OpenAI usage logs, useful for tracking token spend and optimizing prompts.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

GitHub Copilot Pro with GPT-5 brings serious coding power into your IDE — from generating full functions to debugging complex systems. Whether you're just exploring with the free trial or going all-in with your own API key, it’s now easier than ever to work with the latest LLMs directly in VS Code.

Have you tried GPT-5 in Copilot? Share your thoughts or prompt ideas in the comments!