What is the VS Code MCP config file?

.vscode/mcp.json in the workspace (top-level servers object), or a portable .mcp.json at the workspace root (top-level mcpServers object).

Can VS Code sandbox MCP servers?

Yes, on macOS and Linux. Set sandboxEnabled: true on a stdio server and add a sandbox object to grant specific file or network access. Not available on Windows.

Index / Guides / How-to

Add MCP servers in VS Code

VS Code supports MCP servers in GitHub Copilot chat. Its config uses a servers object (not mcpServers) and an explicit type.

Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 1 source

§1Config files

Scope	File	Top-level key
Workspace (portable)	.mcp.json at workspace root	mcpServers
Workspace (VS Code features)	.vscode/mcp.json	servers
User	~/.copilot/mcp-config.json (or $COPILOT_HOME)	mcpServers
User profile	mcp.json via "MCP: Open User Configuration"	servers

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "servers": {
    "github": { "type": "http", "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp" },
    "playwright": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@microsoft/mcp-server-playwright"] }
  }
}

§2Other ways to add a server

Extensions view → search @mcp → Install (user profile) or Install in Workspace.
Command Palette → "MCP: Add Server" for a guided flow (stdio command or HTTP URL).
CLI: code --add-mcp "{\"name\":\"my-server\",\"command\":\"uvx\",\"args\":[\"mcp-server-fetch\"]}"
Auto-discovery of configs from Claude Desktop, Cursor and others via the chat.mcp.discovery.enabled setting.

§3Trust and sandboxing

Workspace MCP servers inherit Workspace Trust; other servers get a trust prompt when they first start or their config changes. On macOS and Linux you can set "sandboxEnabled": true on a stdio server to restrict its file system and network access.

Build a .vscode/mcp.json from any of our servers in the Config Builder — pick the VS Code tab.

§4FAQ

What is the VS Code MCP config file?: .vscode/mcp.json in the workspace (top-level servers object), or a portable .mcp.json at the workspace root (top-level mcpServers object).
Can VS Code sandbox MCP servers?: Yes, on macOS and Linux. Set sandboxEnabled: true on a stdio server and add a sandbox object to grant specific file or network access. Not available on Windows.

§5Sources

VS Code docs — Add and manage MCP servers ↗

Sources checked Oct 15, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.