How to Fix GitHub Copilot Tab Shortcut Issues in VSCode

If you're using GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code and running into issues with the Tab key not triggering suggestions, you're not alone. Many developers experience shortcut conflicts that prevent Copilot from functioning smoothly. In this post, we’ll explain what GitHub Copilot is, why this shortcut issue happens, and how to quickly fix it.

What Is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It helps developers write code faster by offering context-aware suggestions directly inside your editor. Copilot can generate entire functions, repetitive boilerplate, and even complex logic by analyzing your current project files and your prompt.

For example, if you write the following comment in your code:

// Write a function that takes a string and returns a new string with all vowels removed.

Copilot may automatically suggest:

function disemvowel(str) {
  return str.replace(/[aeiou]/gi, '');
}

This makes it easier to focus on logic instead of syntax and repetition.

Why GitHub Copilot Suggestions May Not Work

A common issue with GitHub Copilot in VSCode is that pressing the Tab key doesn't trigger the suggestion autocomplete. This usually happens because the Tab key is also used for indentation, Emmet expansion, and other functions. When keybindings conflict, Copilot’s suggestion command can be overridden or ignored.

How to Fix the Copilot Tab Key Conflict in VSCode

To resolve this shortcut conflict, follow these steps to update your keybinding configuration in Visual Studio Code:

Open the Keyboard Shortcuts Editor

• Press Ctrl + K, then Ctrl + S to open the Keyboard Shortcuts panel
• Or, go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts

Locate the Inline Suggest Commit Command

• In the search bar, type: editor.action.inlineSuggest.commit
• This is the command Copilot uses to accept inline suggestions

Update the Keybinding

• Find the existing keybinding entry
• Double-click the current shortcut
• Press the Tab key twice, then press Enter to confirm

Now, pressing the Tab key twice will accept Copilot’s suggestion, while a single Tab still works for indentation or Emmet autocompletion (if you use Emmet).

Tips for Using GitHub Copilot More Effectively

• Use meaningful comments to guide Copilot's suggestions
• Combine Copilot with snippets and Emmet to enhance productivity
• Regularly check for Copilot updates to ensure optimal compatibility with VSCode

Final Thoughts

GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your coding speed and workflow. However, conflicts with default shortcuts—especially in Visual Studio Code—can hinder its performance. Fortunately, resolving these conflicts only takes a few minutes.

By updating your keybindings, you can restore Copilot's autocomplete functionality and get back to writing code with the help of AI-driven suggestions.