GitHub Announces Updates to Copilot Code Review Process

GitHub has unveiled a series of updates aimed at streamlining its Copilot code review process, according to GitHub. These changes are designed to enhance user experience by introducing new features and deprecating outdated elements.

Introduction of copilot-instructions.md

One of the key changes involves the transition from traditional coding guidelines to the new copilot-instructions.md file. This shift, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, will standardize Copilot customization across all users. The existing coding guidelines, previously available in private preview for Copilot Enterprise, will be fully deprecated by September 1, 2025.

Enhanced Accessibility of Review Options

An update to the Request pull request review from Copilot checkbox is also on the horizon. By August 6, 2025, this option will be more accessible, moving out of the "Require pull request for merging" section and becoming a standalone feature in the repository settings. This change aims to simplify the process for users, with existing selections being automatically migrated.

New Enterprise and Organizational Policies

GitHub is also rolling out a dedicated policy for Copilot code review, distinct from the policies governing Copilot on github.com. This policy will allow enterprises to disable Copilot code reviews globally, providing more granular control without affecting current usage patterns. Organizations with existing policies will see a seamless transition to the new settings.

For further engagement and feedback, GitHub encourages users to participate in discussions within the GitHub Community. These updates reflect GitHub's commitment to improving the Copilot experience for developers worldwide.