GitHub Copilot Adds OpenAI GPT‑5.1: What Developers Need To Know

GitHub has started rolling out OpenAI’s new GPT‑5.1 models to GitHub Copilot. This public preview brings three options: GPT‑5.1, GPT‑5.1‑Codex, and GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini. If you write code with Copilot, this update can change how you build, test, and ship software every day.

In this article, we will break down what changed, where you can use the new models, how to turn them on, and what this means for your workflow.

What Are GPT‑5.1, GPT‑5.1‑Codex, and GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini?

OpenAI’s GPT‑5.1 line is a new generation of AI models. They are built to be faster, more accurate, and better at understanding context than older versions.

• GPT‑5.1: The general, all‑purpose model. Great for complex reasoning, planning, and multi‑step tasks.
• GPT‑5.1‑Codex: Tuned specifically for coding. Helpful for larger codebases, refactors, and tricky bugs.
• GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini: A lighter, faster version. Best for quick suggestions and everyday coding tasks.

In short, GPT‑5.1 is your “brains,” while the Codex models are your “coding specialists.”

Where Are The New Models Available In GitHub Copilot?

The rollout is happening across multiple editors and platforms. Availability also depends on which Copilot plan you use.

Editors And Tools That Support GPT‑5.1

You can use GPT‑5.1 in:

• Visual Studio Code in all modes (chat, ask, edit, agent).
• JetBrains IDEs in all modes (ask, edit, agent).
• Xcode in ask and agent modes.
• Eclipse in ask and agent modes.
• GitHub.com for Copilot experiences in the browser.
• GitHub Mobile (iOS and Android).
• Copilot CLI for terminal workflows.

Where GPT‑5.1‑Codex And GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini Work

The Codex models are focused on coding scenarios and are available in:

• Visual Studio Code (version 1.104.1 and later) in all modes.
• GitHub Copilot for JetBrains (version 1.5.61 and later) in all modes.
• GitHub Copilot for Xcode (version 0.45.0 and later) in ask and agent modes.
• GitHub Copilot for Eclipse (version 0.13.0 and later) in ask and agent modes.
• Copilot CLI.

GitHub is rolling out these models gradually. If you do not see GPT‑5.1 yet, wait a bit and try again later.

Which Copilot Plans Get Access?

The new GPT‑5.1 models are not limited to one tier. They are available on:

• Copilot Pro
• Copilot Pro+
• Copilot Business
• Copilot Enterprise

Free tiers are not included right now. If you depend on Copilot every day, upgrading to a paid plan might make sense so you can access these models.

How To Enable GPT‑5.1 In GitHub Copilot

Turning on GPT‑5.1 depends on your plan and whether you manage an organization or only your own account.

For Enterprise And Business Admins

If you manage Copilot for a team or company, follow these steps:

1. Go to your organization’s Copilot settings in GitHub.
2. Find the section for AI models or model policies.
3. Enable the policies for:
   • OpenAI GPT‑5.1
   • OpenAI GPT‑5.1‑Codex
   • OpenAI GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini
4. Save your changes.

After this, users in your organization will see the new models in the Copilot Chat model picker.

For Copilot Pro And Pro+ Users

If you pay for Copilot on your personal account:

1. Open your editor (for example, VS Code) with Copilot installed.
2. Open the Copilot Chat panel.
3. Click the model picker at the top of the chat panel.
4. Select GPT‑5.1 or one of the GPT‑5.1‑Codex options.
5. Accept the one‑time confirmation prompt, if shown.

Once you confirm, Copilot will start using the selected GPT‑5.1 model for your chat and coding tasks.

Using “Bring Your Own Key”

If you use your own OpenAI API key with Copilot:

1. Open the Copilot model picker.
2. Choose Manage Models.
3. Select OpenAI GPT‑5.1, GPT‑5.1‑Codex, or GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini.
4. Enter your OpenAI API key when asked.

This setup gives you more control over API usage and billing, especially in larger teams.

What This Means For Your Day‑To‑Day Coding

GPT‑5.1 is not just a small upgrade. It changes how Copilot understands your code and context.

Smarter Code Suggestions

With GPT‑5.1‑Codex, Copilot can better follow your project structure and coding style. You can expect:

• More accurate suggestions that match your existing patterns.
• Fewer “hallucinated” functions or APIs that do not exist.
• Better handling of long files and complex logic.

Better Help In Chat And Agents

In chat and agent modes, GPT‑5.1 can:

• Explain tricky parts of your code in simple terms.
• Help you refactor large chunks of code step by step.
• Generate tests that match your frameworks and tools.

This makes Copilot feel more like a real pair‑programmer, not just a suggestion box.

Faster Feedback With Codex‑Mini

GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini is built for speed. Use it when you want quick completions and lightweight help, such as:

• Autocompleting small functions.
• Filling in boilerplate code.
• Answering simple questions without heavy context.

How To Choose The Right Model For Your Workflow

You do not have to stick with a single model all the time. Here is a simple way to decide:

• Use GPT‑5.1 when you need deep reasoning, explanations, or multi‑step plans.
• Use GPT‑5.1‑Codex when you are working inside a big codebase or fixing tough bugs.
• Use GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini when you want speed and lightweight code help.

You can switch models in the Copilot Chat model picker at any time, then see what feels best for your project.

Final Thoughts

The public preview of GPT‑5.1, GPT‑5.1‑Codex, and GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Mini is a big step for GitHub Copilot users. With smarter reasoning, stronger code understanding, and flexible models, your editor becomes a more powerful partner in your workflow.

If you use Copilot already, take a few minutes to enable GPT‑5.1 in your settings and test it on a real project. Try different models, compare the suggestions, and see which one fits your style of development.

As GitHub continues the rollout, watching how these models change everyday coding will be worth your time, whether you are a solo developer, part of a small team, or working in a large enterprise.

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