Visual Studio gets a GitHub Copilot usage tracker

Microsoft has integrated a specific tracking window in the latest Visual Studio 1.128 update (June, announced July 8) to let developers see GitHub Copilot consumption in real time, aligning with GitHub's new billing based on token usage rather than per request. The window is accessible by selecting 'Copilot Usage' in the Copilot badge menu. This version also validates MCP server trustworthiness in two steps: before launching the MCP server process, the current configuration is compared against a previously approved reference, and after launch, the digital footprint of its tools, prompts, resources, and instructions is compared to the last validated state; any changes trigger a dialog for user review. Microsoft also announced that GitHub Copilot's C++ modernization agent scenarios are now available to all users (upgrading C++ projects to the latest Microsoft C++ build tools, MSVC), and 'Long-distance next edit suggestions' extend the NES feature across the entire active file, toggleable via Tools > Options > Text Editor > Inline Suggestions. Additionally, emojis now display in full color across Visual Studio, including the editor, Markdown previews, GitHub Copilot Chat, build output, and Solution Explorer. Visual Studio 2026 was released in November 2025.