reasoning

Set Copilot response reasoning effort in VSCode settings.json.

Updated Aug 23, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #vscode #workspace #reasoning #settings #copilot #profile

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/jeff-hamm/ai-tools --skill reasoning-jeff-hamm

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: reasoning
Source: https://github.com/jeff-hamm/ai-tools/tree/main/src/skills/reasoning
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jeff-hamm/ai-tools --skill reasoning-jeff-hamm

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Copilot's responses can be overly verbose or too terse; this Skill lets you set or toggle the Copilot responses reasoning effort across workspace, profile, or global scopes.

Core Features & Use Cases

Toggle Copilot's reasoning effort between default and high across the specified scope.
Persist changes to the resolved VSCode settings.json for the active profile or workspace.
Real-world use: during complex coding sessions or reviews, set higher reasoning to obtain more thorough explanations and rationale.

Quick Start

Tell the AI to set Copilot's reasoning behavior to high for the current profile.

Frequently Asked Questions about reasoning

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I control Copilot reasoning effort in VSCode?▼

You can control Copilot reasoning effort by updating the github.copilot.chat.responsesApiReasoningEffort setting in your resolved VSCode settings.json. This Skill lets you set or toggle the reasoning effort to adjust how much deliberation Copilot provides.

Can I set Copilot reasoning effort for a specific workspace or profile?▼

Yes, you can set Copilot reasoning effort across workspace, profile, or global scopes. The Skill persists changes to the resolved settings.json for the active VSCode profile or workspace.

What is Copilot reasoning effort and when do I need to change it?▼

Copilot reasoning effort determines how much deliberation Copilot provides in its responses. You need to change it when Copilot's responses are overly verbose or too terse during coding, code review, or planning sessions.

How do I toggle Copilot reasoning to high for the current profile?▼

To toggle Copilot reasoning to high for the current profile, simply tell the AI to set Copilot's reasoning behavior to high. The Skill updates the resolved VSCode settings.json for the active profile or workspace.

Does this Skill require any specific dependencies or extensions to work?▼

The Skill operates directly on VSCode settings.json and has no external dependencies. It requires an active VSCode environment with Copilot installed to modify the github.copilot.chat.responsesApiReasoningEffort setting.

Why are my Copilot responses too verbose during code reviews?▼

Your Copilot responses may be too verbose because the reasoning effort is set to high. You can use this Skill to toggle the reasoning effort back to default across your workspace, profile, or global scope for more concise outputs.