GitHub Copilot is a highly innovative AI assistant that is helping in coding, except that it almost suggests the opposite, completing entire functions, recognizing and figure out code context in real-time. It has completely changed the way that code is written by programmers. But remember, such increased productivity may end up becoming an annoying feature if the suggestions lag behind. This blog will describe the reasons causes of slowdown in Copilot and thus provides a simple step-by-step approach you can improve your performance across the hissy-fit IDE-gates with Copilot hanging in the air.
Common Reasons Why Copilot Suggestions Are Slow
Before jumping to solutions, let’s look at why Copilot might be sluggish:
- Network latency or unstable internet connection
- Heavy IDE resource consumption (high CPU/RAM usage)
- Background extensions or processes interfering
- Large or complex project files
- Issues with GitHub’s cloud-based code generation response time
- Conflicting or outdated IDE plugins
Now that we understand the likely culprits, here’s how to speed things up.
Step-by-Step Fix for Improving Copilot Suggestion Speed in VS Code
Step 1: Check Your Internet Speed
Since Copilot works by sending code context to the cloud and retrieving suggestions, network latency is a major factor.
- Use websites like fast.com to test speed
- Aim for a minimum of 5–10 Mbps download speed
- Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet if possible
- Avoid public or restricted networks that may throttle speed
Step 2: Reduce IDE Load
Too many open files or running processes can slow down both VS Code and Copilot’s responsiveness.
- Close unused files/tabs
- Disable heavy extensions temporarily (like live preview tools or formatters)
- Restart VS Code to free up memory
📌 Tip: Use the Command Palette > Developer: Show Running Extensions to see what’s consuming resources.
Step 3: Disable Conflicting Extensions
Some extensions may interfere with Copilot’s suggestion timing. Disable similar AI tools, autocomplete plugins, or debuggers.
- Go to View > Extensions
- Disable:
- TabNine
- Kite
- IntelliCode (if running simultaneously)
- TabNine
- Restart VS Code
Step 4: Update GitHub Copilot Plugin and VS Code
An outdated version can slow things down or create compatibility issues.
- Open Help > Check for Updates
- Update VS Code to the latest version (Copilot works best on v1.57+)
- Go to Extensions, search for GitHub Copilot, and ensure it’s up to date
Step 5: Monitor CPU and Memory Usage
Slow performance might be due to your system, not Copilot.
- Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS)
- Check for CPU spikes or memory usage
- Close high-usage background apps (like Docker, Chrome with many tabs, etc.)
Step 6: Try Smaller Code Files or Isolated Projects
Working in a massive codebase? Copilot may take longer to analyze and respond.
- Test Copilot in a new file with simple code
- If suggestions are faster, the issue lies in project size or structure
Copilot Suggestion Delay in JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm)
Step 1: Check GitHub Authentication
Ensure you’re signed in properly:
- Go to Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot
- Reauthenticate your GitHub account
- Make sure you have an active Copilot subscription
Step 2: Optimize Memory Settings
JetBrains IDEs can be resource-heavy:
- Go to Help > Change Memory Settings
- Increase maximum heap size (e.g., from 2048MB to 4096MB)
- Restart the IDE
Step 3: Use Latest Copilot Plugin Version
Go to Settings > Plugins > Installed, locate Copilot, and update it.
Final Tips for Better Copilot Performance
- Keep your IDE, plugins, and OS up to date
- Use lightweight themes and settings
- Restart your IDE regularly if you work for long hours
- Avoid using multiple AI assistants together
- Work in a distraction-free mode with minimal extensions
Conclusion: Make Copilot Fly at Full Speed
Farewell to tardy suggestions by Copilot. You’ll enjoy faster real-time code generation in tune with your workflow by improving the performance of your network, creating better IDE performance, and eliminating plug-in conflicts.
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