Why Are Copilot Suggestions Slow to Appear? Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Speed

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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.

Copilot Suggestions Slow

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  • Conflicting or outdated IDE plugins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)
  • 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An outdated version can slow things down or create compatibility issues.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.


Need Expert Help? Trust TechNow – The Best IT Consulting Agency in Germany

Copilot Suggestions Slow

Some examples of real technical problems: IDE lagging, Copilot latency, or plugin conflicts—preventing your team from functioning. This is where TechNow comes in, the best IT Consulting agency in Germany. We help developers and companies use the best tools, assist in troubleshooting bugs they cannot fix, and maintain great coding productiveness through expert assistance. 

👉 Come and contact TechNow: let us manage your tech stack while you, on the other hand, focus on writing better codes, faster.

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