# Share a GitHub Copilot app with just your team

> Canonical: https://teamonly.dev/github-copilot

You built an internal tool with Copilot's agent in VS Code. TeamOnly puts it at a private link that only coworkers can open, with their work Google or Microsoft account or a code sent to their work email. Copilot runs the deploy for you.

## Copilot in VS Code reads AGENTS.md. TeamOnly writes it.

Run `npx teamonly init` in the project. It adds an `AGENTS.md` with the TeamOnly rules, and VS Code attaches a root `AGENTS.md` to agent requests by default.

Then ask Copilot for the tool and ask it to deploy. It runs `npx teamonly deploy` in VS Code's terminal and you get a link like `stock.acme.teamonly.app` that nobody outside your company can open.

## From VS Code to a link your team signs in to

1. **Add the rules.** Open the app's folder in VS Code and run `npx teamonly init` in the terminal. In an empty folder it creates a starter app; in an existing one it adds the TeamOnly files and leaves your code alone.
2. **Ask for the tool.** In the Chat view, with the agent selected: "A stock counter where anyone on the floor logs a count from their phone." It builds a React front end and a small API, the one shape TeamOnly runs.
3. **Deploy.** Say "deploy this on TeamOnly". Copilot runs `npx teamonly deploy` and asks you to allow the command first, unless you have set it to auto-approve.
4. **Sign in once.** The first time, Copilot asks for your work email and the 6-digit code we send you. If your company is new to TeamOnly, it offers a free 14-day trial.
5. **Share the link.** Send it to the team. Change the app later and deploy again; the link stays the same.

```
$ npx teamonly init
✔ Added the TeamOnly instructions for Claude Code, Cursor and other AI tools
$ npx teamonly deploy
✔ Live at https://stock.acme.teamonly.app
```

## The rules Copilot follows in this project

`init` writes a marked block into `AGENTS.md` at the top of the project, and leaves the rest of the file alone if you already have one. The block describes the app shape, how to get the signed-in person, the database and files, and how to deploy.

VS Code's docs say the `chat.useAgentsMdFile` setting, on by default, attaches a root `AGENTS.md` to chat requests. GitHub's docs list `AGENTS.md` for Copilot Chat in VS Code, the Copilot cloud agent and Copilot CLI. That covers those.

**Copilot in Visual Studio or JetBrains?** GitHub's docs say Copilot Chat there reads `.github/copilot-instructions.md`, not `AGENTS.md`. So `npx teamonly init` also writes a short `.github/copilot-instructions.md` that points Copilot at `AGENTS.md`.

## Copilot runs the deploy, with your approval

In VS Code the agent can edit files, run terminal commands and call tools. With the default permissions it asks before a command that isn't auto-approved. Allow `npx teamonly deploy` once, or add it to `chat.tools.terminal.autoApprove`.

**The Copilot cloud agent is different.** It works on GitHub in a GitHub Actions environment behind a firewall and opens a pull request. It doesn't have your TeamOnly sign-in, so it can write the change but not deploy it. Merge or pull the change, then deploy from VS Code on your computer.

**Or just ask Copilot.** In the app's folder, type **"deploy this on TeamOnly"**. Copilot sets up the app if needed, asks for your work email and the code we send you, and deploys.

## Add TeamOnly as a tool in VS Code

The `teamonly` package is also an MCP server, so Copilot can deploy, read logs and change who can open an app through tools instead of commands. Run this once in a terminal:

```
code --add-mcp '{"name":"teamonly","type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","teamonly","mcp"]}'
```

Or run **MCP: Add Server** from the Command Palette, pick **Command (stdio)** and enter `npx -y teamonly mcp`. To keep it with the project, add it to `.vscode/mcp.json`, which uses `servers`:

```
{ "servers": { "teamonly": { "type": "stdio", "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "teamonly", "mcp"] } } }
```

All the tools: https://teamonly.dev/mcp

## A sign-in page, then your app

Your coworkers don't need Copilot, a GitHub account or anything installed.

They open the link and sign in with their work Google or Microsoft account, or a code sent to their work email. TeamOnly checks that before any of your code runs, and your app gets their name and email. Anyone outside your company stops at the sign-in page. People who only use apps are free. [How company login works](https://teamonly.dev/company-login).

## Questions people ask

### Does GitHub Copilot read AGENTS.md?

In VS Code, yes: a root `AGENTS.md` is attached to agent requests by default. GitHub's docs also list it for the Copilot cloud agent and Copilot CLI. Copilot Chat in Visual Studio and JetBrains reads `.github/copilot-instructions.md` instead.

### Do I need .github/copilot-instructions.md?

You don't have to write one. `npx teamonly init` puts the rules in `AGENTS.md`, which Copilot in VS Code reads, and also adds a short `.github/copilot-instructions.md` pointing to it for Copilot in Visual Studio and JetBrains. If you already have that file, init adds its block and leaves the rest alone.

### Can Copilot run npx teamonly deploy?

Yes, the agent in VS Code runs terminal commands. It asks you to allow a command unless your settings auto-approve it.

### Can the Copilot cloud agent deploy?

No. It runs on GitHub, behind a firewall, without your TeamOnly sign-in, and the TeamOnly rules tell the AI never to work around sign-in. Let it open the pull request, then deploy from your computer.

### Does my app have to be on GitHub?

No. Deploy sends the app from the folder on your computer. Keeping it on GitHub is still a good idea, and you need it there if you want the cloud agent to work on it.

### What does it cost?

The first 14 days are free, no card. Then Builder is $19 a month for one builder and 3 apps, and Team is $249 a month for every builder and app. Coworkers who only use apps are free. Your Copilot plan stays as it is.

## Sources

Facts about Copilot checked 26 October 2026 on GitHub's and Microsoft's docs: [which Copilot features read which instruction files](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/custom-instructions-support), [custom instructions in VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions), [approvals and terminal commands](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/agents/approvals), [MCP configuration](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/reference/mcp-configuration), [cloud agent firewall](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/cloud-agent/customize-the-agent-firewall). Copilot changes often; check its docs if something looks different.

## Keep reading

- [Using Claude Code?](https://teamonly.dev/claude-code)
- [Using Cursor?](https://teamonly.dev/cursor)
- [The TeamOnly MCP server](https://teamonly.dev/mcp)
- [The docs](https://teamonly.dev/docs)
- [Pricing](https://teamonly.dev/pricing)

Try it free for 14 days, no card: https://teamonly.dev/pricing#trial. Or subscribe: https://teamonly.dev/pricing#subscribe (Builder $19/mo, Team $249/mo)
Not ready? Get updates: https://teamonly.dev/waitlist