Two ways to use ManageLM in VS Code: a one-click MCP install for native Copilot Chat agent mode, or the ManageLM extension for the dedicated @managelm chat participant.
@managelm participant if you prefer that style.
Both paths work side by side — pick what suits your workflow. Most users want the MCP install: it's faster, gets every ManageLM tool automatically, and uses VS Code's native MCP support.
| MCP Integration | VS Code Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | One click via deeplink | Download .vsix + install |
| Where it shows up | Copilot Chat in Agent mode — tools picker | Copilot Chat as @managelm participant |
| Authentication | OAuth 2.0 with PKCE (browser flow) | API key in VS Code settings |
| Tool surface | Full ManageLM skill catalog (auto-updates) | 13 hand-picked tools shipped with the extension |
| Updates | Server-side — nothing to reinstall | Re-install the .vsix when new versions ship |
| VS Code version | 1.99+ (April 2025) | 1.85+ |
| Copilot subscription | Required (Agent mode) | Required (Chat participant) |
Can I have both? Yes — they don't conflict. You can install MCP for general agent-mode use and keep the extension for the @managelm shortcut.
This is the modern, recommended path. ManageLM exposes a remote MCP server at https://app.managelm.com/mcp. VS Code 1.99+ has native MCP support built into Copilot Chat — no extension needed.
Click the button below. VS Code opens a confirmation dialog with the server pre-filled — click Install.
If the deeplink doesn't fire, open the Command Palette and run MCP: Open User Configuration, then paste:
{
"servers": {
"managelm": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://app.managelm.com/mcp"
}
}
}
Self-hosted users: Replace app.managelm.com with your own portal URL.
Open Copilot Chat (Ctrl/Cmd+Alt+I)
Switch the chat mode to Agent (dropdown at the top of the chat)
Type a request: "list my managelm servers", "check disk usage on web-prod-01", "run a security audit on production"
First tool call opens your browser for OAuth login — approve, and you're connected. Subsequent calls happen silently.
The tools picker (small icon at the bottom of the chat input) lets you toggle which ManageLM tools the agent may call. Leave them all on for the full surface.
The classic ManageLM extension adds a dedicated @managelm chat participant to Copilot Chat. It's a leaner surface (13 curated tools), uses an API key instead of OAuth, and works on older VS Code versions (1.85+) that don't have native MCP support.
Search for ManageLM in the Extensions panel, or run:
code --install-extension managelm.managelm
Download the .vsix from GitHub Releases and install:
code --install-extension managelm-1.0.0.vsix
Open Settings (Cmd+, / Ctrl+,) and search for ManageLM
Set your API Key — find it in your ManageLM portal under Settings > MCP & API
(Optional) If self-hosting, set the Portal URL to your own portal address
Open Copilot Chat (any mode) and type @managelm followed by your request:
@managelm show me all my servers @managelm check disk usage on web-prod-01 @managelm install nginx on all servers in the staging group @managelm run a security audit on db-primary @managelm which servers are running Docker?
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
listAgents | List all servers with status, health, OS, IP |
agentInfo | Detailed info for a single server |
runTask | Execute a skill-based task on a server |
getTaskStatus | Check task status and result |
getTaskHistory | Recent tasks for a server |
approveAgent | Approve a pending agent enrollment |
listSkills | List skills available in your account |
agentSkills | Skills assigned to a specific server |
getSecurity | Security audit findings for a server |
getInventory | System inventory (packages, services, containers) |
runSecurityAudit | Start a security audit on a server |
runInventoryScan | Start an inventory scan on a server |
accountInfo | Account plan, members, and usage |
Either integration lets you:
"all"The MCP integration gets the full skill catalog (firewall, docker, apache, nginx, mysql, postgresql, backup, certificates, git, dns, vpn, kubernetes, …) automatically. The extension ships with a fixed set of 13 tools that cover the common cases.
base skill has no write commands; mutating skills must be explicitly assigned by an adminMake sure VS Code is installed and registered as the vscode:// protocol handler. Open VS Code first, then click the deeplink again. If it still fails, use the manual config above.
Switch the chat mode to Agent (the tools picker only shows in Agent mode). If still empty, type a request directly — the OAuth flow runs on first call and tools register after authentication.
Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention can block the loopback callback. Switch your default browser to Chrome or Firefox for the sign-in step, then switch back. Auth tokens persist after.
Open VS Code Settings (Ctrl+,), search for ManageLM, and enter your API key from the portal under Settings > MCP & API.
@managelm not appearing in chatThe extension requires GitHub Copilot Chat. Make sure github.copilot-chat is installed and active. Reload VS Code (Ctrl+Shift+P > Reload Window) after enabling.
Verify your portal URL is correct and reachable. Default is https://app.managelm.com. If self-hosting, make sure your portal is running and accessible from your machine.
Either no agents are enrolled, or your account doesn't have access. Check the portal dashboard to verify.
Long-running tasks can exceed the default timeout. Break them into smaller steps, or check task status with a follow-up message.