npx @github/mcp-server{
"mcpServers": {
"github": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
"headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer <OAUTH_TOKEN>" }
}
}
}GitHub MCP is an officially maintained MCP server in the Version Control category, developed by GitHub. It runs as a remote server, so you can connect to it directly from any Claude-compatible client without installing anything locally. Adding it to your setup expands what Claude can do without any extra coding.
About GitHub MCP
The official GitHub MCP server enables AI assistants to interact with GitHub repos, issues, pull requests, and more.
Features
- Search repositories and code
- Read files from any public repo
- Create and manage issues and PRs
- Manage branches and commits
- Review GitHub Actions runs
- Available as both local and remote (OAuth) server
Authentication
Local: GitHub Personal Access Token. Remote: OAuth via GitHub.
Who Should Use GitHub MCP?
- 1Manage repositories, issues, and pull requests through Claude
- 2Extend Claude and other AI assistants with new capabilities
- 3Automate tasks that previously required manual steps
- 4Connect your existing tools to an AI workflow
How to Install GitHub MCP
Before you start
You will need Node.js (v18 or later) installed on your machine — download it from nodejs.org if you haven't already.
- 1Open a terminal (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows).
- 2Paste the install command above and press Enter — Node.js will download and run the server automatically.
- 3Add the server to your Claude Desktop config file (see the JSON snippet above) and restart Claude.
The Claude Desktop config snippet above can be copied and pasted directly into your claude_desktop_config.json file — no editing required.