GitHub Copilot Removes Manual Model Selection from Free and Student Plans

GitHub / Microsoft

Tools official + media 2 src. ~1 min

Effective June 24, GitHub made Copilot auto model selection the default and only option for Free and Student plan users. The Auto system dynamically routes each request to the best available model across OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google families, within plan restrictions. GitHub simultaneously retired the (Preview) label from all Microsoft-released models.

Why it matters

Removing manual model selection from lower-tier plans simplifies UX but limits user control — following a trend where providers abstract model selection for cost optimization. Free and Student users can no longer pin to a specific model.

Importance: 2/5

Policy change affecting developer access; removes model control from free-tier users

github-copilot developer-tools copilot

Sources

official Changes to model selection for Free and Student plans — GitHub Changelog

media GitHub removes manual model selection from Copilot free and student plans — Neowin