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Configure settings for GitHub Copilot app modernization to optimize the experience for IntelliJ

This article shows you how to configure GitHub Copilot app modernization on IntelliJ to optimize the experience. Because app modernization relies on Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools, these adjustments are useful to ensure smoother execution.

Enable auto-approve in MCP sampling

Enabling auto-approve helps prevent repeated approval prompts during the upgrade process. Use the following steps:

  1. In IntelliJ, go to GitHub Copilot > Model Context Protocol (MCP). Then, under Auto Approve for Sampling, select Configure.

    Screenshot of IntelliJ that shows the MCP settings.

  2. Locate java-upgrade and then select Auto Approve.

    Screenshot of IntelliJ that shows the MCP Sampling Auto-approval settings.

Enable Claude Sonnet 4 model access in MCP sampling

For optimal upgrade results, we recommend enabling access to the Claude Sonnet 4 model (or newer). Use the following steps to configure model access:

  1. In the chat window, select Configure tools.

    Screenshot of IntelliJ showing Agent Mode, model selector, and tool selector.

  2. Find java-upgrade and then select Configure Model Access.

    Screenshot of IntelliJ configuring tools

  3. Ensure that Claude Sonnet 4 (or a newer model) is selected.

    Screenshot of IntelliJ selecting models

Increase maximum requests to 100

Because app modernization tasks can be long-running, it's best to increase the maximum requests per turn in Agent Mode from the default of 25 to 100. You can adjust this setting directly in the GitHub Copilot settings.

Screenshot of IntelliJ showing GitHub Copilot settings with max request configuration