Share via

Is sql copilot free or is a commercial option

Salam ELIAS 302 Reputation points
2026-03-14T12:49:39.1466667+00:00

When I clik on Copilot in SSMS it asks me for some input like endpoints, does this mean that it is not free? Thanks

SQL Server | Other
SQL Server | Other

Additional SQL Server features and topics not covered by specific categories

0 comments

Answer recommended by moderator

Erland Sommarskog 134.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-03-14T13:34:43.1066667+00:00

SSMS 22 uses Github Copilot, so you need an account for Github Copilot, prior to use it in SSMS. I don't know if there is a free option for Gitbub Copilot. I don't use Copilot myself.

Note: Initially, the Copilot support in SSMS was with Azure AI, but the SSMS team listened to user feedback and switched to Github Copilot. Make sure that you have the most recent version of SSMS installed.

Was this answer helpful?

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-03-14T12:49:54.46+00:00

    Copilot in SSMS can be used in two different ways, with different cost implications:

    1. GitHub Copilot Free in SSMS
      • There is a Copilot Free option that gives limited Copilot features (including Chat) at no cost.
      • It requires SSMS 22 and the GitHub Copilot extension.
      • You sign up from the Copilot Chat window by choosing Sign up for Copilot Free or Sign up with Google.
      • This plan has monthly usage limits (for example, a limited number of chat responses and completions). When the limit is reached, Copilot stops responding until the next monthly cycle, unless upgraded to a paid Copilot plan.
      • Details and limits are described in the GitHub Copilot Free documentation linked from the SSMS docs.
    2. Copilot in SSMS using Azure OpenAI (bring-your-own Azure resource)
      • The prompts about endpoints and deployments refer to configuring Copilot in SSMS to use an Azure OpenAI resource.
      • In this mode, Copilot sends prompts to a model deployed in an Azure subscription. Any Azure OpenAI usage is billed under that Azure subscription according to its pricing.
      • This is effectively a commercial/enterprise configuration, not the GitHub Copilot Free tier.

    So:

    • If using GitHub Copilot Free in SSMS, Copilot is free but limited by monthly quotas.
    • If configuring Copilot with an Azure OpenAI endpoint, that is a paid Azure resource (commercial option), even though SSMS itself is free.

    The fact that SSMS is asking for an endpoint indicates configuration for the Azure OpenAI–backed Copilot mode, not the GitHub Copilot Free mode. To use the free GitHub Copilot option instead, open the Copilot Chat window and follow the Sign up for Copilot Free flow.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.