Microsoft has launched a public preview of the "GitHub Copilot app modernization – Upgrade for .NET," an AI-driven tool designed to simplify and expedite the process of updating .NET applications. This new feature leverages GitHub Copilot's Agent Mode to intelligently assess existing codebases, determine optimal upgrade paths, and implement necessary changes with minimal manual intervention. Developers can access this capability through Visual Studio 17.14 by installing the dedicated extension and enabling Agent Mode within the Copilot Chat interface.

By automating complex upgrade tasks, this integration aims to reduce the time and risks associated with manual code modernization, allowing developers to focus more on innovation and less on routine maintenance.

Here’s how you can start your modernization:

Getting Started: Install the extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace: GitHub Copilot app modernization – Upgrade for .NET.
Enable Copilot Agent Mode: Install Visual Studio 17.14, sign in with your GitHub Copilot subscription, enable Agent Mode via Tools > Options, then open Copilot Chat → Click “Ask” > “Agent” → Select the “Upgrade” tool.
Running the Upgrade: Right-click your project or solution in Solution Explorer and choose “Upgrade with GitHub Copilot”, or simply ask Copilot in the chat: “Upgrade my solution to .NET 8.”
What’s Included: Automated code transformations, customizable workflows, learning from your changes, Git integration, test validation, and full Agent Mode support.
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